South Korea is committed to enhancing Zimbabwe's agricultural production, the Asian country's ambassador Mr Kwang-chul Lew has said.

He made the remarks last week at an event to mark the completion of an agricultural training institute in Seke communal lands by the Zimbabwe Food for the Hungry International which is funded by Posco, a South Korean organisation. Mr Kwang-chul said the investment was done because of a realisation that agriculture was a key component in the national economy.

"As such, agriculture should be the basis for any recovery programme that might be adopted. It is the world's oldest industry and creates employment for thousands," he said.

Mr Kwang-chul said agriculture was the basis for political and social stability. He said Korea supported the restoration of Zimbabwe's glorious status as the "bread basket of Africa".

"I can assure you that the Korean government will be committed continuously to the enhancement of the agricultural capacity of Zimbabwe," he said.

The institute, with an initial enrolment of 40 students, is expected to augment the national land reform exercise that has seen more than 300 000 families access arable land. Local Government, Rural and Urban Development Minister Ignatius Chombo said the institute should increase farming knowledge and expertise for the previously marginalised.