eBusiness Weekly
Elita Chikwati
HARARE – Government and the Commercial Farmers Union have made a commitment to work together to boost agriculture production and productivity and improve the livelihoods of Zimbabweans.
This came out at the CFU’s 75th annual congress which was held at Art Farm in Harare.
The function was attended by senior Government officials, farmers, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from farmers unions and other stakeholders from the private sector.
The CFU was once opposed to the land reform but is now prepared to work with Government and offer advice and skills to the new farmers.
Speaking at the congress, CFU president Peter Steyl said the community were willing to work towards an organised agriculture sector.
“The past 18 years turned the tide and the members emerged a different group more aware of the painful reality that has divided the country, more aware of the real need to take stock and focus not so much on ourselves but on the good of the country.
“We have lost and learned and become Zimbabwean in the process. Those ties that once made our fore-fathers settlers are long gone. The ties that bind us now are those of the birth of the Second Republic and we stand ready to work hard in organised agriculture to restore and extend productivity to the country’s farmland and to engage with Government in finding solutions to the outstanding issues of compensation and to support its effort as to bring the necessary skills, capital and investment onto the land so as to improve the livelihoods of many in the nation,” he said.
He said although some of the CFU members lost their land they had bought after independence they were willing to be part of the new Zimbabwe.
“None the less we want to be part of the new Zimbabwe and we want to assist in a process that creates space for all who want to be involved in agriculture and that simultaneously sees all resettled farmers transition from being dependent on the State to being the pillars of the country’s recovery through a transfer of skills and the necessary components of secure land access that attracts long term investment.
“We do not wish to dictate to Government how we feel that should be done. Rather we would prefer to work together without fear or favour as Zimbabweans intent on building a better future in a transparent accountable and competitive environment,” he said.
Mr Steyl expressed hope that with the young and inclusive membership, the experience of the old and the advantages of new innovations, technology and creative ideas the members could be part of the Second Republic’s ascendency to the regional and global stature the country deserved.
He called upon the international community to assist Zimbabwe to help become a hub of business and a full member of the global community again.
“To Britain in particular we say: “help us restore our special relationship and our re-admittance as a member of the commonwealth and to business partners we say: let’s make Zimbabwe great,” he said.
In a speech read on his behalf by director for Agriculture Education and Farmer Training, Mr Moffatt Nyamangara, Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate,and Rural Resettlement Minister Perrance Shiri assured CFU members that Government was committed to creating conditions to boost the agriculture industry.
“Our Government is firmly committed to a process of the need for corrective measures to deal with the consequences of the past injustices. But it is equally important that new injustices are not created or production capacity disrupted.
“Our policy acknowledges the property rights of existing land owners. It also recognises the legitimate demand for justice from those who have been disposed or excluded. In addressing these matters, organised agriculture should seek to be part of the process of change with the aim of sharing in the creation of a more just dispensation,” he said.
Minister Shiri commended CFU for their efforts to ensure organised agriculture, engaging Government in finding solutions to bring investments and improve lives of people.
“I am convinced that the existence of a body of this nature which brings cohesion and direction to farmers for the smooth and efficient conduct of their business in an organised manner, will positively contribute towards the growth of the sector.
“I assure you that Government regards a healthy agriculture sector as indispensable for the continued welfare of Zimbabwe. We will continue to recognise as a critical played in this regard. Government will ensure that your union is full consulted,” he said.
