SYDNEY MUBAIWA
ZAKA- A youthful farmer from Chipinda in Zaka district, Masvingo province, Urayai Marange is making waves in the agricultural sector with his passion and dedication to vegetable farming.
Encouraged by his parents, Marange started farming a few years ago following the footsteps of his father who is a seasoned farmer in the area.
Marange who supplies green vegetables ( covo, tsunga ,rape ) tomatoes, cucumbers and other farming produce has a small part of his land strategically located about 10km from Mutendi High School.
With a strong foundation in agriculture, Marange affectionately known as “Mukanya Chigaramboko” brings rich agricultural skills from South Africa where he was working.
In an interview with The Midweek Watch, Marange said he is currently focusing on poultry and seasonal horticulture. He supplies Garikai Market (Chitima) in Masvingo City, Pamushana High School and vendors operating at Roy along Mutare Highway.
However, he says he faces significant challenges as a young farmer particularly in accessing bigger markets.
“The biggest challenge we are facing is on accessing big markets. We are supplying Garikai markert and a few schools but these are not enough taking into consideration the volumes of our produces,” he said.
The young farmer is calling on agricultural-based companies to assist young farmers in accessing loans to grow the agricultural sector.
“I believe that if farmers get access to loans, they can do something better .This will give young farmers a chance to prove themselves and grow in the industry,”he said.
He urged the youths to refrain from drug and substance abuse.
“I encourage young people to desist from taking drugs as this subsequently affects their health,” he added.
As the agricultural sector continues to evolve, it is essential that companies and organisations support young farmers like Marange, providing them with the necessary resources and opportunities to succeed. By doing so, they can help shape the future of agriculture in Zimbabwe and contribute to the country’s economic growth and development.
