VICE-President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has said Zimbabwe
has immense potential to become Africa’s breadbasket if farmers embrace
Government policies such as Command Agriculture and maximise use of local
resources.
In a speech read on his behalf at the official opening of
the Victoria Falls Agricultural Show by Minister of State in his office Mrs
Evelyne Ndlovu yesterday, Dr Chiwenga challenged farmers to produce for export
and contribute towards the 2030 vision for an upper middle class economy.
He said Command Agriculture has proven that Zimbabweans can
be their own economic liberators.
“This show marks another milestone towards fulfilment of
our goal as Government for self-sufficiency in food security, balanced
nutrition and value addition at household level and the nation at large.
“Agriculture is one of the key drivers of the green economy
and can address issues of livelihoods and food security and Government
subscribes to the implementation of policies that promote a green economy.
“As Government we encourage sustainable development by
optimising use of natural resources and maximising irreversible environmental
damage, water production and pollution. Water harvesting is one of Government
programmes to harness this precious liquid for both consumption and irrigation
and let’s all join hands in this programme as communities and the private
sector for us to achieve our food basket status for Sadc which we had a few
years ago,” said Dr Chiwenga.
The Victoria Falls Show is a district exhibition which
attracts rural small-scale farmers, business community, including SMEs,
Government ministries and agencies and academia.
Dr Chiwenga said the resort town and the whole of Hwange
district should take advantage of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to use its
untapped potential in horticulture production and exports of high end teak and
mahogany furniture, fish farming, production of oils and small grains targeting
tourists. He implored farmers to use the show as a springboard to reach
international markets though value addition.
“The Victoria Falls International Airport now competes
favourably with other major airports in the region as it can now land any large
aircraft in the world. Therefore farmers must take advantage of the upgraded
airport to export horticultural products to different niche markets across the
globe,” he said.
Local farmers should also venture into citrus fruits
production for export taking advantage of hot climate like Beitbridge district,
added VP Chiwenga. He said the Government had expanded Command Agriculture to
include livestock, wildlife, fisheries and small grains which are favourable
for Matabeleland North.
The VP said Command Agriculture requires private sector
participation for funding. He implored Victoria Falls Municipality to allocate
land to the show for a permanent exhibition site.
Dr Chiwenga said the show’s theme: “Building Green Economic
Linkages and Beneficiation Networks” resonates with President Mnangagwa’s 2030
vision as it challenges Zimbabweans to attach great importance to the
sustainable utilisation of resources and beneficiation to advance
industrialisation of the economy.
Show organiser Mr Tendai Moyo said his vision was to
attract regional exhibitors while Zimbabwe Agricultural Show Society chairman
Mr Ivan Craig concurred saying the organisers should take advantage of
proximity to the border.
Victoria Falls Mayor Councillor Somvelo Dlamini said the
local authority will support the show as it is a platform for farmers to learn
modern farming skills and share ideas. There were more than 70 exhibitors
including 18 SMEs. Sunday News
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