Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
FARMERS must embrace value addition and lead the industrialisation drive to increase their earnings and contribution to national development, an industry executive has said.
Speaking at the recent Gwanda District Agricultural Show, which offered farmers a platform to showcase their agricultural products, exchange knowledge and build market linkages, Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Matabeleland Regional chairman, Mr Thomas Gwatida, urged farmers to take farming as a business.
“Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and here in Matabeleland South, farming is not just a livelihood-it is a pathway to economic transformation,” he said.
“We must begin to view farming not as subsistence but as a business. Every farmer is an entrepreneur, and every harvest is a product that must be planned for, marketed and invested in. By embracing modern business practices, we can move from survival to prosperity.”
Mr Gwatida urged farmers to work on improving the quality of their produce and handling it.
He said poor post-harvest handling results in losses, but when farmers improve quality they can access better-paying markets-locally, regionally and internationally.
Mr Gwatida said farmers should strive to meet standards that enable their products to compete globally.
“Market information is also necessary. Farmers need reliable market databases to know what is in demand, what prices are fair, and where the opportunities lie,” he said.
“Access to timely information empowers farmers to make informed decisions and strengthens competitiveness. Farmers must also focus on value addition as raw produce alone will not deliver the prosperity we seek.
“Value addition creates jobs, builds industries, and increases revenue. Instead of selling raw groundnuts, let us sell peanut butter. Instead of raw tomatoes, let us produce tomato paste. Value addition transforms farmers into industrialists.”
Mr Gwatida also called for creation of synergies and co-operatives through associations and co-operatives where farmers gain bargaining power, share knowledge and access collective resources.
He also urged farmers to exploit opportunities found in livestock farming, particularly cattle and small stock like goats and sheep production.
Mr Gwatida said ranching requires proper breeding, animal health management and sustainable grazing practices to ensure both profitability and environmental balance.
“Value addition in livestock farming opens new doors for economic growth. Instead of selling cattle we must invest in abattoirs, meat processing, dairy plants and leather production,” he said. “Goat’s milk, cheese, hides and skins, and processed beef and mutton products can fetch premium prices and create jobs along the value chain.
“Local demand for meat and dairy is growing but opportunities also lie beyond our borders. Regional markets in SADC and Comesa provide outlets for beef, goat meat and hides. If we meet international standards, Zimbabwean beef can once again compete globally. Our ranching heritage must become an engine for export-led growth,” he said.
To access regional and global markets, Mr Gwatida said, there was a need for quality, consistency and commitment from farmers. He said operations of farmers have to be in line with Government’s Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy, which emphasise rural industrialisation, irrigation, mechanisation and value chains.
“Agriculture isn’t just about feeding ourselves. It’s about creating jobs, building industries, earning foreign currency, and driving inclusive growth,” he said.
“The future of Gwanda, Matabeleland South, and indeed Zimbabwe, rests in our hands as farmers, entrepreneurs and innovators.
“Let’s seize the opportunities before us and make agriculture the true engine of economic growth.”
Speaking at the same event, Gwanda District Agritex Officer, Ms Zimhlophe Ndlovu, said creating platforms that enrich farmers is crucial in driving the growth of the sector.
“We have created this platform where farmers can network, showcase and also learn as part of efforts to boost and enhance the agricultural sector,” she said.
“For the sector to thrive we need farmers to produce and to support production. There is a need for platforms that will equip farmers with knowledge, linkages and markets, among other things.
“We will be holding the district show annually and we expect it to grow each year. Having this show at district level will also help to prepare farmers for participation in the provincial show,” she said.
The event ran under the theme: “Exploring Opportunities for Economic Growth through Agriculture,” and follows the successful hosting of the Matabeleland South Agricultural Show, which is held annually. — @DubeMatutu.
