The 114th edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show to be held from 26 to 31 August 2024 in Harare will be unique in that it has earmarked a conference during the showcase to highlight the interplay between mining and agriculture.
In an interview with Spiked Online Media ahead of the show, Mr. Tawonga Miriyoni, the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society (ZAS)’s Head of Agricultural Development and Promotion said the conference will provide a unique opportunity to explore the interplay between mining and agriculture, two critical sectors in Zimbabwe’s economy.
“Mining and agriculture sectors rely on water, creating opportunities for collaborative water management. On another note, coordinating land use can minimize conflicts and ensure sustainable use of the land. If for example, when infrastructure like roads is developed in the area, it benefits both sectors. On the other hand, mining technologies can be adapted for agricultural use, thus enhancing efficiency. Both sectors contribute to Zimbabwe’s GDP, creating opportunities for mutual support,” Mr. Miriyoni said.
However, mining can lead to land degradation and soil pollution, affecting agricultural productivity. On the other hand, mining activities can contaminate water sources, in the process, negatively impacting agriculture.
Competition for land can lead to tensions between miners and farmers while mining’s focus on extraction can clash with agriculture’s emphasis on sustainability.
The conference will explore opportunities for agricultural production in mining areas. It will be a platform for linking mining and agriculture through shared value chains.
Participants will explore opportunities for developing technologies that benefit both sectors through collaborative policy-making. The conference will also encourage joint policy development to address shared challenges.
The Zimbabwe Agricultural Show conference will facilitate discussions between mining and agricultural stakeholders. By showcasing innovations, the ZAS will highlight technologies and practices that benefit both sectors. It will encourage partnerships and joint initiatives and provide insights for policy-makers to support the agricultural-mining nexus.
By exploring the interplay between mining and agriculture, the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show can foster greater understanding, collaboration, and innovation, ultimately contributing to Zimbabwe’s economic growth and sustainable development.
The conference will also spotlight agro-minerals which are minerals used in agriculture to improve soil fertility, plant growth, and crop yields.
These minerals can be extracted from natural sources or produced synthetically. Examples of agro-minerals include:
Lime (calcium carbonate): Neutralizes soil acidity, essential for plant growth.
Dolomite (calcium magnesium carbonate): Provides calcium and magnesium, crucial for plant development.
Gypsum (calcium sulfate): Enhances soil structure, improves water infiltration, and reduces erosion.
Phosphate rock: Rich in phosphorus, essential for plant growth and development.
Potash (potassium chloride): Provides potassium, vital for plant growth, resistance, and quality.
Micronutrients (e.g., zinc, boron, copper): Essential for plant growth, but required in smaller quantities.
Biofertilizers (e.g., bone meal, alfalfa meal): Natural, slow-release fertilizers promoting soil biota and plant growth.
Agro-minerals play a crucial role in:
– Soil fertility management
– Plant nutrition
– Crop yield enhancement
– Food security
– Sustainable agriculture.
The Zimbabwe Agricultural Show will feature agro-minerals in exhibitions, workshops, and seminars to educate farmers, exhibitors, and stakeholders about their benefits and applications in agriculture.
