Online Reporter
Samuel Kadungure
News Editor
ZANU PF-AFFILIATED Madhumeni for Agricultural Transformation and Economic Development (Madhumeni4AT) was launched in Manicaland last weekend, seeking to boost agriculture, enhance food security, and support Vision 2030 and related National Development Strategy (NDS2) strategic goals.
Madhumeni4AT comprises technocrats aiming to transform agriculture, aligned with Vision 2030 and NDS2 goals, to empower farmers, increase exports, and ensure food security in Manicaland.
The provincial launch was held at Matondo Business Centre, in Chigodora last Saturday.
Madhumeni4AT national chairman, Cde Peter Nyeredzi said the launch marked their first provincial rollout, inspired by ZANU PF’s development philosophy to transform agriculture at grassroots level.
He said pushing the ZANU PF thrust on agriculture is crucial as it ensures alignment with the Government’s development goals and enhances food security.
“By supporting the land reform programme, extension officers can empower farmers, particularly 90 percent of those who benefited from the land redistribution programme, who are ZANU PF members, to adopt modern farming techniques, increase productivity and feed the nation. The synergy between ZANU PF policy and agricultural practice can drive economic growth, reduce poverty, and promote rural development and industrialisation. By backing the land reform programme, as technocrats, we can help ensure that land is used productively, contributing to national food security and economic prosperity at grassroots.
“Our vision is that no household should be hungry, every farmer should be empowered, and the province should lead in food security. By aligning our efforts with the ruling party’s agricultural policies, we can unlock the full potential of our farmers and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level. The synergy will enable us to promote climate-smart agriculture, improve extension services, and increase access to markets, ultimately transforming the lives of rural communities and boosting national food security,” said Cde Nyeredzi, highlighting the affiliate’s focus on timber, tea, horticulture, and climate-smart agriculture in the province.
He praised President Mnangagwa’s leadership and ZANU PF’s empowerment programmes, citing their transformative impact on the agriculture sector.
Cde Nyeredzi emphasised the importance of collaboration between technocrats, farmers, and the ruling party.
“We should have a symbiotic relationship between the technocrats and the farmers as well as the ruling party. This partnership is crucial for agricultural transformation, as it enables the sharing of knowledge, resources, and expertise. By working together with the ruling party, we can help address challenges and leverage opportunities, ultimately driving growth and food security. The synergy will be key to achieving the affiliate’s goals and realising the President’s vision for agriculture,” he said.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza said Madhumeni4AT’s objectives are anchored on the goals and objectives of Vision 2030 and NDS2, particularly under Food and Nutrition Security.
He said under President Mnangagwa, agriculture has been positioned as a key pillar of economic growth, food security, and rural industrialisation.
He cited flagship programmes such as Pfumvudza, irrigation rehabilitation, input support schemes, and value addition initiatives.
Minister Mugadza said Madhumeni4AT has a unique role to play in providing agricultural advisory services, helping farmers to improve productivity, access markets, manage risks, and grow sustainable enterprises, and resultantly transform agriculture from subsistence to commercial and export-oriented production.
The affiliate’s provincial chairman, Cde Debra Chiweshe said 870 extension officers have joined the organisation in Manicaland, and more were expected to follow suit because the affiliate will help transform agriculture in the province.
“If you look carefully, we are being assisted by the President with the establishment of Village Business Units (VBUs), which require stringent monitoring. We are pledging our allegiance to the ruling party, ready to offer our skills to boost agricultural production, fill strategic grain reserve in line with Vision 2030 and NDS2 goals in Manicaland. The VBUs are a game-changer, and with our expertise, we can ensure they are effective in increasing productivity and improving livelihoods.
“We are committed to work tirelessly to ensure food security and economic growth in our province. The President’s vision for agriculture is clear, and we are proud to be part of it. We will continue to mobilise our members and stakeholders to support the Government’s initiatives and drive agricultural transformation. We are optimistic that with the support of the ruling party, we can achieve great things and make a meaningful contribution to the country’s development. We are ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work,” said Cde Chiweshe.
Mutare South legislator, Honourable Tawanda Dumbarimwe, distributed sock chicks to 23 women’s league chair ladies, with each receiving 100.
