Agriculture research board - Government has announced a new board for the Agriculture Research Council to spearhead agriculture research including livestock development. The new board will run for three years. Announcing the board at his Ngungunyana offices yesterday, Agriculture Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Minister, Joseph Made said he had confidence that the new board, which had been approved by President Mugabe, had vast experience in the field of agriculture research and would meet farmers' demands.

Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education chief executive, Dr Evelyn Garwe will chair the new board, deputised by Dr John Dube of Lupane University.

The other board members are: Africa University Dean of Agriculture, Mr Albert Chiteka, Lupane State University Director for Centre for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Maximillion Nyathi, University of

Zimbabwe, animal science expert Professor Nobert Ngongoni, University of Zimbabwe veterinarian, Dr Musavengana Tirivapasi, Professor Francis Mugabe of Chinhoyi University of Technology, and Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority chief ecologist, Dr Hillary Madzikanda.

Mr William Shereni of the Department of Livestock and Veterinary Services and director of Agricultural Education and farmer training Mr Moffat Nyamangara will represent the ministry while the ACR chief executive Dr Isaiah Mharapara is also in the board.

Minister Made said the experience and fields representation by the members was a clear indication that the board should focus on the areas of specialisation and fully exploit their expertise.

"Agriculture must now move on the basis of demands by our farmers. The farmer is the largest consumer of the science and he is the one who translates dreams and wishes in the field of research.

"You should interact with farmers to understand the problems and use your science to address the challenges," he said.

Minister Made said he expected the new board to work closely with the Department of Research and Specialist Services in his ministry and also assist tertiary institutions in relation to agriculture research.

The Minister emphasised the need for the board to look into livestock issues, which have been, neglected as more emphasis was being put on crop production.

"We hope the value of the livestock will be detected by the type of research we are going to do. We hold the greatest potential to growing the economy and as an industry, livestock sector is very critical. It is also vital in draught power in the agriculture sector.

He said although the country was moving towards mechanising agriculture, there was not going to be an overnight replacement to draught power hence the importance of livestock to crop production.

Minister Made challenged the board to come with solutions to problems caused by climate change and global warming.

He said the board should quickly look at varieties of both crop and animals that keep the nation going.

He said he was aware of challenges concerning limited resources but advised the board to work together to mobilise enough resources to support effective research.

ARC new board chairperson, Dr Garwe said she was aware of the responsibilities awaiting the board and together as a board they were going to maintain the achievements and prestige of the ARC.

"We will promote the agriculture industry contribute to the quality life of Zimbabweans. Members have the knowledge and vast experience.

"We will also engage all agro stakeholders to overcome challenges in the sector," she said.

The Herald/20/09/2011