Story by Courage Bushe
THE Government has handed over solar kits to Agritex extension officers in the Midlands Province, a move that underscores the Second Republic’s commitment to capacitating the agriculture sector and enhance productivity.
The solar-powered units are expected to significantly improve communication and service delivery by enabling real-time interaction between extension officers and their supervisors, thereby strengthening support for farmers.
“This is indeed a good initiative for us because you would find that we needed to communicate in real-time with our supervisors so that we will be able to advise farmers accordingly. We are delighted that this programme is leaving no one and no place behind and will improve our working conditions,” an extension officer noted.
“This clearly shows that our President is a listening President because before this initiative, we had raised an alarm over the issue of power interruptions, but in no time, he has delivered, we can only repay him by working hard,” another added.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri underscored the importance of these gadgets in improving the agricultural sector.
“This is evidence that we are directing our efforts to capacitate agriculture, which is the backbone of our economy. These gadgets from our President will help our officers to be always available and ready to offer support, solutions, and advice to our farmers in real time.”
Recognising the crucial role of extension officers in Zimbabwe’s food production, the government is implementing strategies to improve their mobility across the country.
Early this month, President Emmerson Mnangagwa unveiled thousands of solar kits for extension officers together with 60 vehicles and 30-grain carriers to capacitate the agriculture ministry towards the national food security drive.
