AT least 200 Government officials have received training at the China-Aid Agricultural Technology Demonstration Centre at Gwebi Agricultural College.
The centre was established to help improve agricultural operations in the country.
While Zimbabwe has vast mineral resources, agriculture has always been the bedrock of the economy.
At its peak, the agricultural sector contributed 60 percent of raw materials used in industry.
As the country works towards improving the economy, agriculture remains a component critical to sustainable economic development.
And following China’s 2006 pledge at the Sino-Africa Summit in Beijing to establish agricultural demonstration centres in Africa, the China-Aid Agricultural Technology Demonstration Centre was constructed.
The purpose of the centre is to help the country improve agricultural production and enhance food security through use of advanced agricultural technology and modern agricultural machinery in the production of high yielding and superior food crops.
The centre is envisaged to become the country’s hub of high-tech agricultural experimental study and demonstration, technical training and sustainable development.
Since its launch in 2012, more than 200 Government officials drawn from the Ministry of Agriculture and AGRITEX have undergone skills development training programmes.
Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Ministry’s director of farmer-training, Moffat Nyamangara said the training programmes were part of the centre’s mandate of knowledge transfer from Chinese experts to locals.
“To date, more than 200 officers have received advanced training on crop production, irrigation, mechanisation and water management, among other aspects of the agriculture sector,” he said.
“Those trained include engineers and extension officers, among others.
“The trained officials interact with farmers all year round, so upon completion, they in turn hold training programmes for farmers and other interested players.”
China, the second largest economy in the world, has experienced phenomenal growth in all sectors.
The Asian giant, employing high-tech, has created vineyards similar to, if not better than, those found in countries like France.
“For the extension officers they also use the expertise gathered during the training programmes to advice farmers on best farming methods and the latest techniques being employed in the sector,” said Nyamangara.
Plans, said Nyamangara, were also in place for the demonstration centre to train middle and small-scale farmers, farm managers, agricultural specialists and agro-students, among others.
“At the moment, the bulk of those trained are drawn from Government but farmers are also welcome to take part in the training programmes,” he said.
“The farmers do not have to pay anything, but they just have to match up to the requirements of the various courses available.
“Farmers can seek advice on the use of advanced machinery at the centre where they can walk in and the experts stationed there would explain the advantages and uses.”
Nyamangara said experts from the centre were also working closely with the agricultural training institutions run by Government.
Other training institutions include Chibero, Rio Tinto, Shamva, Mlezu, Esigodini and Mazowe.
The Chinese entered into a partnership with Gwebi College which has vast land which is being used to demonstrate advanced techniques of crop production.
“Their production levels per hectare are impressive and under the partnership, students at Gwebi College will get the opportunity to learn how these levels can be achieved,” he said.
“The students will also have access to the centre’s training facilities, modern laboratories and benefit from the proceeds of the sale of the crops produced.”
Nyamangara said one of the thrusts of the centre was to improve yield through high-yielding production technology.
The country’s average maize yield per hectare averages about one and half tonnes as compared to the internationally accepted average of at least seven tonnes per hectare.
“The programme for commercial farming is always there,” he said.
The progress at the demonstration centre vindicates Government for adopting the Look East Policy and engaging China as one of its major investment partners.
“The centre is evidence of Government’s commitment in developing resettled farmers and improving yields,” Nyamangara said.
Since reclaiming the land from the white minority, efforts continue to be made to produce enough grain to meet annual requirements and increase production of cash crops.
However, the efforts are being hampered by climate change and lack of resources.
The country, due to crippling sanctions that have closed sources of financing, has also lagged behind in terms of latest production technologies that include equipment.
In the past, Government initiated programmes such as the Irrigation Development and Rehabilitation Scheme, Farm Mechanisation Programme and Presidential Well Wishers’ Special Agricultural Inputs Scheme to assist farmers.
Adequate support in the form of knowledge and new techniques is also essential.
Harsh critics have labelled resettled farmers ‘cry babies’ who are always looking for hand-outs from Government and are not able to sustain themselves.
But what they need most is knowledge and techniques on how to effectively improve agricultural activities.