ED pledges continued agric support

by | Sep 30, 2021 | Business | 0 comments

 

Pretty Manyewe

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has vowed to continue his administration’s support for agriculture, saying the sector is critical to the achievement of Vision 2030.

In his address at the official opening of the 111th edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show on Thursday, President Mnangagwa said more resources will be directed towards agriculture.

“The increase and diversification of planted crops inclusive of traditional grains during the 2020/2021 season is commendable,” he said.

“Government will continue supporting the National Enhanced Agricultural Production Scheme, Presidential Climate Proofed Pfumvudza/Intwasa and the Presidential Rural Horticulture and Livestock Programmes among others.

“I urge women and the youth to take advantage of the opportunities created by these programmes.”

The President added; “My Government continues to provide responsive agriculture commodity marketing frameworks with viable producer prices and the prompt to pay farmers.

“Equally, assistance to the livestock production sector with regards to animal health, construction of modern livestock handling infrastructure and utilities is being supported.

“This is set to boost both the population and quality of our National herd.”

The government is also working to ensure that farming processes in Zimbabwe are drought proof.

“The construction of dams is not the ultimate and desired end. Instead, the establishment of irrigation schemes across the country is being pursued vigorously,” said President Mnangagwa.

“These interventions will ensure viable and profitable farming enterprises around the dams for the benefit of our people.

“Furthermore this will improve agriculture production efficiencies, help build resilience and serve as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth through value addition and export driven productivity.”

The undertaking comes as a boost to farmers who are basking in the glory of a bumper harvest.

This year’s Agricultural show was running under the theme ‘Synergies for Growth: Cooperate, Collaborate, Complement’.