Youth's exuberance; key to agro revitalization

Calls by the youths from Zimbabwe's agricultural colleges to repossess underutilized land has the potential to bring about the vibrancy necessary for  catapulting revitalization of agriculture and agro-processing value chain into action.

It reminds me of my high school days at a mission school in Murehwa; where entourages of farmers would drive past the school trailing boats taking time off the hectic farming season. Farming must be time taxing, one would imagine and above all very profitable.

Topping His Excellence President Mugabe's 10 point plan for economic growth is the revitalizing of agriculture and agro-processing value chain. Spurred by the prioritizing of this economic back bone, I could not help but take time to re-visit history and think of this profession of producing food for the nation.

Farming has never been a hobby and as such President Mugabe's call to revitalize this profession should come with restoration of productivity and sanity given that most economic solutions lie with this critical sector. Critical are agricultural activities which demand meticulous monitoring and constant evaluation for meaningful contribution to the national fiscus to be realized from it.

Timeously, the youths with vast farming knowledge and practical experience are yelling for a piece of land to showcase what they know best as far as agriculture is concerned. Matching the zest I had upon seeing the farmers' entourage back at school, it doesn't take Zimbabwe an astronaut to tell the nation these youngsters will deliver above expectations when given the necessary support.

This ropes in the technical expertise and professionalism that has been lacking in the sector for full throttle production. It is also high time the five year reviews of productivity and $10 per hectare charges be adhered to systematically so that accountability and commitment can be fostered on the farms.

Those found wanting should be punished for prejudicing the state of revenue and people's livelihood. This way sanity would be restored and deterrent measures for those who would want to hold on to the farms for speculative purposes will think twice.

Racking in the ongoing labour disputes, land issues can ease the tension if strategically approached.  As the government struggles to cut the wage bill, l shall submit my proposal which I believe has the potential to bear fruits. Having dubbed farming a profession, why not take it as employment?

Someone is already thinking that this has always been the case dear. Let me hasten to say, whoever has an A2 or a bigger piece of land should be considered employed and resume full time farming undisturbed anyhow. Divided attention, resources and absenteeism pose a fragmented front incapable of yielding substantial results.

The economy as it stands cannot afford to have double employment hence the revitalization of agriculture requires specific individuals charged with the sole responsibility of producing for the nation. Double employment and ghost workers are Siamese twins thereby suggestive to carry out an inclusive Public Service Commission and land audit.

Given this possible new look at agriculture it will mean redefining this critical industry. Under such circumstances both civil servants and even those in the private sector should be given a chance to choose between keeping their jobs or take to the fields.

Those who have surpassed the age of retirement should be left with no option but jump the boat and invest their retirement packages in the fields. This is not to say farming becomes the dumping site for retired members of the civil service. Rather they can hire services of the aforementioned youths willing to work out the land.

Basically, industrialization of the agricultural sector can turn around the fortunes of Zimbabwe's economy, by providing jobs to the youths, restore bread basket status and ease the wage bill among other un-mentioned benefits.

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Honest Mashoko <honestmashoko2015@gmail.com