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Theseus Shambare
Fifty young farmers were recognised on Friday for their resilience and hard work.
The 11th edition of the National Excellence, Pacesetters and Young Farmers Awards was organised by the Federation of Young Farmers Clubs of Zimbabwe (FYFCZ) in collaboration with the youth desk at the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development and the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training.
The excelling young farmers, went away with various cash prizes and items.
Winners have been granted the unique opportunity to engage in international exchange programmes in South Korea, China, Rwanda and Uganda, fostering global collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Ms Krystal Chindori-Chininga scooped the 2024 National Woman Young Farmer Award, while Mr Uniko Chikomo won the overall pacesetter of the year award.
Ms Chindori-Chininga also won the best under 35 cereal producer of the year award and best under 35 farmer in tobacco, while Mr Chikomo also scooped the young horticulture farmer of the year award.
Other winners included Mr Prosper Muchenje (pacesetter young innovation) and Mr Tawanda Lester Pasipanodya (cereal). Best sugarcane farmer went to Asah Mundingi, Best value Addition went to Zororo Taruvinga and Garikai Nyamakura.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Deputy Minister Vangelis Haritatos said the awards would motivate and inspire winning young farmers to continue seeking excellent ways of farming despite the climate change effects.
He said this would result in enhanced agricultural production.
Government had prioritised agricultural production and its value chain as the mainstay of the national development strategy and this is in line with the vision of achieving an upper middle income economy by year 2030.
“Congratulations to those who have won and well done. We are also very proud of you.
“I would like to encourage you all, young farmers, to adopt climate-smart practices and allow for higher yields and profitability. I also understand that the federation will be championing startup programmes as the FYFCZ trustees see fit.”
Information Communication Technology (ICT), Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera saluted young farmers for incorporating technology in their operations.
“As President Mnangagwa always encourages us to move with technology. I am happy, Young farmers are making use of modern technology in farming which is in line with the strategic focus areas by the Second Republic, that of innovativeness and competitiveness to enhance production, productivity and profitability.
“I salute the pacesetters (founding members) because the use of modern technology has attracted more young people to join the agriculture sector thereby creating jobs and further sharpening the innovative skills of our people in this sector,” said Mavetera.
She applauded inter-governmental organisations such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation and banks for investing in youth in agriculture and urged the young farmers to take advantage of the opportunity and deliver.
Ecobank senior executive in the managing director’s office, Mr Michael Dengwani, said his bank was ready to support government programmes especially those that involve the youths.
“We are fully committed to support the country’s agricultural transformation and we will continue to support local farmers until we realise food security and achieve the Vision 2030,” said Mr Dengwani.
The event also saw Ministers Haritatos and Mavetera honoured for their stellar performances in the Government as youthful ministers.
ARDA chief executive officer Mr Tinotenda Mhiko was honoured for leading the parastatal to greater heights.
In 2019, President Mnangagwa directed that all ministries establish youth desks and this has seen the Ministry rolling out programmes biased towards youths.
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