By Flata Kavinga
The Midlands Provincial Director for Agriculture Advisory and Rural Development Services (AARDS), Busiso Mavankeni, has called on farmers to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices to boost productivity and safeguard food security.
Speaking to journalists in Kwekwe today on the sidelines of the Kwekwe District Agricultural Show, Mavankeni said the province was facing growing challenges from erratic rainfall patterns, pests, and soil degradation.
She urged farmers to adopt measures such as conservation agriculture, crop diversification, and the use of drought-tolerant seed varieties.
“Our farmers must be proactive in adapting to changing climatic conditions. If we do not change the way we farm, our yields will continue to suffer,” Mavankeni said.
She noted that AARDS was working with local farmer groups, agricultural colleges, and development partners to provide training, extension services, and access to improved seed and livestock breeds.
The Midlands Provincial director also commended the Kwekwe District Agricultural Show for creating a platform where farmers, agribusinesses, and other stakeholders could exchange knowledge and showcase innovations.
“This show is more than an exhibition. It is a hub for information sharing and networking, which is key to transforming our agricultural sector,” Mavankeni said.
The Kwekwe District Agricultural Show, which began on Thursday, featured exhibitions in crop production, livestock, agro-processing, and farm equipment.
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the Midlands Province economy, with maize, sorghum, groundnuts, and livestock production being the dominant activities.
