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Sharon Chigeza Mutare Correspondent
The Food and Agriculture Organisation has recommended stimulation of the private sector in the uptake of agricultural produce in Manicaland as the region harbours unexploited potential.

Speaking during his maiden tour of the agricultural projects undertaken in Mutasa district, FAO sub-regional coordinator for Southern Africa, Dr Patrick Kormawa said a lot must be done to bring in new technologies to increase productivity and expand market reach.

“The province as a whole harbours huge potential that is yet to be exploited. The farmers are knowledgeable in what they are doing and producing, but we have had instances where the farmers have claimed that the private sector is not reacting well to the uptake of their produce,” he said.

Dr Kormawa said the lack of consistency in quality produce was one the shortfalls in the attainment of private markets and that there was need for farmers to be equipped with entrepreneurial skills.

“For the private sector to be able to go into communities and collect produce they require volumes that are affordable as well as consistent in terms of “Companies require consistency in their quality of products so that when they sell to the end users they maintain standards,” said Dr Kormawa.

Dr Kormawa also mentioned capacity building in entrepreneurial skills in farmers as key in the advancement of agro-businesses within the district stating that merely funding projects was inadequate for they promoted sustainable agro-processes.

“Capacity building in entrepreneurial skills promotes responsible and productive investments in agriculture, enhance efficiency in the supply chain and entrepreneurship and extension services, particularly technology transfer at community level, resulting in job creation and strengthened local agribusinesses,” he said