Shurugwi North legislator Joseph Mpasi has urged farmers in the constituency to adapt to climate change and adopt modern farming methods to improve agricultural productivity amid worsening extreme weather patterns.
Speaking during engagements with farmers at field days in Shurugwi North, Mpasi said unpredictable rainfall patterns, prolonged dry spells and rising temperatures were negatively affecting crop and livestock production, making it important for communities to embrace climate-smart agriculture.
“We are now living in an era where climate change is affecting our farming seasons and threatening food security,” he said.
“Farmers must adapt and make use of the knowledge and support being provided by the Government to improve yields.”
He encouraged villagers to work closely with agricultural extension officers and experts deployed in their communities under various government programmes.
“I urge our farmers to take advantage of the agricultural experts deployed in our wards and villages,” Mpasi said.
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“These officers are there to equip communities with practical farming skills, conservation agriculture methods and livestock management techniques that can help improve production.”
Mpasi said several initiatives being rolled out under Presidential programmes were aimed at strengthening household food security and improving rural livelihoods.
“The Presidential Input Scheme, Presidential Borehole Scheme and the Solarisation Programme are all meant to ensure that communities remain food secure and economically empowered despite the climate challenges we are facing,” he said.
The legislator noted that his development agenda for Shurugwi North was aligned with the government’s Vision 2030 blueprint and the principle of inclusive development.
“My vision for Shurugwi North is anchored on Vision 2030 and the philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind,” he said.
“Development must reach every ward and every household.”
He also urged livestock farmers to remain alert to disease outbreaks and take precautionary measures to safeguard their animals.
“Livestock farming is an important source of income for many families here in Shurugwi North,” Mpasi said.
“Farmers must work closely with veterinary officers and take all necessary measures to protect their herds from diseases.”
Mpasi revealed that efforts were underway to rehabilitate several dip tanks across the constituency to strengthen livestock disease control systems.
“We are working on the resuscitation of several dip tanks in Shurugwi North to ensure that our farmers have proper facilities to protect their cattle from tick-borne diseases,” he said.
Farmers in the area welcomed the interventions, saying access to inputs, water and agricultural knowledge would help improve productivity and resilience against climate change.