Young farmers ready to steer agric industry
THE country’s dream of achieving a US$13,75 billion agriculture industry by 2025 is possible with young farmers taking charge in the provision and mobilisation of resources, linkages for skills development, education and training for sustainable production and profitability.
This was said by Federation of Young Farmers Clubs in Zimbabwe (FYFCZ) president Mr Tinashe Ben Muchedzi at the recently held FYFCZ pacesetters annual dinner in Harare.
“As is with most entities, reflection and review is custom in monitoring progress and growth within, while also offering guidance and corrective measures for future implementation.
“Of note, our members contributed a whopping 22 percent to the national maize output. This was made possible through the support of Government programmes such as National Enhanced Agriculture Productivity Scheme (NEAPS) coupled with input from private contracting companies,” the FYFCZ president said.
Mr Muchedzi expressed optimism the trend would continue and spread to all categories within the agriculture value chain.
Reflecting on the year 2023, the FYFCZ president said the foregoing 12 months kicked off with the announcement of a new executive committee with representatives across all the farming activities being thrust into these positions. One of the major highlights of the year was the increase in the number of women being rewarded for their efforts.
“The road ahead proved to be challenging as the team grasped responsibilities and ideologies to spur the federation’s strategic vision going forward. None the less, the organisation picked up steam on the back of successful production systems on their various enterprises,” said Mr Muchedzi.
FYFCZ’s vision is supported by ideal values of transparency, competitiveness, effective communication, perse- verance, passion and inclusivity. Mr Muchedzi said without networking and partnerships with various stakeholders the farming journey would be more difficult especially with the forecast El Nino weather pattern.
“I urge farmers to be vigilant in safeguarding their businesses against the adverse effects of El Nino. The federation rallies behind the Ministry’s mantra of adaptation, mitigation and action (AMA).
“This speaks to practices of conservation farming, water harvesting, improved irrigation efficiencies through the installation of drip systems, use of drought-resistant varieties, adoption of small grains, herd classifications resulting in culling or destocking among others.
“As young farmers, we each have a significant role to play in pioneering climate-smart solutions from commercial production levels right down to smallholder and rural production areas,” said Mr Muchedzi.
He added: “The year 2024 holds an exciting opportunity for young people and the farming community at large. The new year will also see the launch of the young farmers ‘hub and spoke model’ culminating in the profiling of 25 farmers from the different categories.”
FYFCZ was established in 2013 with a vision of inspiring one million youths towards establishing a sustainable and vibrant multi-billion-dollar agricul- tural industry by 2025.
This event also saw the launch of the Federations Export Club (FEC), spearheaded by seasoned farmer Mr Angelbert Deketeke.
The club has grown to have over 500 members to date and has seen programmes such as Global GAP certification and contracting being implemented through key partners. The certification process has seen some farmers undertaking preliminary on-farm audits, as they are assessed for export readiness.