MARTIN MAWAYA
SHURUGWI-Deputy Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Vangelis Haritatos, says the effects of climate change should drive the country to further innovate its farming practices and build resilience.
“The challenges posed by climate change require us to be more creative and adaptive in our approach to agriculture,” Haritatos told reporters in Shurugwi district during a field day held recently.
“Fortunately, Zimbabwean farmers have already demonstrated their ability to develop innovative solutions to maintain productivity in the face of changing weather patterns.”
Haritatos cited that the Zimbabwean farmers are utilizing drought-resistant crops, precision irrigation systems, and sustainable land management techniques to cope with the impacts of global warming.
He said these innovations should be expanded and replicated nationwide to strengthen the country’s food security.
“Climate change is a reality we must confront head-on,” Haritatos said. “But if we leverage the ingenuity of our farmers, I’m confident Zimbabwe can turn these challenges into opportunities to build a more resilient and productive agricultural sector.”
The deputy Minister raised concerns with the occurrence of livestock diseases which has ravaged the livestock population in the Midlands province, particularly in Shurugwi district.
“I encourage all farmers to implement preventative measures against disease occurrences by following veterinary services’ guidelines, thereby mitigating the disease challenge,” he said.
He noted that the effects of climate change should not hinder agriculture development in the district and the province at large as it is the source of livelihoods.
Meanwhile, Midlands has set an ambitious target of 12,000 hectares for winter wheat in 2025, with all preparatory modalities, including funding mechanisms, already in place through the National Enhanced Agriculture Productivity Scheme (NEAPS).
According to data from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement, average crop yields in Zimbabwe have remained steady or even increased in recent years despite increasingly erratic rainfall and higher temperatures.
