Zim-Belarus cement agricultural ties

Harare- THE visiting Belarus delegation capped its tour of duty by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) to further cement agricultural cooperation between the two countries.

Zimbabwe’s economic diplomacy through the engagement and re-engagement thrust has benefitted the country’s agricultural sector which is the backbone of the economy.

This has seen Zimbabwe engaging countries like Belarus to mechanise the agriculture sector.

A Belarussian delegation which was in the country for the past week took time this Friday to appreciate Zimbabwe’s agriculture value chain by visiting the veterinary and biochemistry laboratories under the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.

The need to create sustainable agriculture synergies saw the delegation visiting the Agricultural Rural Development Authority (ARDA) to appreciate and strengthen the enhanced irrigation thrust which is being undertaken by the organisation to achieve food self-sufficiency.

“I am impressed by what ARDA is doing countrywide and as a key partner in the agriculture industry we stand ready to give support, especially on the mechanisation side to drive higher output levels which are key in supporting economic development,” said Belarus Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Mr Vaidzim Shaigoiko.

ARDA CEO Mr Tinotenda Mhiko expressed satisfaction with the partnership with Belarus, saying boundless opportunities lie ahead.

“As an institution, we had the land that was not being utilised and through these partnerships, we have managed to turn the tide within the agricultural industry and production in wheat, tobacco and grain is a clear testimony of what these engagements bring to Zimbabwe,” he said.

The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Belarusian companies and state entities ARDA and GMB was described as a key milestone that will enhance agricultural cooperation between the two countries.

This marks the expansion of deeper economic cooperation between our nations and we are going to make sure that we will follow up on all areas of mutual interest, especially on dairy and meat processing such that progress is quickly realised,” said the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Honourable Anxious Masuka.

The Second Republic’s economic diplomacy thrust continues to bear economic fruit as the country journeys towards an upper-middle -income society by 2030.

Source: ZBC