VP Mujuru

Elita Chikwati Agriculture Reporter
The agriculture sector has the potential to change the national economy as well as improve livelihoods of people, Vice President Joice Mujuru has said. Speaking after touring some stands at the Exhibition Park yesterday, VP Mujuru said she was excited by the vast potential in the tobacco and livestock sectors. “I am excited and impressed by what I have seen, especially in the livestock and tobacco sectors.

‘‘I have learnt a lot of things. I have realised that a lot has been done in those sectors and our farmers are aware that they can sell their wares and improve their livelihoods,” she said.

VP Mujuru said the show theme “Sustaining and Transforming Agricultural Growth, was appropriate for the event considering the economic blueprint (Zim-Asset), which sought to improve livelihoods of people.

“Zim-Asset addresses issues of food security emphasising on the production of food crops such as maize,” she said.
VP Mujuru also toured the Home Industry Hall where she expressed satisfaction with products on display made by women in the small to medium enterprises sector.
She also visited the Tobacco Research Board where she was taken through the tobacco production chain and a soil sampling model used by farmers when collecting samples for testing.

VP Mujuru urged extension officers to go into farming areas and train farmers rather than wait for the shows.
TRB research officer, Ms Rutendo Nyabadza said the institution carried out free trainings to farmers with the sessions based on the tobacco calendar.
VP Mujuru also took an interest on the leather shoes that were displayed by Marelli Factory Shop.

The company produces leather shoes and exports to South Africa.
VP Mujuru also toured PSMAS and the agricultural produce stands.