Manicaland Bureau
YOUNG people should be actively involved in farming activities for progression and sustainability of agriculture in the country.

Farming knowledge and methods should also be passed from generation to generation for sustainability of agricultural activities in the country.

This was said by Mutare district agronomist, Mr Pasipanodya Chiturike during his opening remarks at a field day held on Thursday at Chief Marange’s homestead in Marange.

Mr Chiturike said villagers and farmers should also take heed of extension officers’ advice for better harvests.

“Young people should involve themselves in farming activities, as this will help in the continuity of agricultural activities since generations come and pass,” he said.

Mr Chiturike urged farmers and villagers to grow a variety of crops, which were also relevant to their respective natural regions.

He said those in regions with erratic rainfall should plant short seasoned varieties.

“They are also supposed to apply adequate volumes of manure to increase soil fertility, which will at the end, boost crop yields,” he said.

“Farmers should also take advantage of water harvesting techniques like tied contours. I also urge farmers to practise winter ploughing, as it also boosts crop production.”

Pioneer Seed Company’s Manicaland sales representative, Mr Takawira Mwadi urged farmers and villagers in areas with erratic rainfall to grow drought tolerant crops.

“These crops are also resistant to diseases,” he said.

Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC), which provided tractors that ploughed at Chief Marange’s fields, promised to continue assisting the Marange community in various projects.

ZCDC head of public relations and community development, Mr Sugar Chagonda said his company had bought three tractors to assist in agricultural activities in Marange community.

“We started mining here some two years ago, but realised that we should do programmes that help develop the community,” he said. “We found it befitting to enhance food security in the country and as such we bought three tractors and trailers to assist in agriculture programmes.”

Mr Chagonda said ZCDC was planning to assist the communities with farming inputs and other livestock projects.

Mutare Rural District Administrator Mr Wilson Bore applauded Chief Marange for leading by example, saying other leaders should take a leaf from him.

“I am happy that he managed to outclass other farmers despite his age,” he said. ‘Young people should take a leaf from him.”

Chief Marange thanked ZCDC for the various developmental works that they were undertaking in his area.

He thanked ZCDC for the projects they were undertaking in his community.

Chief Marange Mutare North Member of Parliament, Batsirai Pemhenayi, for supporting the event.