300 set to be allocated plots

From George Maponga in Masvingo
At least 300 new sugarcane farmers will be allocated plots at Mkwasine Estate in Chiredzi in a move expected to entrench participation of indigenous Zimbabweans in the local economy.
Mkwasine Estates — which straddles nearly 5 000 hectares — was previously co-owned by Hippo Valley and Triangle sugar estates, but the Government has moved to parcel out the land.
Government has also enlarged the plots held by some indigenous sugarcane farmers at Mkwasine Estate, who were resettled on 10 hectares each just after independence in 1980.
Some of the cane farmers who spoke to The Herald last Friday said the takeover of Mkwasine Estate would help them run profitable operations.
Mr Victor Moyo, who has been involved in cane farming at Mkwasine since 1982, said the takeover was a step in the right direction.
“We feel that the takeover of Mkwasine by Government could bring the much-needed relief to us.
“Sugarcane farming needs at least 20 hectares for one to break even so we hope that the takeover by the State will open up more land for us,” said Mr Moyo.
Another cane farmer, Mr Munyaradzi Musemburi, said the move showed Government’s commitment to wholesale empowerment of the majority.
“It’s a milestone because Mkwasine will be a model that will showcase black entrepreneurship,” he said.
Other cane farmers called on Government to set up an additional mill to cut transport costs for farmers at Mkwasine who have to take their crop about 70km away to Hippo Valley and Triangle.
Masvingo Governor and Resident Minister Titus Maluleke said the task now was to capacitate farmers so that they can optimally use their land and boost sugarcane production.
Governor Maluleke said Government would also court private investors to set up sugarcane mills in the lowveld.