The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water & Rural Development has clinched the prestigious Best Display in the Public Service Sector Award at the ongoing Zimbabwe Agricultural Show

The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water & Rural Development has clinched the prestigious Best  Display in the Public Service Sector Award at the ongoing Zimbabwe Agricultural Show.

In a moment of high honour, His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, Guest of Honour at this year’s Show, presented the award to the Permanent Secretary, Professor Dr. Obert Jiri.

This recognition underscores the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and service delivery in Zimbabwe’s agricultural transformation journey.

This was more than just a trophy; it was a testament to a radical shift in Zimbabwe's agricultural landscape. The Ministry's display was a living, breathing showcase of the "new age" of agriculture. It wasn't a static collection of charts and graphs but a vibrant, interactive journey from seed to market. Visitors to the stand were treated to an immersive experience, a blend of cutting-edge technology and time-honored farming practices.

One section, a miniature-but-functional smart farm, demonstrated the power of precision agriculture. Drones hovered over meticulously arranged plots, their cameras feeding data to a central dashboard that monitored soil moisture, nutrient levels, and plant health in real-time. Young, tech-savvy farmers explained how this technology was enabling them to use water and fertilizer more efficiently, boosting yields while minimizing environmental impact.

Another part of the exhibit highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to rural industrialization. A simulated "village business unit" showcased a range of value-added products, from neatly packaged dried fruits and vegetables to cold-pressed cooking oils and artisanal jams. It was a powerful visual of the Ministry's drive to empower rural communities, turning small-scale farmers into entrepreneurs. Professor Jiri had often spoken about the importance of "self-food sufficiency at a household level," and this display was the physical manifestation of that vision.

President Ramaphosa, a keen observer, spent several minutes at the exhibit. He engaged in a lively conversation with Professor Jiri and the team, his questions revealing a deep interest in the practical application of their innovations. He was particularly impressed by the Ministry's focus on climate-smart agriculture and the integration of indigenous knowledge systems, a topic Professor Jiri has researched extensively.

The award ceremony itself was a moment of national pride. As Professor Jiri held the trophy aloft, a surge of optimism ran through the arena. It was a message to every farmer, every agribusiness owner, and every citizen: Zimbabwe's agricultural future was not just about survival, but about prosperity, innovation, and a commitment to nurturing a thriving, sustainable economy. The "Best Display" award was more than just a win at a show; it was a declaration that the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water & Rural Development was at the forefront of this transformative journey.

Food Security: Everywhere, Everyday