‘Innovation key in Agric industry’— Minister Modi

FARMERS in peri-urban agricultural lands have to apply innovative marketing strategies and turn their enterprise into sustainable businesses.

Speaking at the inaugural Bulawayo Farmers Market Expo held in the city yesterday, Industry and Commerce Deputy Minister Raj Modi said there was a great need for farmers who are nearer to urban markets to start cultivating a culture of instilling innovative ideas to maintain business relevance. The Bulawayo Farmers Market Expo is a farmers’ interactive platform with the urban consumer.

The Expo, which is a first for the city was also aimed at boosting urban farmers on consumer demand and strategies of improving the farming sector. Farmer-consumer interactions are not popular in the country and events such as the Bulawayo Farmers Market Expo are seen as a gateway to elevate relations within the agriculture value chain.

Deputy Minister Modi said platforms like these were a vehicle for farmers to blend in with farm produce buyers as this will aid to how they can best serve the market.

“Initiatives like these are crucial in as far as placing the farmer closer to the consumer. But, I have to stress that our peri-urban farmers have to be innovative also they must price their produce for affordability,” he said.

He said farming is a business venture that has to be taken seriously, of which farmers must be at the forefront of building an industry that contributes to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Over 20 farmers took part in the Expo, displaying various farm produce. Of note was the presence of farmers who do agrobased projects within the city.

Emerging farmer, Mr Bongani Ndlovu of BC Poultry and Agro products said there was no better event than to be closer to the consumer.

“As a farmer I would say this is a big initiative. Largely, we spend time at the farm but to really meet our customers, the end user of our produce means a lot. More of such marketing platforms are needed. They boost farmers’ drive to feed the country and above all improve the way we do business,” said Mr Ndlovu.

Bulawayo Farmers Market Expo chief organiser Ms Yolanda Banda said the exhibition will be spread across other areas in the city.