adminirrigation schemes to mitigate effects of drought.
“In relation to crop production, Zimbabwe has not yet fully utilised its irrigation potential to transform from subsistence to commercial farming,” he said.
“Bearing in mind the stark reality of the unpredictable nature of our rainfall, it is urgent to make efforts to develop irrigation facilities and rehabilitate existing irrigation schemes in order to safeguard our crop production.”
Minister of State for Special Affairs responsible for Land and Resettlement Mrs Flora Buka read the speech on his behalf.
VP Nkomo urged farmers in drought-prone areas to shift from growing traditional cash crops to small grains, which fare better in drier regions of the country.
He said, in light of climate change, Government should also focus on developmental and strategic agricultural research that addresses farmer needs.
“It is in this regard that I call on the ZFU to encourage their farmers to recognise agricultural development trends and produce those crops suitable for their regions,”
said VP Nkomo.
He said the agricultural sector, which requires US$2,5 billion funding annually, played a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s economy.
In view of its linkages with other sectors of the economy, Government has earmarked agriculture to play a critical role for the country to achieve sustained high economic growth, he said.
Meanwhile, VP Nkomo bemoaned the declining quality of the national herd.
He urged Government to increase financial support rendered to the livestock sector.
“The quality of our national herd also continues to decline as very little support has hitherto been offered to this sector.
“The Ministry of Finance should increase support for livestock production to similar levels as the support given to crop production.”
The annual congress is running under the theme ‘Promoting livestock and small grains productivity for sustainable household food security and income”. — New Ziana.
Online Reporter