Vice-President, General (Rtd) Dr Constantino Chiwenga, has called for increased investment in agricultural research, irrigation and climate-smart technologies.
He made the call, yesterday, in a speech delivered on his behalf by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira at the 3rd Research for Agricultural Excellence and Technology Indaba, held on the sidelines of the Harare Agricultural Show.
The Vice-President said agriculture was not only critical to food security but also the foundation of the country’s industrialisation drive, with agricultural production providing the raw materials needed for agro-processing, manufacturing and biotechnology.
“Agriculture is the foundation and primary engine of our industrialisation. True industrialisation begins in the soil and extends through agro-processing, manufacturing and biotechnology,”Vice-President Chiwenga said.
He said Zimbabwe needed to intensify investment in targeted agricultural research capable of addressing the country’s specific production challenges.
“There is need for greater investment in targetedagricultural research, affordable irrigation, climate-smart technologies and locally developed agri-tech solutions.Research should not remain confined to laboratories and academic institutions.
Scientific research must translate into practical solutions that improve food security, productivity and livelihoods,” Vice President added
Vice President Chiwenga challenged stakeholders attending the indaba to move beyond discussions and focus on practical implementation by identifying market-ready innovations, piloting new technologies and securing commercial partnerships.
“We must move beyond dialogue to action by identifying market-ready innovations, piloting technologies, securing commercial partnerships and accelerating the adoption of home-grown agricultural solutions.
Government’s push for a knowledge-based agricultural sector is central to achieving food self-sufficiency, export-led growth and the creation of an empowered and prosperous upper-middle-income society under Vision 2030,” he added.
The call comes as Zimbabwe continues to pursue agricultural modernisation through irrigation development, mechanisation, research and technology adoption, with the sector expected to provide the foundation for increased industrial production, value addition and expanded export opportunities.
