Functions

• Promote the use of improved crop varieties and certified seed

• Promote the efficient use of available water resources for irrigation

• Promote high value irrigable crops among small and medium scale farmers

• Promote the establishment of irrigation schemes especially for small scale farmers

• Promote Public-Private Partnerships in dissemination of research technology

• Promote the establishment of income generating ventures at the Farmer Training Centre

• Promote private sector participation in agricultural markets for inputs and outputs

• Strengthen the capacity of farmer groups and cooperatives in production, processing, marketing and trade

• Promote a pay-back culture in agricultural credit management particularly among smallholder farmers (conduct sensitization campaigns)

• Promotion of agricultural insurance

• Strengthen coordination among all stakeholders in the sector (hold sector annual reviews and sector planning meetings)

• Promote diversification of agricultural production and utilization (conduct training in food processing & preservation, increase crop diversification index)

• Promote the production, preservation and utilization of indigenous crop varieties and nutrient rich foods

• Determine and reduce post- harvest losses (construct/rehabilitate community sheds, fumigation)

• Develop and promote water harvesting, storage and utilization infrastructure

• Promote and strengthen agricultural production methods that are resilient to climate change

• Promote environmentally friendly and climate smart farming systems

• Promote gender mainstreaming training, knowledge and skills in the agriculture sector