Online Reporter
Walter Nyamukondiwa in KADOMA
The Government has crafted a six-pillar response plan to cushion the nation against an anticipated El Niño-induced drought, which it has started cascading to provinces, starting with Mashonaland West, East and Masvingo provinces.
Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka met the Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ministers of the three provinces Minister Marian Chombo (Mashonaland West), Minister Ezra Chadzamira (Masvingo) and Advocate Itai Ndudzo (Mashonaland East).
The meeting also included key players in Government who will implement the drought mitigation plan.
Speaking during a coordination meeting with three ministers in Mashonaland West Province on Thursday, Minister Masuka said the plan, approved by Cabinet on Wednesday, covers the strategic grain reserve, smart agriculture and irrigation, a new private-sector financing model, livestock mitigation, imports and early warning coordination.
“The planning is robust, and we have a very good response plan to ensure that we produce enough,” he said.
Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo, said the province had already mobilised 1 723 tonnes towards the strategic grain reserve and prepared 283 291 Pfumvudza/Intwasa plots for the 2026-27 season.
