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Herald Reporter
Herald senior agriculture reporter Elita Chikwati yesterday won the media sector award for outstanding news and publications on the agriculture desk at the Young Champion Farmers awards at the Institute of Agriculture Engineering in Harare. She was also awarded the Tobacco Reporter of the Year in 2016.

Chikwati also worked as a reporter at Zimpapers New Farmer magazine which sought to equip farmers with technical expertise in farming soon after the land reform.

Reporters from other media houses who were honoured at the ceremony yesterday were ZBC’s Tendai Munengwa and online media reporter Ndafadza Madanha.

Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement Youth Desk initiated the media awards for best agriculture reporter to encourage and recognise media.

Chikwati expressed gratitude towards all stakeholders involved in the agricultural sector for acknowledging the media efforts.

“I am grateful to the Ministry for recognising my work in agriculture reporting. I am also grateful to the Zimpapers family and my editors for the support they offer me,’’ she said.

Among the winners were Seed Co managing director Mr Denias Zaranyika, Midlands tobacco farmer Mr John Muchenje and Mashonaland Central tomato grower Mr Texas Muone.

Mr Muchenje said he is contented that Government is appreciating and recognised the involvement of youths in agricultural sector.

“I am happy about winning an award as a youth empower. This shows that the Government is now recognising and increasing value our work as youths,” he said.

The awards were targeted young people from all provinces in the agriculture sector with at least 60 people getting prizes.