Rutendo Mazhindu- Zim Now Reporter
Zimbabwe is showcasing its agricultural advancements at the 21st Konya Agriculture, Mechanisation, and Field Technologies Fair in Turkey, as part of efforts to attract new business partnerships and share its progress in modern farming techniques.
The Konya Fair is one of Turkey's largest agricultural events, bringing together experts, companies, and farmers from across the globe to discuss innovations, share technologies, and address farming challenges.
Zimbabwe’s delegation is being led by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, and Rural Development, Dr. Anxious Masuka, who emphasised the country’s adoption of modern technology and smart farming practices to combat issues such as climate change and food insecurity.
“Climate change, pandemics, economic shocks, and conflicts are major challenges many countries are facing,” said Dr. Masuka. “Smart farming and technological advancements are no longer optional but essential for all farmers.”
Dr. Masuka elaborated on Zimbabwe’s Agriculture, Food Systems, and Rural Transformation Strategy (AFSRTS), launched in 2020, which aims to enhance food production, boost rural economies, and improve diets, particularly in the face of an unpredictable climate.
A major focus of the strategy is increasing land under irrigation. “In 2020, Zimbabwe had 175,000 hectares under irrigation, and our target is to reach 496,000 hectares by 2028. So far, we have achieved 217,000 hectares, marking a 24% increase,” he shared. “This progress is largely due to the construction of more dams and the ‘dam is an economy’ approach, which fast-tracks irrigation projects.”
The government has also worked to improve farm equipment, with the number of tractors increasing by 90% over the past five years, thanks to government initiatives. Additionally, Zimbabwe is promoting water conservation through methods like minimum tillage and ensuring both large and small-scale farmers have the tools they need to increase productivity.
“Zimbabwe is building a strong agricultural foundation to drive rural industrialization,” Dr. Masuka said. “We are leveraging our natural resources, historical knowledge, and the skills of our people to ensure sustainable food production and economic growth.”
The fair is being held in Konya, a key agricultural region in Turkey. This year’s theme is “Improving Agricultural Productivity Under Scarce Water Resources Through South-South and Triangular Cooperation,” which aligns with Zimbabwe’s goals to collaborate and share knowledge with international farming communities.
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