BY NDUMISO TSHUMA
In a proactive move to empower farmers and revive agriculture in Matabeleland, various organisations, including the Matabeleland Development Initiative (MDI), have come together to offer free training services aimed at enhancing farming practices and promoting agricultural growth in the region.
Speaking at the MDI event launched today, Gift Mutetwa, a board member of MDI, emphasised the importance of forming a comprehensive farmers’ network to facilitate knowledge-sharing and collaboration. She highlighted that the primary objective is to equip farmers with the necessary skills and resources to contribute to the region’s agricultural productivity.
“We aim to put Matabeleland back on the map as the breadbasket of Africa by encouraging farmers to network and access valuable information and training opportunities,” said Mutetwa. “We are offering free training services to help Zimbabwe become the breadbasket again and to ensure farmers do not feel isolated.”
Mutetwa also underscored the organisation’s commitment to developing Matabeleland through initiatives focused on education, health, business, and agriculture.
Sibonokuhle Khumalo, the head coordinator and spokesperson of the event, stated that MDI is currently offering free training services in fish farming, focusing on Bream, Trout, and Kapenta fish. This initiative aims to promote sustainable fish farming practices among farmers, providing them with the tools and knowledge to thrive in this growing industry.
“Currently, we specialize in training for Bream, Trout, and Kapenta fish farming. Some farmers have created fishponds to help them make a living. It is a growing industry, slowly gaining popularity,” said Khumalo.
Additionally, Khumalo, a poultry farmer, is offering free training sessions on poultry farming to assist farmers in expanding their agricultural activities and maximising their economic potential through poultry production.
“I also offer free training services for poultry farming to help farmers increase their activities and reach their economic potential,” said Khumalo.
Pretty Matiwaza, head trainer for Hamara, outlined training schedules covering various aspects of farming, including broilers, Sasol chickens, horticulture, and the utilisation of the Hamara app. All training sessions are offered free of charge, emphasizing the organisation’s commitment to empowering farmers with essential skills and knowledge.
“Hamara will be offering free training services every day. Each day covers a different aspect of farming, from broilers and Sasol chickens to horticulture and using the Hamara app,” said Matiwaza.
Prince Mazibuka, the sales and marketing director for Upwise Farming, stated that they offer free personalized training services to promote smart agricultural practices.
“Upwise Farming not only supplies farmers with reliable products but also provides free on-farm training to help increase productivity,” said Mazibuka.
Mutetwa urged farmers to embrace value addition techniques, explore value chains and contracts, and actively engage with farming groups and educational events to enhance their practices and contribute to Matabeleland’s agricultural prosperity.
“Farmers must prioritise the value addition of their products and learn about value chains and contracts. Let’s participate in farming groups and educational events to grow Matabeleland’s farming sector,” said Mutetwa.
