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Elton Manguwo

THE Government’s push to industrialise and develop rural economies through agriculture recently got more traction following the introduction of Statutory Instrument 56 of 2023 that will set the stage for agricultural growth and increased access to markets by farmers.

Speaking during an interview, Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) Chief Director Professor Obert Jiri said the new marketing arrangement was a step in the right direction as the country moves to ensure that rural development 8, 0 does not remain a dream but reality.

“As we journey towards developing rural communities, increased market access is a key component, as it ensures that farmers get maximum earnings from their produce,” said Professor Jiri.

The Government has been working towards creating a profitable business environment through legislative amendments so that farmers can sell and benefit from their produce.

“With maize being the country’s staple grain, it is critical to create an enabling environment for both its production and marketing,” said Professor Jiri.

Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU) Secretary General Mr Paul Zakariya recently observed that the new SI allowed farmers to sell their maize at competitive prices, boosting their earnings in the process and empowering them to finance other on farm projects.

The Government is moving to transform the country’s subsistence farmers into successful business people through private sector partnerships while the new SI, which is replacing Statutory Instrument 145 of 2019 is set to propel and encourage contract farming.

To improve food traceability under the new setup, the Government is mandating sector players looking to trade in maize to be registered to track national stocks of maize and ensure food security.

“The marketing and pricing system being produced is consistent with achieving food and fibre security and macro-economic stability as well,” said Mr Zakariya.

The new marketing arrangements for the 2022/23 season are designed to increase farmers’ earnings in line with the drive to achieve an upper middle income economy by 2030.

This has also seen the Government encouraging partnerships between the private sector and farmers, which allows the new set-up to ease the transition from subsistence to commercial farming.

At least 61 percent of the rural population amounting to 9, 2 million people survive on subsistence farming. It is therefore crucial for farmers to access profitable markets.

The Government has lined up various programmes such as the Presidential Input scheme, the Presidential Poultry Scheme and the Presidential Goat Scheme among others to give the economy impetus to move and see rural development 8, 0 becoming a reality.