The government believes that scientific soil management is essential to ensuring sustainable agriculture at a time when the world is facing the effects of climate change. The idea comes in response to the growing challenges affecting the agricultural sector. Among these, extreme weather events that compromise production stand out. The government advocates for a more structured and knowledge-based approach.
This position was presented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Acubar Baptista, last Thursday (16). The remarks were made on the sidelines of the conference “Cultivating the Future: Innovation, Technology, and Governance in Agriculture,” which served as a forum for reflection on the sector’s future direction, while also highlighting priorities for sustainable agricultural development.
In his remarks, Acubar Baptista emphasized the need for a sustainable approach in the agricultural sector, citing water stress, climate change, and flooding as the main challenges. As he explained, these factors constrain production and demand concrete responses. Therefore, more efficient management of available resources is advocated.
“The foundation of production is the land. When we do not treat the land well, we are jeopardizing agriculture. Water stress is one of the main constraints,” stated Acubar Baptista. This statement underscores the importance of soil in the production process, while also highlighting the need for proper conservation practices.
The official added that it is necessary to introduce technologies to improve water management, while also advocating for a shift in how this resource is viewed within the agricultural sector. For Acubar Baptista, water must be strategically valued, as it is a central element in ensuring better production outcomes.
“We must consider water as a factor of production and not just as rain,” emphasized Acubar Baptista. He highlighted the importance of innovative solutions to address current challenges. These solutions can contribute to greater efficiency in water use and, simultaneously, increase the resilience of the agricultural sector.
As he explained, the implementation of these technologies will be prioritized in arid areas or regions with water scarcity. In these regions, the effects of climate change are felt more intensely, so the intervention will be more concentrated and targeted. The goal is to reduce negative impacts and improve production.
For her part, Spanish Ambassador Teresa Vidal reaffirmed her country’s commitment. The diplomat highlighted the ongoing support for the modernization of agriculture in Mozambique. As she explained, this cooperation has been consistent over time, covering various areas related to agricultural development.
“Agriculture is fundamental not only for food security but also for the development of trade and exports. Cooperation between Spain and Mozambique in this area has been ongoing for about 50 years,” said Teresa Vidal. The ambassador underscored the strategic importance of the sector, further highlighting the positive impact of the partnership between the two countries.
Source: Agência de Informação de Moçambique (AIM)
