From Vision to Reality: Agriculture Transformation at the Heart of ZITF Display

By Ilyana Sithole

Bulawayo – The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) 2025 has turned into a kaleidoscope of the country’s advancement in nearly every sector, and the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development stand is an eye-catcher. Headed by Honourable Minister Dr. Anxious Jongwe Masuka, and attended by Deputy Minister Honourable Vangelis Haritatos as well as Permanent Secretary Professor Dr. Obert Jiri, the Ministry is promoting Zimbabwe’s agric revolution through the emerging technologies and methodologies leading the charge.

With the vision of “A Prosperous, Inclusive, Diverse, Sustainable and Competitive Agriculture Sector by 2030” and the existing mission “To facilitate the Growth of a Modern, Sustainable and Viable Climate-Smart Agriculture Sector by 2025,” the Ministry’s representation graphically illustrates the concrete steps being taken towards realizing these ambitious targets. The basis of this transformation is the Agriculture, Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy (AFSRTS), a six-point world strategy to revolutionize the agriculture sector.

During the stroll around the Ministry stall, Minister Dr. Masuka articulated beautifully how “agriculture, food systems and rural transformation strategy, modernisation and technology are key enablers for the transformation of the agricultural sector.” He had very tangible examples of innovation already having a considerable effect on the ground.

One is the increasing use of drone technology. The drones, according to Dr. Masuka, are now the “first line of defence” against infestation by the quelea bird, which used to devastate crops. Aside from pest control, he outlined diversification of applications for drones to enable accurate application of pesticides and fertilizers, with the result being better utilization of resources and less environmental strain.

Mechanization at all levels is another important aspect of the Ministry’s plan. Dr. Masuka also took pride in demonstrating pilot testing of a smaller, 14-15 horsepower tractor that was intended to complement the Pfumvudza/Intwasa conservation agriculture programme at the village level. This is for the empowerment of the business units in villages so that they are able to further invest in such machinery and further mechanize their activities. “Now that the business unit of the village is commercially oriented, the village can now start borrowing a $7,000 tractor so that the village will be in a position to mechanise pfumvudza,” he said.

Speaking on the ongoing threat posed by Fall Armyworm, Minister Masuka cited the expanded use of knapsack sprayers. However, what the Ministry envisions is more than what currently exists. “We want technology that will replace the ore that is consuming herbicide. We want technology that will replace the plough – that little tractor,” he reiterated, affirming the commitment to more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices.

The initiatives of the Ministry are soundly based on the spread of climate-smart and sustainable agriculture and reducing the environmental impact of agriculture. Adoption of precision farming techniques with drones, low-pressure mechanization, and research for new alternatives to traditional herbicides as well as plowing is a move towards making agriculture more resilient and green. Following the principles of climate-smart agriculture, the Ministry seeks to build a responsive and environmentally friendly farm sector.

The unequivocal message from the Ministry’s stand at ZITF 2025 is one of hope and progress, spearheaded by Minister Masuka’s vision. The strategic implementation of the AFSRTS and the adoption of modernisation and technology is taking Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector on a clear path to higher productivity, higher sustainability, and ultimately food security for everyone. This resolve is apparent in their steadfast slogan: Food Security: Everywhere, Everyday.