Agricultural stakeholders are calling for strengthened collaboration between local farmers and Agritex officers to enhance crop production and safeguard food security in the Sanyati region.
The push for closer technical cooperation comes as farmers face mounting challenges, including climate change, pests, and diseases.
Speaking at a field day held last Thursday at the homestead of Gogo Alice Kwande in Kadoma, Valley Seeds chief agronomist Tinashe Bvukumbwi emphasised that partnerships were essential for achieving higher yields.
The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, Chief Neuso, and local agricultural experts, focused on promoting cooperation to improve regional farming outcomes.
Bvukumbwi said by working together, farmers and officers could significantly improve their crop management strategies.
Successful previous projects have already demonstrated the benefits of Agritex support, particularly through the adoption of improved crop varieties, efficient irrigation techniques, and effective pest management.
"This partnership is critical in ensuring improved crop management, increased yields and ultimately food security," Bvukumbwi told the gathering.
A key focus of the discussion was the need for farmers to select seed varieties specifically adapted to their local agro-ecological regions.
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Bvukumbwi said choosing seeds adapted to local climate and soil conditions greatly improves the chances of better harvests.
In Zimbabwe, these regions are classified from 1 to 5, and aligning seed choice with these specific zones is seen as a vital step toward maximising productivity.
Tichawona Mapongah, commercial director for Valley Seeds, echoed these sentiments, urging farmers to "study their regions" before planting.
He urged them to prioritise the use of early-maturing varieties, which can offer the distinct advantage of allowing for multiple harvests within a single growing season.
Beyond seed selection, agricultural experts are encouraging farmers to utilise Agritex expertise in specialised areas such as soil conservation, crop diversification, and climate-smart agriculture.
The event, sponsored by Valley Seeds—the distributor of Pannar and Pioneer varieties—also celebrated local excellence.
Kwande, the overall winner of the day's competition, expressed her intention to expand her current eight-hectare farm following the recognition.
"I am truly honoured to have won this year’s competition," she said.
The incentives, awarded as seed packages to top five farmers, were designed to promote food security and incentivise higher productivity.
