The Sunday News
Thandeka Matebesi, Business reporter
THE Department of Agricultural Technical and Extension Services has urged farmers to develop a business approach to farming so as to maximise crop and livestock production.
Agritex Matabeleland North provincial crop and livestock production officer Mr Dumisani Nyoni said in an interview there was a need for farmers to seek information and services of extension officers to avert risks resulting from disasters.
“Farmers need to have business approach to farming so as to maximise production. They should be proactive in seeking advice and information, that is why we always encourage them to be part of associations where they will be able to share experiences and exchange ideas which helps broaden their knowledge base. Most importantly, we urge them to always approach extension officers so that they can get assistance on farming issues,” said Mr Nyoni.
He said disaster risk reduction was still a cause for concern among many farmers as some were reluctant to seek assistance from relevant authorities.
“We are doing our level best to help farmers so that they concentrate on their business of farming and improve production, however, disaster risk reduction is still a cause for concern among farmers as some are still doing things the subsistence way. A farmer should be able to reflect on past challenges and seek help, a farmer cannot afford to sit and not do anything after subsequent loss of livestock. A disaster such as losing crops or livestock to pests and diseases should motivate a farmer to seek the services of a professional but that is not what is happening,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Nyoni said one factor that was proving to be a problem in the department was the issue of mobility. He said they were also understaffed in terms of extension workers.
“Our work requires us to travel a lot because we work with farmers’ associations and individuals who are normally sparsely distributed.
However, as a result of ever increasing transport costs it has been difficult for extension workers to visit everyone. Currently, our level of mobility is such that out of every 10 extension workers only four have access to transport. Another issue is that we have nine wards that do not have extension workers which places a burden on the few workers that are there.
“The issue of mobility is a problem to the smooth flow of our work as we face challenges in reaching out to the farmers in their different areas of practice. Our resources are limited hence posing as an obstacle to the work that we have to do,” he said.
Mr Nyoni, however, said Agritex was utilising various social media platforms to communicate with farmers.
“We also use social media platforms and we encourage farmers to embrace these new technologies for ease of communication especially in times like these when there are fuel shortages. We also provide literature to farmers,” he said.
@DephnyThandeka
