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Manicaland Correspondent
SCHOOLS here have been urged to embrace agriculture-related subjects and come up with new technologies to enhance production.

Speaking at the official launch of fishing and nutritional garden projects at St Noah College in Marange recently, Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Prisca Mupfumira said schools should prioritise education which enhances production.

“We are a production-based country and in our education sector, we expect schools to embrace practical subjects like agriculture,” she said. “This will pave way for education with production.

“I am happy some schools here in Manicaland have already started with commercial agriculture. I, therefore, officially launch the fishing project here at St Noah since the fish pond is complete.”

Minister Mupfumira said production based education was key for entrepreneurship.

“Even after school, the educated youths can make a big difference in our communities,” she said. “When they are empowered with entrepreneurship skills, these youths will make use of the practical skills gained whilst at school.”

Minister Mupfumira toured the school’s nutritional garden and applauded the school’s efforts in practicing good farming.

“This is good farming, the quantity and quality of these butter nuts and tomatoes is pleasing, the school has just gone commercial,” she said. “I, therefore, urge other schools to emulate the progress in agriculture made so far here at St Noah.”

Minister Mupfumira donated fingerlings to the school and said she expected to receive a report of a good harvest in the next five months.

Provincial Education director Mr Edward Shumba last week also called for schools to embark on agricultural projects. Mr Shumba urged heads, students and parents to prioritise agriculture as a subject.

“Zimbabwe is known for its agricultural activities and our curriculum has embraced agriculture as a key subject,” he said.  “I, therefore, urge schools to take this subject seriously, they can start piggery, poultry and horticulture projects.

“These projects are important as they are income generating schemes which will help raise funds for equipment purchase.”