Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure, Zimpapers Politics Hub
A ZANU PF delegation led by the ruling party’s Secretary for Economic Affairs, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Dr Engelbert Rugeje, is in China to enhance agricultural transformation and rural industrialisation.
The delegation met with representatives of the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (JAAS) in Nanjing, China where a mutual agreement was reached.
JAAS officials expressed strong interest in pursuing collaborative projects in Zimbabwe involving agricultural universities, colleges and experts.
Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Dr Rugeje reiterated Zimbabwe’s commitment to inclusive economic growth driven by agriculture and production, aligning with President Mnangagwa’s philosophy of “leaving no one and no place behind.”
He emphasised Zanu PF’s interest in adopting smart agriculture to enhance the sector’s competitiveness, reliability and resilience, advocating for Chinese collaboration in introducing advanced agricultural technologies.
“President Mnangagwa’s administration anticipates that agriculture will grow into a US$13,75 billion industry by 2025, a key pillar of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS 1), which runs from 2020 to 2025,” he said.
“Initially, the Government was aiming for a US$8,2 billion agricultural sector by 2025, but through various interventions, this target was exceeded, achieving a US$9,9 billion agricultural economy by December 31, 2022.”
Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Dr Rugeje highlighted that through the Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation Strategy (AFSTS) the nation is aiming to triple agricultural output by 2030, focusing on improving land use planning, increasing productivity, developing appropriate technologies and ensuring sustainable development.
The 2024/2025 agricultural season has shown positive trends, with above-normal rainfall leading to strong yields and a national cereal surplus. The President has also launched several initiatives to further develop the agriculture sector.
The invitation to JAAS includes collaborations in agricultural research, curriculum development, and exchanges of students and experts, aimed at fostering innovation and productivity among the next generation of Zimbabwean farmers and scientists.
Zimbabwe continues to implement Presidential schemes to empower smallholder farmers and rural communities, including free input programmes, fisheries, mechanisation and youth empowerment projects. These initiatives align with the broader goals of reducing poverty and promoting sustainable development in line with Vision 2030.
The ZANU-PF Government’s efforts to integrate ICT into agriculture aim to increase production, lower costs and enhance profitability across the value chain. Sources indicate that there was a mutual understanding of Zimbabwe’s commitment to agricultural research and education during the discussions in China.
Since independence in 1980, the Government has established various training institutions, including vocational centers, polytechnics, and universities like Marondera University of Agricultural Science and Technology (MUAST).
All 13 state universities now offer agriculture-related programmes tailored to the country’s diverse agro-ecological zones.
Zimbabwe is experiencing rapid growth in horticultural exports, particularly blueberries from the Eastern Highlands, with current exports projected at 8 000 tonnes this year and a goal of reaching 30 000 tonnes by 2030 under the Horticultural Recovery and Growth Plan (HRGP).
“There is immense potential in our agriculture sub-sectors—maize, wheat, cotton, livestock, poultry, and horticulture. These areas are ripe for investment and growth,” said Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Dr. Rugeje, encouraging foreign investors to participate in Zimbabwe’s agro-industrial revolution.
