Vice President General (Rtd) Constantino Guveya Dominic Nyikadzino Chiwenga (File photo)
By Lisca Philo
Acting President Rtd General Constantino Chiwenga has called on agricultural sector stakeholders to harness research and innovation to revolutionize the industry.
Dr. Chiwenga made this call at the Inaugural Research for Agricultural Excellence Indaba, held at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show on Thursday under the theme “Research and Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Agribusiness Development.”
“I challenge you all to transform the agricultural landscape by harnessing the power of research that delves deep into the complexities of our farming systems. Therefore, there is a need for research that provides solutions to our production and productivity challenges, animal diseases, as well as increased revenue generation through import substitution,” said Dr. Chiwenga.
Zimbabwe is currently implementing significant agricultural reforms to modernize and enhance the sector. These reforms include adopting advanced farming techniques, investing in infrastructure, promoting climate-smart practices, and improving market access, land tenure security, and support for agricultural research.
The Indaba attracted a diverse group of stakeholders, including academics, policymakers, government officials, industry leaders, farmers, and representatives from the private sector with an aim to promote the practical application of research findings to support sustainable agricultural practices and guide policy development in the sector.
Highlighting the importance of pragmatic research, Dr. Chiwenga underlined the need for developing policies and programs that will shape the future of agriculture in Zimbabwe.
“In our quest to accelerate the attainment of an Empowered and Prosperous Upper Middle-Income Society by 2030, it is imperative to note that in order to achieve this noble Vision, the National Development Strategy 1 enunciated 14 National priorities. Three of these Priorities, notably; Social Protection; Food Security and Nutrition; and Environmental Protection, Climate Resilience and Natural Resource Management, speak to the endeavours of this gathering. I challenge you, the researchers here today, to prioritise these areas.
“I, therefore, urge you to think boldly out of the box and come up with research programmes which the country can leverage on to improve agricultural and industrial production and productivity. There are critical issues in our agriculture sector which need to be led and driven by scientific research, he said.
Dr Chiwenga further highlighted that government was committed to enhancing value addition and beneficiation in the entire agricultural value chain to boost our export earnings and create jobs.
“Government is geared to climate proof agriculture in a bid to ensure food and nutrition security. Beyond that, the Second Republic remains committed to enhancing value addition and beneficiation in the entire agricultural value chain to boost our export earnings and create jobs. It is pertinent that we redirect our research efforts to solve contemporary and emerging challenges in the agriculture sector,” noted Dr Chiwenga.
“Let this Indaba be a catalyst for a new era of research-driven agricultural policymaking in Zimbabwe, one that improves food security, strengthens livelihoods, and secures a sustainable future for generations to come,” Dr. Chiwenga remarked.
Commendation was also given to institutions for their collaborative research efforts, which are helping small-scale farmers adapt to new climate conditions.
“I am delighted by some of the research work being conducted by our universities and institutes. Let me single out the work being done by our colleagues at the University of Zimbabwe. Their research into climate-smart farming practices, such as the use of drought-resistant crop varieties and precision irrigation systems, has the potential to transform the way our smallholder farmers adapt to the ravages of a changing climate,” he said.
Dr. Chiwenga also enjoined researchers, policymakers, institutions, and all stakeholders to remain focused on developing a robust agricultural sector as part of Vision 2030.
“Together, let us forge a path towards a more prosperous, resilient, and equitable agricultural sector as we strive to attain our National Vision: ‘Towards a Prosperous and Empowered Upper Middle-Income Society by 2030,'” Dr. Chiwenga said.
The Indaba was co-hosted by the Research Council of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society.
