malvernmugadzikwa
Online Reporter
THE increase in youths taking up agriculture as a serious business is becoming the bedrock behind the sector’s new successes.
Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU) secretary general Mr Paul Zakariya made these remarks on the sidelines of an all-stakeholders meeting in Harare on Tuesday.
“The role played by our young farmers in the whole spectrum of agriculture is becoming more important now considering where we are as a country, and where we are going economically.
“Our young people have been deploying themselves as far as employment in agriculture,” said Mr Zakariya.
He said youths have been venturing into high-value crop production, which used to be a preserve for the minority.
Early this year, Zimbabwe posted a record tobacco output of 296 000 tonnes, which earned farmers US$897 million.
And last week, wheat output was reported to have breached 465 000 tonnes, against the national annual requirement of 360 000 tonnes.
In view of the performance of youths in the sector, Government and ZFU, in partnership with our important stakeholders, will this Friday recognise these youths through awards.
Mr Zakaria said Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is expected to officiate at the Young Farmer Excellence Awards, which will be held at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society’s Exhibition Park.
“In total, 50 farmers will get awarded in different categories,” he said.
Online Reporter