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Elton Manguwo
AS preparations for the forthcoming summer season gather steam, farmers have welcomed the ‘Empowering farmers for the 2023/2024 cropping season and beyond’ event, which is set to be held at the Agricultural Research Trust (ART) Farm in Harare this Friday.
In interview yesterday, Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU) secretary general Mr Paul Zakariya said the event was timely, as the 2023/2024 summer cropping season fast approaches.
‘’Farmers are now wrapping up land preparations and the event presents a unique platform for discussions on various technical issues which is important before planting starts,” he said.
The event will feature presentations on a range of topics, including seed selection, the role of farmer associations, soil health, crop protection, weather forecasting and financing opportunities for farmers.
‘’The panel discussions on technology and innovations, insurance and risk management and marketing strategies for farmers will see farmers being equipped with the necessary tools and skills, as they transition from being subsistence to commercial in line with the current push to take farming as a business,” said Mr Zakariya.
In addition, the deliberations will also zero in on the climate change mitigation agenda, as the country braces for the predicted El Niño phenomenon.
“Farmers will benefit from expert discussions on seed selection and crop selection, which are important aspects for a successful season,” said Mr Zakariya.
Essentially, the event, which is a partnership between the private and the public sector, speaks to Government’s calls for strategic cooperation for success.
“The event is expected to foster knowledge exchange, networking, and collaboration among stakeholders in the agricultural sector,’’ one of the organisers of the event, managing director of Agribusiness Media, Mr Rawlings Kofi said.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka will deliver the keynote address, focusing on the Government’s commitment to fully supporting the agriculture sector, the significance of crop production for Zimbabwe’s food security and strategies for enhancing production.
“The ultimate goal is to promote agricultural productivity and to build a resilient and sustainable agricultural community,” said Mr Kofi.
The event promises to be a comprehensive platform for all stakeholders in the agriculture sector to come together, share knowledge, and work towards a more sustainable and resilient future for farming in Zimbabwe.
“Key players in the agriculture sector will have the chance to demonstrate their commitment to the sector’s success, engage with farmers and other stakeholders, and promote their products and services,” said Mr Kofi.
Private sector companies such as Seed Co, Agricura, and Agriseeds are set to exhibit products at the event, which will have over 200 farmers in attendance.
Online Reporter