Lloyd Gumbo Senior Reporter—
Seed, fertiliser and chemical manufacturing companies have pledged support for a command agriculture initiative recently introduced by Government, Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa has revealed. The programme seeks to achieve self-sufficiency in the provision of food for the next three to four years with 400 000 hectares throughout the country dedicated to grain production for a yield of at least two million tonnes of grain per season.
VP Mnangagwa, who is the chairperson of the Cabinet Committee on Food Security and Nutrition, revealed the commitment by input suppliers to support the Government-sponsored programme while responding to questions from senators in the Upper House on Thursday on initiatives to enhance maize production.
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VP Mnangagwa said Government would fund the new agricultural initiative, and that local industry had endorsed the programme. “So, we must first of all discuss with seed houses in this country so that they can contribute to the programme,” he said.
“We have done so and they have come on board. Secondly, we must discuss with the fertiliser and chemical companies in the country. We have done so and they are coming on board on the programme.
“We must discuss with financial institutions in the country and see what they can contribute to the programme and we have done so.” VP Mnangagwa said Government was also discussing with identified farmers to explain the objectives of the programme, which begins in the next summer cropping season.
He said Government would also support farmers in regions that did not produce grain particularly those who were into agricultural projects such as livestock. “Three months ago, we went to Matabeleland South at Ingwizi. We found that the cattle were dying already because there is no grass. When we discussed with the chairman of ARDA, Cde (Basil) Nyabadza, he said he was aware of grass that is grown in Brazil, which can sustain cattle.
“We were able to secure 2 000 hectares of land in Matabeleland South and we have imported the grass. Fortunately, we discovered that this grass could be found in South Africa. It has been there for the past four years.
“We have got another farmer in Zvimba who gave us 50 hectares of land and there is Darwendale Dam which can irrigate it. We have been there today (Thursday) to see the grass that we have imported. It is grown on 50 hectares,” said VP Mnangagwa.
“A demonstration has been done now that we have the correct climate to grow that grass. On 2 000 hectares, we are able to feed 60 000 head of cattle. That contributes to feeding our cattle and relieving our maize from being used as stockfeed so that there is more maize for people’s use or export. So, in the area of food self-sufficiency, I think we are on track,” said VP Mnangagwa.