Sixty farmers from Mhondoro-Ngezi and Chegutu have graduated from the Zimplats-Gwebi farmer training programme, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 200 since the initiative was launched in 2022.
The week-long residential course, run by Gwebi Agricultural College in partnership with Agritex and the Ministry of Agriculture, forms part of Zimplats’ community investment programme focused on skills development, education, enterprise growth and rural livelihoods.
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Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Zimplats head of corporate affairs Hama Saburi said the programme was designed to equip farmers with practical skills to improve productivity and strengthen household incomes.
“Empowering communities begins with investing in people,” Saburi said.
Graduates received training in modern farming techniques, crop and livestock production, agribusiness management and sustainable agricultural practices.
“These are not merely theoretical concepts. They are tools that graduates will apply in their fields, households and enterprises to improve livelihoods and shape the future of their communities,” he said.
Saburi urged the graduates to share the knowledge gained with other farmers to extend the programme’s impact beyond the 200 direct beneficiaries.
He also commended Gwebi Agricultural College, Agritex, local leaders and government stakeholders for supporting the initiative.
“The programme demonstrates what can be achieved when communities, educational institutions and the private sector work together towards a common goal,” Saburi said.-newsday
