GOVERNMENT has called on universities to lead research on adopting smart technologies in the agricultural sector in the face of climate change to beat recurring droughts.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development permanent secretary Obert Jiri emphasised the need for a paradigm shift from traditional agricultural practices to modern ways of using technology in the sector.
“The effective deployment of modern and smart technologies is non-negotiable if we are to revolutionise our agricultural sector,” Jiri said during a lecture at the Midlands State University (MSU) in Gweru.
“We must leverage on ICTs to transform extension services, adopt automated irrigation and implement smart greenhouses and fertigation systems.
“Universities must lead this charge ensuring research transcends academia and reaches the farmer’s field.”
Jiri urged MSU to spearhead smart irrigation technologies, innovations in drought-resistant crops and sustainable agribusiness models to fortify the country’s food systems against climate disasters.
MSU acting vice-chancellor and pro-vice-chancellor for infrastructure and campus development, Gift Manyatera, said the ministry should exploit MSU’s expertise in developing human capital for resilient agricultural systems.
“As Midlands State University, we stand ready and capable of cultivating the talent needed to drive sustainable agriculture,” Manyatera, who was speaking on behalf of vice-chancellor Victor Muzvidziwa, said.
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“To deepen this mission, we invite the ministry to collaborate with us in establishing two pivotal initiatives, a climate change research desk to pioneer adaptive strategies for Zimbabwe’s farmers and a rice breeding and value chain development desk to bolster food security and agro-industrial growth.”
The public lecture was held as part of MSU’s 25th anniversary celebrations under the theme From Fields to Future: Catalysing Human Capital, Innovation and Community-Led Research for Climate-Resilient Agricultural Systems in Zimbabwe — A Blueprint for Industrialisation and Food Sovereignty.
