Africa Press-Nigeria
FARMERS have been urged to diversify their operations and create multiple revenue streams by growing various horticultural products.
With most farming ventures collapsing due to lack of diversification, a call has been made for farmers to venture into horticulture and spread risk in the face of changing market conditions.
Speaking during a field day for existing and prospective horticultural farmers in Harare this Tuesday, Zimbabwe Farmers Union Executive Director, Dr Paul Zakariya highlighted the risks associated with lack of diversity.
“It is not going to be the same for tobacco farmers because countries are seeing a decrease in consumption due to serious and sustained campaign against smoking. This is just one example where farmers should diversify their operations to create sustainable businesses,” he said.
Several farmers who graced the field day welcomed the expert advice.
“ I have learnt a lot in that as farmers we need to establish other cash crops which bring in easy money. I have acquired skills in growing cucumbers,tomatoes and chilli and I will pursue growing these crops,” they said.
Organisers of the field day, Agrostan Farmtech noted the importance of the programme in boosting productivity.
“Our role as Agrostain is to monitor up and coming farming business and educate them in enterprise management. This field day seeks to educate and train farmers to pursue horticulture projects because they are lucrative,” he said.
It emerged from the discussions that investment in farming should not be taken as an easy task but is like any other business which requires careful planning, financial control and management, market research and adoption of modern business practices.
