Victor Maphosa Mash East Correspondent
Members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) have been commended for contributing to the country’s food security through participating in Government’s Command Agriculture programme.

At a field day hosted by 2 Infantry Brigade at Gabriel Farm in Marondera district recently, Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Cde David Musabayana – in a speech read on his behalf by director in his office, Mr Muchemwa Mugwisi – applauded the army for using its land productively.

“At his inauguration on November 24, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde E. D. Mnangagwa, emphasised the need to hit the ground running and no longer do business as usual. He said beneficiaries of the land reform programme must show their deservedness by demonstrating commitment to using the land available to them for national food security,” said Min Musabayana.

“You have answered to that call and the performance at this institution is quite commendable. It is evident enough that institutions are capable of excelling in the farming business,” he said.

He lauded 2 Infantry Brigade for being the best farming institution in Marondera district and urged other institutions and farmers to use sustainable methods of farming in order to increase production.

Most notably, the maize crop at Gabriel Farm was not irrigated.

“The 2017-2018 agricultural season was characterised by long dry spells and long wet spells as well. However, the quality of the maize on this farm is quite good despite the poor rainfall distribution.

“I want to encourage other farmers to use sustainable methods of agricultural practices in order to increase maize yields; one way is proper soil fertility management and also proper use of herbicides because it is important for crops to grow without competition for nutrients and water,” he said.

He said there is need for Gabriel Farm to be well mechanised so that land preparation would be done timeously and effectively.

In a speech read on his behalf by deputy commander 2 Brigade Colonel Zitterson Gideon Sabeka, Commander 2 Brigade Brigadier-General Fidelis Mhonda thanked Government for including the institution in the Command Agriculture programme.

“In September 2016, my brigade was selected to register with Command Agriculture to complement the Zim-Asset cluster on food and security, which was launched in 2016. The Command Agriculture allocated this formation with all the inputs and consistently monitored the crops at all stages.

“However, development of the crops was strained due to the erratic rainfalls experienced during the early stages of the cropping season. This greatly affected the growth of the crops, but was later alleviated by the increase of the rainfall as the rainy season progressed,” Brig-Gen Mhonda said.

He implored Government to source irrigation equipment for the farm.

“The irrigation system within the farm needs to be completely re-evaluated so that the farm can produce more and more on food security throughout the year and if funds permit, there is need for a centre pivot,” he said.

Brig-Gen Mhonda also thanked a local farmer, Mr Nigel Berry, for assisting during the tillage and planting stage, as he provided tractors, a disk harrow and planter.

Other farmers also assisted as well.

According to Brig-Gen Mhonda, the brigade intends to venture into horticulture and livestock production.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) also took part in Command Agriculture in Marondera district.