Zimpapers Logo

Kudzaishe Mucheka
Agriculture is a very influential sector of the economy but due the harsh economic climate experienced throughout the country, the industry has experienced major setbacks that have greatly diminished farmers’ returns.

However, the responsibility now lies in our hands as the youths, to restore food and nutrition security to our nation.

It is no secret that the greatest demand in this country at the present moment is for grain. Many efforts have been put in order to encourage farmers to produce more tonnes of maize but to no avail, simply because the maize price is not profitable enough. Is the solution to our challenge increasing maize supply or rather discovering higher yielding varieties?

Such questions require only the knowledgeable to answer and of particular interest, our crop scientists.

I would like to commend the efforts of those scientists currently studying on how best to tackle such challenges, but in essence there is still a greater need that requires the work of a community rather than individuals.

Another topical issue of concern is how to optimise animal production. Zimbabwe which was once a cattle country is now facing a major challenge of inadequate supply of indigenous beef and milk.

Out of the 250 litres of milk required annually for the consumption of a single individual, an average Zimbabwean consumes eight litres.

How do we fight senkobo, anthrax and mastitis which are leaving large herds decimated and our milk unfit for consumption?

Do Zimbabwean farmers consult veterinarians before purchase of animal drugs, or is the consultation fee so expensive we would rather treat our animals ourselves?

In order to restore the word class standards of meat and beef quality that we once experienced there is a need for animal scientists and veterinarians to continuously engage with our dairy farmers on how best to prevent and cure animal diseases.

When people hear the word agriculture they visualise hoes, mattocks’ and watering cans. I despise such perceptions; on the contrary Agriculture is bigger than subsistence farming. It is best described as a family of interrelated sciences all with the vision of bringing the best quality produce on the table.

The engineers bring in their innovation; the Crop Scientists look for higher yielding varieties, the Animal health specialists’ spread the gospel of preventing animal diseases and the Soil scientists assess the capability of the soil to its prospective utilisation. With the maximum participation of all these key players in our country’s Agriculture, our farmers are fully equipped to plant in due season and are insured of a bumper harvest.