Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
ACTING President, General (Retired) Dr Constantino Chiwenga says the government will continue constructing dams across the country to achieve national food security.
He said this while officially opening the Inaugural Research for Agricultural Excellence Indaba, running alongside the 114th edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, with a view to bridging the gap in research to promote productivity.
The Acting President implored stakeholders to ensure the full utilisation of existing water bodies across the country, pledging government commitment to the construction of more dams.
“We have over 10 000 dams in Zimbabwe. As the government, we shall continue to construct more dams.
“We did not construct dams for birds to have water, but they must be fully utilised for food security. We want our researchers to come up with what we can do with these water bodies across the country. We need to work and see results,” Dr Chiwenga said.
He reiterated that research should provide solutions to challenges facing the agricultural sector and inform government policies for future generations.
“I challenge you all to transform the agricultural landscape through harnessing the power of research that delves deep into the complexities of our farming systems.
“There is a need for research that provides solutions to our production and productivity challenges, animal diseases as well as increased revenue generation through import substitution. It is my conviction that all we need is pragmatic research that informs the policies and programmes that will shape the future of this agriculture sector,” he said.
The inaugural Indaba is expected to be the launch pad for thorough research which will see the country creating employment opportunities in the agricultural sector.
“The Second Republic remains committed to enhancing value addition and beneficiation in the entire agricultural value chain to boost our export earnings and create jobs.
“It is pertinent that we redirect our research efforts to solve contemporary and emerging challenges in the agriculture sector.
“Let this Indaba be a catalyst for a new era of research-driven agricultural policymaking in Zimbabwe, one that improves food security, strengthens livelihoods, and secures a sustainable future for generations to come,” said the Acting President.
Dr Chiwenga later toured the Pakistan Pavilion accompanied by Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka and Minister of Industry and Commerce, Honourable Mangaliso Ndlovu.
The Pakistan pavilion is exhibiting clothing, sports accessories, automotive industries, agriculture mechanisation and health products at this year’s Zimbabwe Agricultural Show.
