Mash Central Correspondent
Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs Minister Advocate Martin Dinha has appealed for more food aid in the province after about 13 percent of the maize crop that was planted in the province was written-off because of a prolonged dry spell.

In his welcome remarks during a ground-breaking ceremony for the National Sports Academy in Bindura on Wednesday, Adv Dinha said perennially dry areas like Mbire, Rushinga, Mt Darwin and Muzarabani were in need of food aid.

“The province has suffered a 13 percent crop write-off as a result of the dry spell and hence most of our perennial dry areas of Rushinga, Mbire, Mt Darwin and Muzarabani were affected,” he said.

“We appeal to Government to increase our provincial allocation.”

Adv Dinha allayed fears of hunger, assuring President Mnangagwa that no one would starve following the success of the Command Agriculture Programme during the 2016/ 2017 season.

“However, we are pleased with the success of the Command Agriculture Programme, which will ensure that all households have enough food supplies,” he said.

“We are also greatly indebted to the First Lady for her assistance and visit to the province. She has been to the remote parts of Kanyemba where she witnessed cruel realities of rural life.”

Meanwhile, agricultural activities in Mbire are set to improve after Government through the Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate donated 300 bags of cement for the construction of earth dams.