Zimpapers Logo

Prosperity Mzila

President Mnangagwa’s prowess in agriculture is a slap across the face of western powers that have openly and covertly sought to derail that sector since the acquisition of land by the black majority through the land redistribution and resettlement spearheaded by the late former president Robert Mugabe. 

When Zimbabwe took over ownership of its resources and its means of production in the agricultural, mining and industrial sectors, the west ridiculed it as though they held the keys to a successful agro-based economy.

Recently, President Mnangagwa proved his mettle as he surpassed the expected production levels in all the crops he is growing at his Precabe Farm.

This is proof that when an idea is birthed in the mind of a man, just like a child from a woman’s womb, the only thing left is to crawl and later full speed running. 

The events at President Mnangagwa’s Pricabe Farm in Kwekwe are proof that Zimbabwe has come of age.

Son to the former farm owner of Pricabe Farm, Burger Smith, who was present during the Field Day was stunned by the progress at the farm. He commended the President for growing 200 hectares of soya bean, 500 hectares of maize while 35 hectares have been put under horticulture crops. Smith admitted that there has been much progress at the farm compared to his father’s time.

 The event proved that the President is not only astute in the office where he deals with Government issues while balancing domestic, foreign and economic issues to present a progressive country, but is also a great farmer inspired by his parents who were also farmers. 

Thus the President has proved to be a great leader who leads by example. 

Zimbabwe, once an agro-based economy, was referred to as the breadbasket of Africa, and agricultural hub.

President Mnangagwa seeks to reclaim that status and set out to achieve it by introducing Smart Agriculture (Pfumvudza/Intwasa) and the Presidential Input Scheme to assist budding farmers realise their full potential. 

First, he sought to alleviate poverty, and to cut on the import bill of products that can be produced locally such as agricultural products, and he succeeded. Zimbabwe now has grain reserves that can last two farming seasons and wheat to last until the next farming season.

The next step was to ensure that Zimbabwe produces enough for export purposes, within the region and beyond. 

Government is thriving to boost exports through horticulture, floriculture and aquaculture products. It is quite a disappointment that countries such as the United Kingdom are failing to tap into the lucrative chain of production in Zimbabwe to a point where they are now being rationed in their purchase of fruits and vegetables.

Social media streets have been ablaze with a mini documentary depicting a situation of British consumers being rationed to buy at most two items from the horticulture and fruit section of the supermarket.

It appears that this critical shortage is not only affecting the food industry but the energy sector as well. This winter is going to be a very long one for the Britons who have relied mostly on imports to sustain them during winter. 

President Mnangagwa is on record saying that Zimbabwe is a friend to all and an enemy to none. Furthermore, he has extended an invite for business synergies, through the Zimbabwe is open for business mantra. 

This opens up space for any country to forge trading relations with Zimbabwe and vice versa. This is currently happening with countries such as Sweden that are importing organic fruits and vegetables from Zimbabwe.

Russia and some European countries are also importing flowers and other items including nuts, furniture, tea, coffee, textile and clothing. One could say that by sanctioning Zimbabwe, the UK shot itself in the foot, because the winter gap, caused by the extreme weather conditions, could be covered by imports from Zimbabwe.

 Other European Union countries have eased their sanctions on both Zimbabwe and Russia so that they can get adequate supplies of food and energy to avoid risking their people’s lives.

According to the United Nations COMTRADE data base, European Union imports from Zimbabwe in the year 2021 racked in US$ 471.31 million from the export of tobacco, edible fruits, peel of citrus fruits, melons, vegetables and certain roots and tubers among many other produce.

 It has therefore become apparent that farming should be treated as a business that is capable of employing millions in Zimbabwe including downstream industries.

President Mnangagwa has been very exemplary in demonstrating that farming can be a multi-million-dollar business.

 It is therefore necessary to curb the rural to urban migration by our youths, and to educate them as to where real money and wealth can be derived. 

 The Second Republic took the Presidential Inputs scheme a bit further so as to ensure the seed, fertilisers and chemicals are put to good use.

This was done through the introduction of smart agriculture where every farmer is required to first work the land under the supervision of the agricultural extension officers. 

Farmers are also trained by the extension officers to equip them with the requisite skills and knowledge. Before the distribution of the inputs the extension officers also inspect farmers on key practices such as land preparations and mulching among others. 

The training, supervision and inspections are done to ensure to realise maximum production from a piece of land.

This past summer cropping season 2021/22 witnessed a bountiful harvest that has strengthened food security.

 The country has enough food to last for two years without importing grain. 

The bumper wheat harvest has also seen the country attaining self-sufficiency. The country has enough wheat to last to next winter cropping season.

The Government continues to augment farmers who have now come of age, those who have contributed immensely to the attainment of national food security which is important in reducing the import bill.

This is indicative that Zimbabwe will kill two birds with one stone, by reclaiming its breadbasket status of Africa as well as attain its Vision of an upper middle income economy/society by 2030.