Story by Tendai Munengwa
THE government continues to invest in the country’s agricultural sector following the capacitation of agriculture extension officers spearheading the agrarian revolution across Zimbabwe.
Following the official handover of a fleet of vehicles by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development last week, the newly acquired cars were this Wednesday disbursed to District Agriculture Extension Officers at a formal ceremony in Harare.
Presiding over the handover, the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka, underscored the importance of effective mobility in achieving the ministry’s goals of increased productivity and national food self-sufficiency.
“These are the vehicles handed over to our ministry by His Excellency, President Mnangagwa. Today, we are disbursing them to 60 district extension officers and urging them to serve with professionalism and integrity. The task is clear, to implement the President’s vision of increasing maize productivity from the current average of 1.4 tonnes per hectare to at least 2 tonnes, and to improve yields for traditional grains and cotton from 500kg to above 1 000kg per hectare.”
For the extension officers, the vehicles mark a critical intervention that will significantly enhance their operational efficiency in the field.
“These vehicles will elevate our presence in the field. They empower us to fulfil our mandate and contribute meaningfully towards achieving President Mnangagwa’s vision of transforming Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy by 2030,” Marondera District Extension Officer, Caroline Musungo said.
“This handover addresses the long-standing mobility gap in our operations. We can now reach all corners of our districts, engage farmers, and provide the critical support needed to ensure household and national food security,” Buhera District Extension Officer, Rekai Mumbonani added.
The extension officers have also received 6 000 tablets for efficient information and data collection, as well as solar kits to enhance their ability to function effectively even in off-grid areas.
The comprehensive support made possible through the benevolence of President Mnangagwa and the Second Republic, signals yet another milestone in efforts to reposition agriculture as the bedrock of Zimbabwe’s economic development.
The government’s robust investment in extension services aligns with broader national objectives to boost agricultural productivity, improve rural livelihoods, and consolidate Zimbabwe’s status as the region’s breadbasket.
