Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
GOVERNMENT has intensified calls for farmers to embrace value addition and agro-processing as part of broader efforts to strengthen the commercial viability of smallholder agriculture and drive rural industrialisation.
As the 2025/26 harvesting season gathers momentum across the country, authorities say transforming raw agricultural produce into finished products remains critical in boosting farmer incomes, reducing production costs and improving food security.
In Mazowe, where approximately 60 percent of maize harvesting has been completed, crop and livestock farmer Mr Vengai Mukurunyorova of Watakai Farm showcased integrated farming methods aimed at maximising productivity and profitability.
“I produce maize mainly for stock feed formulation. Half of my harvest goes to my cattle and the other half goes to the GMB or feeding the community,” Farmer Vengai Mukurunyorova said.
Acting Mashonaland Central Provincial Agritex Officer, Mr Misheck Chitokomere, said encouraging farmers to process their produce locally is helping reduce operational costs while improving efficiency.
“We are wrapping up summer 2025/26, which was okay. Most of our crops are under harvesting, a lot of maize is wet, and we are at 60 percent harvesting. Traditional grains like millet are at 98 percent, soybeans are at 80 percent, the harvest is good, especially here in Mazowe. Here you saw the maize, the farmer makes stock feed, that’s what we encourage, and we call it value addition, prove and make something from your seeds, they will no longer buy feed, they will no longer need to go to shops, so they will reduce crops,” he said.
Meanwhile, Madhumeni/Abalimisi for Agriculture Transformation are maximising field day opportunities to drum up support for the Constitutional Amendment number 3 Bill.
“As extension officers, wherever we gather for field days, we are sensitising farmers on the good about cAB3, CAB3 is good for us because Government has brought in development, it has ushered growth in farming,” Madhumeni/Abalimisi, for Agriculture Transformation Chairperson, Mr Peter Nyeredzi said.
With harvesting near completion, farmers have shifted attention to wheat planting with Government setting a target of 125 000 hectares, building on the past two successful production seasons where record wheat production was recorded.
