By Ziyah News Network
GWANDA— Agriculture in Matabeleland South must move beyond subsistence production and become a stronger driver of food security, value addition, job creation and economic growth, Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Albert Nguluvhe has said.
Nguluvhe said the province had significant agricultural potential that could be unlocked through stronger collaboration among farmers, businesses, Government institutions, development partners and communities.
He was speaking at the closing ceremony of the 68th Matabeleland South Agricultural Show in Gwanda, held from August 20 to 22 under the theme “Unlocking New Opportunities through Collaboration.”
The annual exhibition brought together farmers, companies, Government departments and other stakeholders to showcase agricultural products, technologies and services while creating opportunities for business networking and knowledge exchange.
Nguluvhe said farmers needed to look beyond producing primarily for household consumption and explore opportunities to commercialise their operations.
“We need to collaborate as various players and empower each other so that we do not only end hunger at household level, but also contribute meaningfully towards the development of our beloved country Zimbabwe,” he said.
He said a commercially oriented agricultural sector would contribute to food security, value addition, beneficiation, employment creation and broader economic development, in line with Zimbabwe’s development agenda.
The Minister also challenged farmers and exhibitors to pursue markets beyond Matabeleland South by participating in national, regional and international agricultural exhibitions.
Such platforms, he said, could expose farmers and businesses to new markets, investment opportunities, technologies and potential commercial partnerships.
However, Nguluvhe warned that farmers would need to adapt their production systems to increasingly difficult climatic conditions if the province is to realise its agricultural potential.
He urged farmers to adopt climate-smart practices such as conservation agriculture, rainwater harvesting and irrigation, while increasing production of drought-tolerant crops including sorghum, millet and cowpeas.
Livestock farmers were also encouraged to preserve fodder and adopt responsible livestock management practices to improve resilience during drought periods.
Nguluvhe further urged farmers to make full use of Government-supported agricultural equipment, including tractors and hay balers, to increase productivity and improve preparedness for climate-related challenges.
The Minister said the growing number of exhibitors at this year’s agricultural show compared with the previous edition demonstrated increasing confidence in the event as a platform for agricultural development and business opportunities.
He also backed plans to transform the Gwanda Show Grounds into a modern, state-of-the-art exhibition park, including the proposed construction of a Farmers’ Hostel.
Nguluvhe called on the corporate sector and development partners to support the planned infrastructure, saying improved facilities would allow the grounds to host activities throughout the year and attract greater participation from across the country and beyond.
On livestock production, the Minister commended authorities for progress in containing Foot and Mouth Disease, while urging farmers and communities to continue observing veterinary guidance and livestock movement controls.
He said strengthening agriculture was central to achieving Vision 2030, adding that the Agricultural Show should also be developed into a truly provincial platform under the Devolution and Decentralisation agenda, with participation from all local authorities in Matabeleland South.