Online Reporter
Amos Mpofu recently in Tsholotsho
HARD work, discipline and a commitment to learning have earned Tsholotsho farmer Serve Dube the district’s top farming honour. But as farmers prepare for a season threatened by a possible Super El Niño-induced drought, she says there will be no room for complacency.
Dube, from Ward Nine in Tsholotsho, was named the district’s best farmer for the first time during the third Tsholotsho District Good Seed and Food Festival held at Tada Hall on Friday.\
Her recognition comes at a time when farmers across Matabeleland are being urged to prepare for difficult conditions by conserving water, adopting climate-smart farming methods and growing drought-resistant crops.
For Dube, success has come through dedication, making use of the first rains and following advice from agricultural extension officers.
“I work hard to deserve this position. I use the first rains and I am always on my farm and I don’t play at work. Gossiping around is not my portion, I gossip with my crops. I listen to the guidance we get from our agricultural extension officers,” she said.
The message of preparedness dominated proceedings at the festival, with experts warning that communities that rely heavily on seasonal rainfall, such as Tsholotsho, could face significant
challenges if drought conditions intensify.
Farmers were encouraged to work closely with agricultural extension officers, embrace modern farming technologies and adopt practices that improve crop resilience.
Millionaire Fast Lane Investments director and established young farmer from Umguza District, Matabeleland North, Perington Ndlovu, said farmers should consider using organic liquid fertilisers as they prepare for the coming season.
“With the Super El Niño drought predicted ahead of us, such fertilisers are becoming a necessity for farmers operating in these difficult climatic conditions,” said Ndlovu.
He recommended Nutriplant organic fertilisers, saying they contain amino acids, peptides, chelates and trace elements that help plants grow and perform better under difficult conditions.
“There are recently established liquid fertilisers known as Nutriplant organic fertilisers, which are now found in almost 20 African countries including Zimbabwe and many other countries worldwide. They have been approved with these countries’ ministries of Agriculture as appropriate for different climatic conditions, including the kind of challenging conditions we are expecting with the Super El Niño drought,” he said.
Ndlovu said the fertilisers can strengthen crops and improve their chances of surviving dry conditions.
“The fertilisers have been approved as being good at promoting the growth of plant roots, stems and leaves, improving the quality of harvestable produce significantly and enhancing the drought resistance of crops,” he said.
He urged farmers to remain proactive and make use of available technologies to reduce climate-related risks and improve production.
As farmers prepare their fields, agricultural authorities in Tsholotsho are also strengthening measures aimed at protecting communities from the anticipated challenges of the coming season.
These measures include strengthening strategic grain reserves, promoting climate-smart agriculture, improving access to finance, implementing livestock drought-mitigation programmes, enhancing early warning systems and increasing the availability of agricultural inputs.
Speaking at the festival, Matabeleland North provincial nutritionist and guest of honour Alert Moyo said quality seed remained the foundation of successful farming.
She said the festival highlighted the importance of good seed, nutritious food, hard work and sustainable agricultural practices.
“A good seed is very important in agriculture. Farmers prepare the soil, plant seeds, water them, remove weeds, and protect the crops from pests. With patience and hard work, the small seed grows into a strong plant that produces food. This teaches us an important lesson – good results begin with good beginnings.”
Moyo also encouraged farmers to view agriculture as a business and urged young people to take a greater interest in the sector.
“Agriculture is not only for older people. Young people can play an important role in producing food and developing new farming methods,” she said, adding that technology could be used alongside traditional knowledge to make agriculture more productive and sustainable.
Held under the theme, “It’s Our Life: Safeguarding Indigenous Seeds and Food Diversity”, the festival attracted young people, farmers from across Matabeleland and beyond, traditional leaders and private-sector stakeholders.
For Dube, being named Tsholotsho’s best farmer is a reward for years of hard work. As another challenging season approaches, she believes the same commitment that brought her success will help farmers face whatever lies ahead.
