By Delicious Mathuthu
Harare, Zimbabwe – Addressing the 2nd Agricultural Research and Extension Symposium held from 28 to 30 May 2025, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development (MLAFWRD), Professor Obert Jiri called on Zimbabwe to embrace transformative technologies as a cornerstone of national development under Vision 2030.
Speaking to a packed audience of researchers, development partners, government officials, and farmers, Permanent Secretary Jiri emphasized that agriculture remains the bedrock of Zimbabwe’s economy, contributing over 18% to GDP and employing 60% of the population.
“Our mission is not merely to innovate but to uplift communities, revive our economy, and secure Zimbabwe’s rightful place as Africa’s breadbasket,” he said.
Framing the symposium’s theme, titled: “Transformative Agricultural Technologies Accelerating the Attainment of Vision 2030,” Prof. Jiri said there is urgent need for technological adaptation amid climate-induced droughts, soil degradation and fragmented value chains.
He lauded innovations such as Artificial Intelligence-powered mobile applications like EcoFarmer, developed at the University of Zimbabwe, which enable small-holders to predict weather patterns and diagnose crop diseases.
“In Masvingo, drip irrigation pilots have cut water use by 50% while doubling yields. This is the future we must scale up,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s biotechnology efforts also came under the spotlight with Prof. Jiri praising drought-tolerant ZAP maize hybrids and bio-fortified crops like vitamin A-enriched sweet potatoes and iron-rich beans, which are already transforming communities in Gutu and Chimanimani.
“These breakthroughs combat both hunger and malnutrition, proof that science saves lives,” he said.
With a nod to sustainability, he championed climate-smart technologies including solar-powered micro-irrigation and conservation farming methods such as Pfumvudza.
“Our cereal production is now in excess of 2.9 million tonnes for the 2024–25 season, well above our 2.2 million tonne target. These are the dividends of innovation,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary acknowledged the critical role of extension officers, who now have been equipped with state-of-the-art tablets to bridge the gap between research and rural practice.
He urged the revival of farmer-led innovation hubs, like the model in Mhondoro-Ngezi, to ensure that research is not confined to laboratories but tailored to farmers’ needs.
He also called for stronger public-private partnerships, citing the importance of collaboration with firms like TelOne, Econet, Cottco, and Tongaat Hulett.
“Collaborations bring accelerated innovations, enhanced impact, improved research quality and increased adoption,” he said.
Highlighting structural barriers such as funding constraints and land tenure insecurity, Prof. Jiri stressed the need to leverage diaspora capital and climate finance, such as the $50 million recently approved by the Green Climate Fund.
He also advocated for youth and women’s inclusion, noting that women perform most agrarian labor but own less than 20% of the land.
He also invoked the spirit of national hero Mbuya Nehanda in his address.
“Our ancestors tilled this land with hoes; we now equip farmers with drones and data,” he said.
