Online Reporter
Dorothy N Sithole
FARMERS in Black Waters, Ward 23, Insiza North, were left celebrating on Monday after ZANU PF Shadow Councillor for Ward 23, Cde Sikhanyisiwe Nkomo, donated livestock and cash during a SEEDCO and Agritex Variety Evaluation Field Day.
The event, held at Mr and Mrs Tinos Makombe’s Plot 37 in Shangani, brought together farmers, agricultural experts and community leaders to assess crop varieties and share knowledge on climate-smart farming practices.
According to Ward 23 Agritex Officer Mr Makhosi Xaba, the field day was organised to help farmers evaluate different seed varieties and improve agricultural productivity in the area.
The Guest of Honour was Mr Larry Shamba, a SEEDCO Agronomist based in Harare, who attended together with Matabeleland Region SEEDCO Agronomist Mr Wallace Banda.
The highlight of the event came when Cde Nkomo made a surprise donation of 10 goats to the host farmers, Mr and Mrs Makombe. She also handed over US$350 to Black Waters Southern Dip Tank Chairperson Cde Nehemiah Nyathi towards the purchase of roofing materials for the community dip tank.
Addressing the gathering, Cde Nkomo commended SEEDCO and Agritex for organising the programme and reaffirmed her commitment to supporting farmers through climate-smart agricultural initiatives.
“I will not stop empowering farmers in support of Climate-Smart Agriculture for Broad-Based Benefits. As we move towards Vision 2030, every farmer must be equipped with modern farming knowledge to grow our economy. Zimbabwe will be a middle-income economy by 2030,” she said.
The donation was warmly received by beneficiaries and community members.
Mr Makombe expressed gratitude for the support, saying the donation would go a long way in improving their farming enterprise.
“Thank you so much, Cde Nkomo, for lifting us up. Never stop assisting us. You are a wonderful light in Insiza North. May God bless you,” he said.
Cde Nyathi also thanked the councillor for the financial contribution towards improving the dip tank infrastructure.
“Thank you, Cde Nkomo, for the US$350 towards our dip tank roofing. We are still appealing to well-wishers for strong materials to complete the kraal and buy dipping chemicals,” he said.
During the technical sessions, Mr Shamba took farmers through Participatory Variety Selection, encouraging them to diversify their crops and purchase certified seed well before the planting season.
He emphasised the importance of selecting suitable varieties to improve yields and build resilience against changing climatic conditions.
Mr Banda urged farmers to embrace early seed purchases and early planting to maximise production.
He also announced measures aimed at reducing transport costs for farmers travelling long distances to access seed.
“Early buying means early planting. To cut transport costs for farmers who travel more than 100 kilometres to town, SEEDCO seed will now be delivered to the plot of Cde Pontso Hove. She is a resident farmer and trained trainer, so buying from her also comes with free training,” he said.
The field day concluded with a communal meal of rice and refreshments, also sponsored by Cde Nkomo, as farmers continued exchanging ideas on improving productivity and strengthening food security in the district.
The event underscored the growing collaboration between farmers, agricultural extension officers and private sector stakeholders in promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development in Insiza North.
