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called on the people of Matabeleland to improve livestock production and restore the region’s status of being the major livestock producer in the country.
Speaking during a champion farmers’ field day at Dr Gatsha Mazithulela’s Farm in Reigate District, Bulawayo Province yesterday, Minister Chombo said Matabeleland was one of the best regions for livestock production and should be utilised.
“Matabeleland region is not performing well in terms of livestock production yet it should be the leading livestock producer in the country,” said Minister Chombo.
“I therefore would like to encourage farmers in this region to work extra hard to achieve the main objective of restoring the country’s economic stability and growth through increased agricultural productivity.”
Minister Chombo, who is also the Zanu-PF Secretary for Lands and Agriculture, urged farmers to take advantage of the land reform programme.
“It is important for farmers to show commitment to the ideals of the land reform programme which every Zimbabwean represents.
“It is my hope that people will mobilise their energies to fully exploit our abundant resources in developing a robust Zimbabwean economy,” said Minister Chombo.
He urged farmers to work together in peace and harmony to urgently address food security, production, poverty and unemployment.
The Zanu-PF Secretary for Production and Labour, Cde Dzikamai Mavhaire, said the party recently launched a cattle artificial insemination programme in the region, in a bid to improve the national herd and urged farmers to embrace the programme.
“We recently launched a cattle insemination programme in the country and we have moved around the country to inform farmers and villagers about it. The programme will tremendously improve the national herd and economically empower farmers.
“People should realise that land ownership is not wealth, but it is how the land is utilised that determines the success of the land owners and the country,” said Cde Mavhaire.
He said it was unfortunate that the country was depending on other countries for aid, despite the abundant resources available.
“We want to get to a point where we never ask for aid from anyone. Imperialists are happy to see us suffer and we want to defy all odds.
“It is therefore important for us to wake up and utilise fully the resources that we have and empower ourselves through livestock production and other agricultural activities,” said Cde Mavhaire.
Dr Mazithulela commended Government for giving people an opportunity to alleviate poverty through the land reform programme.
“Zimbabwe has given a chance to those who want to take up that challenge of ensuring food security, poverty alleviation and the development of agro-based industries, a golden opportunity through the land reform programme.
“Even as we face many challenges, we are confident that we are going to succeed in our strategic objectives as farmers by taking the chance and working extra hard,” said Dr Mazithulela.
Online Reporter