daniel chigunwePatrick Chitumba
Midlands Bureau
THE Midlands Province is determined to replicate President Mnangagwa’s remarkable agricultural achievements, which he showcases through hosting diverse stakeholders, among them, religious, civic and political leaders, at his Pricabe Farm in Kwekwe District.
This was highlighted by the Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, during a field tour at the Insukamini Irrigation Scheme in Lower Gweru on Tuesday.
Minister Ncube said the initiative reflects the province’s commitment to achieving food security and self-sufficiency, aligning with the President’s vision for agricultural excellence.
“I feel honoured to address you at this auspicious occasion of the Insukamini irrigation scheme summer maize field day here in Lower Gweru. Today’s event illustrates the Midlands Province’s commitment towards emulating the exemplary agricultural prowess of Zimbabwe’s number 1 farmer, President Mnangagwa,” he said.
“His efforts, including hosting communities, religious, civic, and political leaders at Pricabe Farm, showcase our nation’s capacity to attain food security and self-sufficiency.”
Minister Ncube said the Second Republic is focusing on advancing Agriculture 8.0 despite in the face of climate change challenges.
He outlined key strategies driving this vision, including heritage-based smart agronomic practices, dam construction, irrigation development, mechanisation, and Presidential input support.
“These initiatives, coupled with Presidential borehole drilling, Village Business Units, joint ventures, research, and advisory services, are vital to propelling agricultural growth, recovery, and resilience despite the devastating effects of climate change,” said Minister Ncube.
Highlighting agriculture’s pivotal role in the country’s economy, Minister Ncube noted its contributions to job creation, exports, manufacturing, and overall economic wellness.
“Agriculture is the backbone of our economy. It ranks highest in job creation and sustains other sectors such as exports, manufacturing, and agro-dealerships. This aligns with President Mnangagwa’s vision of achieving an upper-middle-income society by 2030,” he said.
Minister Ncube said President Mnangagwa has meticulously rolled out robust infrastructure development projects that support innovation, modernisation, and rural industrialisation.
He commended the Second Republic for prioritising the resuscitation and revitalisation of irrigation schemes, which are key to enhancing agricultural productivity. These include Insukamini, Mtange in Gokwe South, Biri Old and Biri Extension in Mberengwa, Mabwematema in Zvishavane, and several others in Mberengwa District.
“I commend the unity of purpose demonstrated by the Insukamini Irrigation Scheme farmers, community leaders, and extension officers. Their efforts are evident in the vibrant crop showcased today,” said Minister Ncube.
“This scheme leads in crop and varietal selection, diversification, entrepreneurial skills, and the adoption of climate-smart agricultural technologies. These efforts improve food and nutrition security while building resilience against climate challenges.”
Minister Ncube applauded the Second Republic for the timely provision of agricultural inputs for the 2024-25 rainfall season, which is projected to be normal to above normal.
“This support ensures that farmers are well-prepared to maximise their yields, further strengthening our agricultural sector and contributing to the nation’s development goals,” he said.
The Midlands Province’s focus on sustainable agriculture underlines its commitment to advancing the country’s vision for food security, economic growth, and rural transformation.
