Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
A young Concession farmer has become a living testimony of the agrarian revolution which has empowered young farmers under the Second Republic.
Edwin Chinotimba, who planted 100 hectares of diverse crops this summer, is setting the pace for young farmers, utilising all his land and renting more for maize, sunflower and soyabean production.
“By farming we want to show that the program we got from government is going well. I have 30 hectares of seed maize here, I have sunflower 45 hectares and 20 hectares of soya beans. So, I want to say to the young people do not just focus on social media. Let’s work hard, nothing comes from being idle,” Chinotimba says.
The young farmer is also excited about the Second Republic title deeds programme.
“I want to thank His Excellency, President Mnangagwa for his programme of giving farmers title deeds. It will help us to enhance production. For example here I want a centre pivot so I hope to get one. We want to move in sync with technology.”
Zadzamatura agronomist for Mashonaland Central, Mr Blessing Hatidane is pleased with what he has seen on the ground.
“We are now receiving goods rains and we are happy with how this season is turning out. As you can see here, we were contracted by Chinotimba to produce seed maize. Right now, we want farmers not to relax despite the good rains. A farmer should ensure his irrigation is in place so that he reacts quickly if rains suddenly stop,” he said.
Farmers in Mashonaland Central Province are angling to boost production and help replenish national silos which were affected by drought last year.
