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Herald Reporter
AGRICULTURAL extension officers are now receiving motorcycles sourced by President Mnangagwa to improve mobility and to ensure they can reach farmers.
The President recently handed over 500 motorcycles to the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement for distribution to extension officers in all provinces so they have the capacity to carry out their work effectively.
The motorcycles were supplied by local companies FSG and Valley Seeds and some will be allocated to agricultural colleges to enhance student training.
Shortage of transport has been limiting the number of farmers each officer can visit.
In an update yesterday, the ministry said six provinces had so far received part of their consignment and training of the extension officers was underway.
Manicaland received 13 motorcycles, Masvingo 14, Mashonaland East 13, Mashonaland Central 12, Mashonaland West 40, Matabeleland North 40 and Matabeleland South 47.
“So far, 400 motorcycles are available for distribution and of these, 139 have been moved and distribution is in progress,” said the ministry, noting that distribution was slowed by transport shortages.
“FSG has facilitated the transportation of some of the motorcycles to the provinces. There are efforts to increase the number of trucks and trips.”
Online Reporter