IVAYINERUDO MAGARAZANO
CHIREDZI – The Zimbabwe Sugar Association Experiment Station (ZSAES) held its graduation ceremony for 2022/2023 intake on 6 December 2024.
A total of 42 students received their Farmer Certificate in sugarcane production.
ZSAES Director Dr. Audrey Mabveni emphasized the importance of improving sugarcane production and productivity in the face of climate change.
“As an industry, we have set targets to increase sugarcane deliveries to the mills to 5 million tonnes of cane to produce 600,000 tonnes of sugar by 2026” said Dr Mabveni.
Dr. Mabveni also stressed the need for resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges citing the unavailability of water, frequent power outages and limited supply of agricultural inputs.
“To persevere through challenges we have to adapt to climate change. Those who are resilient and don’t give in to challenges are the most successful,” she said.
Guest of Honor Zimbabwe Sugar Association Chief Executive Edwin Kondo urged the graduates to be innovative and influential in their future endeavors.
“The future of our agricultural industry depends on the actions and decisions of people like you, this institution has empowered you to show your commitment to advancing agricultural practices that are sustainable, impactful and transformational,” said Kondo.
One of the graduates Collins Chinoda a Mkwasine out grower farmer with 20 hectares of land revealed that the course has positively impacted his sugarcane farming journey.
“Before, we were getting 50 tonnes per hectare, but now we are getting 150 tonnes per hectare since we are now operating from an informed position” said Chinoda.
The graduation ceremony highlighted the importance of sustainable and innovative agricultural practices in the face of climate change.
