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Elita Chikwati Agriculture Reporter
The ministries of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development and Higher and Tertiary Education Science and Technology Development have formed a joint venture with Iran in technology transfer aimed at boosting the country’s agricultural production. Iran has developed several technologies to boost production of potatoes, mushroom, cereals and the manufacturing of farming implements among other things.

Speaking after touring the Iranian Embassy stand at the Harare Agricultural Show last Thursday, Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Minister Dr Joseph Made said Zimbabwe could learn from Iran, which was using science and technology to exploit own resources to improve production.

“We want to intensify our co-operating with Iran in the agriculture sector. Iranian-based technology stresses on the utilisation of local resources of which Zimbabwe is endowed with. This will help us to exploit our own resources,” he said.

Dr Made said such technology was critical to Zimbabwe.
He applauded the organic fertiliser manufactured by Iran in a faster way than the local method of composting.
“Organic fertiliser is critical in a country where we are struggling with inputs especially fertiliser.

“We welcome whatever assists us to exploit our resource and reduce the bill to import food.
“Organically produced food is also healthy,” Dr Made said.

Higher and Tertiary Education Science and Technology Development Minister Dr Olivia Muchena said knowledge-based agriculture was key to improving quantity, quality and protection of the environment.

She said the Iranian stand was a follow-up to the visit by the Zimbabwean delegation to Iran.
“We went to Iran to see how they have commercialised their research. We are willing to work with Iran as they are not only interested in selling us finished products, but are willing to transfer their technology so that we can do things on our own,” she said.

Dr Muchena said Zimbabwe and Iran would continue to work hand- in-hand in technology transfer and exchange programmes.
Zimbabwe and Iran have a strong relationship and have committed to continue working together in different sectors.