Lobby govt for reform

“I know that you are thinking that in spite of the investment possibilities identified, the sector is faced with too many problems: inadequate infrastructure, low levels of technology, predial larceny, labour problems, insufficient recognition and focus on the sector, lack of crop insurance and risk-mitigating mechanisms

Still, she urged them to use their voices and lobby the Government to pass laws to deal with praedial larceny and to develop health and safety standards in agriculture, speak up for more urgent attention to be paid to the sector and for increased funding towards infrastructural development, road rehabilitation and flood alleviation.

“Use your vast resources to get involved in research and the transfer of technology to modern sector practices,” she said and called on them to partner with the Government to institute crop insurance.

In addition, she said they must try and make training available in innovativeness, entrepreneurship and environmental protection.

“Let your public relations experts develop and implement strategies that will facilitate a change of culture to a greater appreciation of local crops,” she said.

“Get the youth of the nation involved. Sponsor school projects pertinent to the sector,” she advised.