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ENERGY and Power Development Minister Cde Dzikamai Mavhaire has called on farmers to embrace Zim-Asset in order to improve food security and economically liberate the country. Addressing farmers at a district field day held at Mufandaedza Farm in Chipinge last Friday, Cde Mavhaire, who is also Zanu-PF’s national secretary for labour and production, said economic liberation required collective action of all stakeholders.
“The country will go a long way in fighting an oppressive economic system by economically emancipating every citizen.
“The process is difficult and needs unity of purpose.
“We are urging everyone to move through the framework of development for the country to attain meaningful development goals,” he said.
Cde Mavhaire said the party found it wise to hold district field days in order to monitor progress made in embracing Government policies.
He said full utilisation of land was critical in embracing the new economic blueprint cluster which targets improving food security to enhance the country’s economy.
Cde Mavhaire also expressed concern over the decline in the national herd and urged farmers to take cattle rearing as a business in order to transform lives.
“Cattle-rearing is big business which can transform the lives of many, if farmers take it seriously. Government has now gazetted a law which considers cattle as assets which can generate revenue to the country, hence farmers should consider cattle breeding as a priority.
“It was observed that businesspeople are duping farmers on beef prices so there is need for the local council to set up market places where cattle are sold and more potential buyers are invited,” he added.
Turning on to Chisumbanje ethanol plant, Cde Mavhaire said the project was irreversible despite efforts being made by some detractors to close it.
“The project is a success because it managed to save millions of dollars which the country used to spend buying unleaded oil.
“The project puts the country’s interests first, not the few individuals who are advocating for its closure,” he said.
The field day witnessed farmers who excelled in the last farming season being honoured by Zanu-PF.
The overall winner was Mr Jacob Mufandaedza, who walked away with a generator, while second and third prizes went to Ms Mary Thondlana and Mr Philip Msipa, who won a plough and a cultivator respectively.
Other winners scooped commodity prizes and Cde Mavhaire emphasised that all winners who were awarded were chosen without any political influence.
Cde Mavhaire was accompanied by Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs Cde Christopher Mushohwe, Zanu-PF Manicaland provincial chairman Ambassador Dr John Shumba Mvundura, Chipinge Central MP Cde Ray Machingura and Zanu-PF Manicaland provincial Women’s League chairperson Cde Joyline Porusingazi.
Online Reporter