Farmer education key agriculture component SMS/WhatsApp
EDITOR — Zimbabwe is working on eradicating poverty and improving food security through the Command Agriculture Programme and Presidential Inputs Scheme.
As grain deliveries increase there is a need to educate our farmers, especially small holder farmers on best farming methods.
Even Minister Sydney Sekeramayi recently, identified small holder farmers as the future of agricultural success in Zimbabwe.
Authorities should lead the formation of farmer networks to allow them to meet and discuss issues pertinent to their areas of specialisation so that whenever a problem arises they will be prepared to tackle it.
When the fall army worm struck, farmers who had the opportunity to meet advised each other to use washing powder and it worked which saved the grain.
Earlier this year, maize moisture content raised an alarm leading to rejection of grain by GMB officers.
This incident clearly showed that farmers are not well equipped especially in terms of knowledge.
There may be talk of liming, using herbicides but without one on one discussions, sharing ideas they will struggle to comprehend concepts.
Input wise, the Presidential input scheme has got us covered but we need to educate the farmer so that they reach their productive potential. Tino Huruva, Via e-mail RESPONSE to “No country for rapists! 60-year mandatory rap for violating minors”. I hope child marriages will end. — Blantlisa
RESPONSE to “No country for rapists! 60-year mandatory rap for violating minors”. Magistrates should allow thorough investigations before handing down sentences. There are some who are serving sentences for crimes they didn’t commit. — Fortune Watadza
RESPONSES to “Reprieve for kaylite manufacturer, users”. This is a challenge to industrialists to come up with an alternative. Seeing how these kaylite containers have littered the roadside is enough to appreciate this decision. The Government should be ruthless and also ban plastic bottles used for soft drinks (the so called PET), and much more. We can try to save the environment. — Evison Mombeshora
I THINK the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission must give the public a breakdown of the $274 million they want to use for the election. At face value it looks like a lot of money. — Johannes
GOVERNMENT needs to conduct awareness campaigns on what is rape and related violations across the country to ensure people are always aware of their rights. In the same breath, these deterrent measures should also be highlighted so that we are an informed people. The press, churches, schools, colleges or universities, workplaces, farms, TV, billboards, social media and other public places should display awareness programmes to warn would-be rapists so they desist from such conduct. Rape is a horrendous and barbaric crime that should be eliminated from society. I commend Government on this one. Enforcement must be resourced to complement awareness programmes. — Shumba Samaita