adminLorraine Phiri Chronicle Reporter
THE Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Misheck Sibanda, has called on farmers to consolidate the gains of Independence and the land reform programme by utilising the land to ensure food security. In a speech read on his behalf by the deputy chief secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Ray Ndlukula, at the Matabeleland Pioneer Seed Maize Grower Competition at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair grounds on Thursday, Dr Sibanda said since the land was now in the hands of its rightful owners, the nation expects to derive benefits.
“Our food production capacity is poised for a dramatic rise. It is high time we learnt that the real empowerment lies not just in ownership of the land as means of production but in its effective utilisation.
“Therefore the land we acquired soon after attainment of our hard won Independence and accelerated under the Fast Track Land Reform and Resettlement Programme, should be put to good use,” said Dr Sibanda.
He said the Government was committed to attaining food security in the country and stakeholders in the agriculture sector should strive to empower the new farmers.
“Achievement of national security is anchored on high productivity in agriculture which in turn impacts on other economic activities. Cognisant of this the Government will leave no stone unturned to ensure that Zimbabwe will not only provide guarantee for food security to its people but that it regains its position as the bread basket of Southern Africa,” said Dr Sibanda.
He said transforming and uplifting agriculture will translate into taking development where it was needed most, which was the rural areas where about 70 percent of Zimbabweans still live and whose livelihoods are agro-based.
He said farmers in rural areas required inputs and farmer support services.
In a speech read on his behalf by Umguza district assistant administrator Mrs Gloriah Round, Bulawayo Metropolitan Governor Cain Mathema applauded farmers for their efforts despite erratic rains in the region.
“Such farming competitions are meant not only to encourage farmers to follow good farming practices but also to contribute to household and national food security.
“I would like to congratulate farmers for a job well done under trying conditions characterised by low and erratic rainfall experienced in the 2012-13 season,” said Governor Mathema.
The provincial winners for the competition in Matabeleland South were Mr Tamson Lamula who was the best farmer from Beitbridge district followed by Mr Daflan Maseko from Mangwe district and the third prize went to Mr Mujoni Ndlovu from Insiza.
The best provincial Agritex officer was Mr Thomas Muwani.
In Matabeleland North the best farmer was Mr Mlindeli Mbengesi from Bubi district followed by Mr Stanford Maduna from Tsholotsho district and the third prize winner was Mr Litha Sibanda from Lupane. The best provincial Agritex officer was Mr Danisa Sibanda.
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