The Sunday Mail
Believe Nyakudjara
Farmers have been urged to practice intensive farming and adopt sustainable agriculture practices to improve crop yields and grow their incomes while preserving soil health for future generations.
Intensive agriculture emphasises on the viable use of less area of land yet still obtaining increased yields while sustainable agriculture entails the adoption of viable methods of farming without compromising the ability of future generations to enjoy the same benefits.
Intensive farming enables farmers to manage their crops better as they will be concentrating on smaller pieces of land, resulting in maximised yields. On the other hand, sustainable agriculture practices such as crop rotation and diversity help to keep pest populations under control while minimising use of chemical pesticides.
Growing of hybrid seed varieties also has a competitive advantage over non-hybrid varieties as the former offers higher-quality fruits or specific growth habits as well as improved disease resistance. Speaking during a free training session hosted at his rural plot in Chegutu recently, Mr Gideon Bingwa urged farmers to employ sustainable farming methods to grow their incomes.
The group of about 100 first-time farmers mainly comprised of widows, single parents and the orphaned.
“Our land does not expand, yet population growth and demand for more food is inevitable. As such, we should embrace sustainable agriculture practices to maximise yields on our small pieces of land while preserving the soils,” he said.
Mr Bingwa, who grows tomatoes in his 20×10 metres low cost makeshift greenhouse at his rural homestead in Mopani resettlement area, advised farmers to shun extensive farming and go for effective land use management to derive maximum benefits.
“It is imperative for us as farmers to make effective use of available land before even thinking of owning farms. Start small and concentrate on crop output per hectare.
“My decision to embark on this small pilot project and grow 800 plants of hybrid tomatoes in my small greenhouse was the turning point in my agribusiness venture. I had never done any serious farming before, except having just a little experience gained from growing up in communal areas.
“I was fortunate to start this project leveraging on support services I received from agronomists and other experienced farmers who advised me to adopt sustainable farming methods from the start.
“I then decided to concentrate my resources on a manageable portion of land and began implementing intensified cropping to keep my operating costs as low as possible. I am satisfied with the high yields, better quality and l am earning more than what I would ordinarily get from a much bigger piece of land.”
Mr Bingwa is growing indeterminate tomatoe types like Alambra and Trinity. They take advantage of the longer growing season inside the greenhouse to produce stronger and consistent quality fruits.
Greenhouse crop production allows for easier implementation of good agronomic practices and reduces production costs. Mr Bingwa uses drip irrigation for the greenhouse project.
