Story by John Nhandara
Youths continue to score successes in agricultural production as they embrace the government’s drive to attain national food security.
One such example is Chegutu’s Mt Carmel farm where a young entrepreneur has ventured into mixed farming, integrating crop production with livestock and aquaculture.
As part of efforts to enhance food security in the country, a young farmer at Mt Carmel Farm in Chegutu has successfully established a thriving mixed farming operation that spans over 130 hectares, primarily dedicated to maize production, alongside a robust livestock programme comprising 700 cattle and over 300 Boer goats.
The farm also boasts of a fish farming initiative, contributing to a diverse agricultural ecosystem.
“The farm is 1200 hectares with 300 hectares of arable land. Of that, we have put 133 000 hectares under maize and we are target to produce 800 tonnes. In our livestock section, we have a herd of 700 cattle and 300 Boer goats. We have also ventured into fish farming with two big fish ponds. We have constructed a dam which is feeding our irrigation,” said farm manager, Mr Benard Firei.
Farm owner Dr Paul Tungwarara says production at the farm is aimed at contributing to national food security through sustainable agricultural practices.
“As youths, we are following the president’s footsteps and playing our part in food security. Last year we were affected by drought but this season we have established irrigation to complement the rains. We are poised for a bumper harvest looking at the state of our crop. We have embarked on a dam construction initiative and that’s where we are drawing our water for irrigation and aquaculture,” he said.
The enterprise has also created job opportunities for the youth dividend.
“As youths, we have been empowered because we are also doing a piggery project here with a capacity of 10 000. I am a beneficiary of the project and downstream, we have managed to employ more than 50 youths in this venture who have also been trained,” said contractor, Alidi Chipanda.
With the projection of normal to above-normal rainfall, the country is gearing up to recover from the El Nino-induced drought that affected agricultural production last year.
