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Sithandazile Moyo Business Reporter
FARMERS have urged the Government to fully implement the policy outline of the 2014 budget for the recovery of the agriculture sector to alleviate the challenges they are presently facing. They said it was important for the Government to work on ensuring implementation of the policy direction which they said was clear on what needs to be done.
Some farmers who spoke to Business Chronicle said they were very happy about the steps taken by the Finance and Economic Development Minister Patrick Chinamasa to revive the agricultural sector by availing funds to help them.
A farmer from Plumtree Vusa Moyo expressed optimism that the rehabilitation of irrigation schemes in different parts of the country including Matabeleland South province will go a long way in enhancing food security in the country..
“As farmers in this region, we are happy because if the irrigation system is rehabilitated that will help us to sustain our families and even sell our produce to the Grain Marketing Board,” he said.
He said if the policies in the budget document are put into action it will yield positive results for the country.
“If the policies are put into action as clear as they are, we are bound to achieve the expected growth which will translate to food security and growth of the economy”, said Moyo.
Another farmer Sipho Dube concurred with Moyo saying the policies were straight forward and if put into full action they would bring forth desired results.
However, he said their main worry was how and where the resources to finance the agriculture sector will come from.
“We are not sure where the resources will come from but we urge the Government to channel funds and inputs as soon as possible so that we are able to go back into the field and produce”, said Dube.
In his budget statement Minister of Finance and Economic Development Patrick Chinamasa set aside $9,4 million to for rehabilitation and operationalisation of irrigation schemes.
Online Reporter