‘Give Command Soyabeans farmers technical support’

An  expert in soyabean production, processing and marketing has called for urgent technical support to farmers who have been contracted under the Command Soyabeans programme in order to realise food security, sustainable agricultural production and the whole indigenisation and empowerment agenda.

Soyabean Promotion Taskforce coordinator and University of Zimbabwe soil scientist Professor Sheunesu Mpepereki said the provision of inputs, chemicals and seeds for selected farmers under Command Soyabeans is a major milestone towards a new agricultural revolution which requires technical advice to complete the matrix.

“We are excited that Government has decided to increase support towards soyabeans, realising that the crop has multiple benefits for domestic and export markets,” he said. “Government and companies have come on board to support farmers with inputs. However, most of the farmers are new to the crop and they need technical advisory in order to be effective.

“It is imperative that Government also invests in capacitating agricultural extension officers since this is a former whites-dominated minority crop.

“While fungicides and herbicides will be provided, farmers need training on the exact administration of these chemicals since they are new.

“Losses should be avoided at all times in the production cycles and I have realised that most farmers cannot interpret the instructions on the use of chemicals.”

Prof Mpepereki said there was need to increase farm mechanisation support towards soyabean farmers since the crop is highly vulnerable to losses if it is not harvested in due time.

The Midlands Province has 187 farmers contracted for soyabeans.

“Government needs to urgently look at increasing combine harvesters, planters and boom sprayers for application of herbicides and fungicides,” he said.

Prof Mpepereki applauded President Mnangagwa for allocating one percent of the gross domestic product towards research, adding that there are opportunities for research in the soyabean value chain.

“This shows the country is on a developmental pedestal since research always informs the development path of the nation,” he said. “Universities and research institutions can research on the soyabean value chain.”

Boosting soyabeans production is a noble move as the crop is a popular substitute for protein, a major component in stockfeed and a perfect rotation crop.