Source: The Herald – Breaking news.
Mangaliso Lawrence Kabulika
WITH agriculture billed to play a focal role in the country’s current economic revolution, Masvingo’s Gutu South constituency is confident of changing into a thriving horticultural green belt fostering economic prosperity and providing income opportunities for local communities.
In an interview on the backdrop of the Gutu Agricultural Show that kicked off yesterday, Gutu South member of parliament Pupurai Togarepi said it was the constituency’s dream to be a horticultural green belt where market garden products would be readily available.
“As the show kicks off, our dream is to turn this constituency into a green belt where horticultural products are everywhere and our people get incomes from them,” he said.
“The show will be officially opened at Maungwa Primary School by Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development permanent secretary Dr John Basera on August 19, 2023. The event is running under the theme, ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo’ and will be showcasing various agricultural activities done in Gutu South. Activities include production of horticulture and field crops plus small livestock farming,” he said.
Togarepi added that all Gutu district constituencies had been invited, with all wards having already held field days and shows in the run-up to the constituency show.
Winning farmers received awards at all the stages of the programme that was rolled out with help from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development’s various departments.
Youth desk chief programmes coordinator in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Nickros Kajengo 500 to 1 000 farmers were expected to attend the event.
“We are expecting between 500 and 1 000 farmers from various parts of Masvingo to attend this event,” he said.
Kajengo added that farmers would receive training on various aspects of agriculture.
“Farmers will receive training in irrigation technology, agricultural engineering, crops and livestock production, farming as a business, markets and marketing plus livestock and animal health,” he said.
The show will also serve as a platform to celebrate and highlight the agricultural achievements and aspirations of the region.
“The Gutu Agricultural Show serves as a platform to celebrate and highlight the agricultural achievements and aspirations of the region. It brings together farmers, agri-businesses and stakeholders to showcase their products, exchange knowledge and explore opportunities for growth and collaboration,” said Kajengo.
The show is set to attract various stakeholders from Ministry of Youth, Sports, Arts and Recreation, Zimbabwe Youth Council (ZYC), Agricultural Advisory and Rural Development Services (AARDS), Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA), Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) and the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA).
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