ROSELINE MUTARE
MASVINGO-Professor Obert Jiri, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, has emphasized the urgency for farmers to accelerate planting activities, capitalizing on the current favorable rain-sun conditions to optimize land use with climate-resilient crop varieties.
During a recent visit to Marirangwe High School in Bikita District, Masvingo Province, Professor Jiri witnessed a robust model of agricultural education intertwined with practical production. The school has successfully established ten well-managed Pfumvudza/Intwasa plots planted with maize, sunflower, and African peas, effectively integrating student learning with agricultural productivity.
“The Government’s agro-ecological approach mandates that cropping decisions align with the climatic realities inherent to each region. We are particularly advocating for heightened traditional grain production in the arid Regions 4 and 5. Farmers must leverage the current rain-sun intervals to finalize their planting,” Jiri stated.
The Permanent Secretary lauded Marirangwe High School for creating sustainable income streams and enhancing nutritional outcomes through its school feeding programs. He urged educational institutions to fortify their business units as vital components of resilience and entrepreneurial growth in local communities.
Additionally, Professor Jiri oversaw the distribution of Presidential Inputs at both Marirangwe High School and Mtikizizi Primary School. He called for transparency in the distribution process, vigilance against counterfeit seed products, and upholding responsible farming practices as essential elements for realizing Vision 2030 and advancing household income levels.
The Government’s Vision 2030 seeks to elevate Zimbabwe to an upper-middle-income economy by 2030, with agriculture identified as a pivotal sector for achieving this objective.
This push for expedited planting is particularly pertinent in light of the favorable rainy season currently experienced in the country, and farmers are urged to maximize the advantageous weather conditions for successful crop production.
