Rusape woman scoops farming award

COMMUNAL farmers in Manicaland must take part in agricultural shows where vital information is shared with other established farmers, a Government official has said.

This was said by Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs Dr Ellen Gwaradzimba, who was represented by director in her office Mr Terrence Machocho, at the handover ceremony of a planter and a maize sheller won by communal farmer Mrs Pauline Kumwara, of Ward 35, Chiendambuya, in Makoni North.

Mrs Kumwara came second at the Harare Agricultural show and won a planter valued at US$25 000.

The prize was sponsored by mining giant ZIMPLATS while the sheller was sponsored by Seedco.

“It is important for farmers to participate at these shows to learn about crop and livestock management practices from each other and to network. These shows provide a learning and opportunities platform as they bring together stakeholders in the agricultural value chain from seed houses, chemical and fertiliser suppliers and equipment providers to financial institutions and marketing organisations.

“Participation at agricultural shows is not for a few select, but for everyone. I urge farmers to take advantage of this important platform provided by the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show society and Manicaland Agricultural Society.

“Mrs Kumwara has done the province proud by scooping the second prize in the agri-produce section of the Harare Agricultural Show. There were over 300 farmers from all over the country who participated and emerging second is indeed an achievement worth celebrating as a farmer and as a province,” said Dr Gwaradzimba.