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Victor Maphosa Mashonaland East Bureau
About 40 youths drawn from all districts in Mashonaland East were this week allocated 10 hectares of land each for agricultural projects, as the Second Republic continues to empower the young generation.
Already, these youths are trained in agricultural studies and are ready to work towards ensuring food security for the province and the nation at large.
Some of them got land in Marondera, while others got in Seke and Chikomba, among other districts with arable land.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East Dr Aplonia Munzverengwi officiated in the allocation of these plots and called on beneficiaries to work on the land for the best of the province and the nation as a whole.
“Beneficiaries are already trained in agricultural studies and received certificates, this is the first group to benefit. Before we came here, we passed by Grasslands where we wanted these youths to see their cattle they were given by President Mnangagwa.
“So now we are here where we are allocating 10 hectares to some of the youths. We asked the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) to assist youths who benefited here with a tractor so that they can prepare their land in time as you know we are already in the rainy season, so they should start farming this season.
“We are hoping that beneficiaries will use this land productively. Some will venture into horticulture, poultry or farming. All that will ultimately uplift their livelihoods. So I hope they will not relax but work hard,” she said.
RIDA Mashonaland East provincial director Engineer Phoebe Maposa said her organisation will assist youth with tractors as they start their farming projects.
“Promoting youths in their projects is a step in the right direction for our nation, that is why you see there is our tractor here working on this piece of land. We appeal for more resources so that we can be able to assist all these youths in time,” she said.
Ms Lynette Nyamakope from Mutoko who got her piece of land in Chikomba district thanked the Second Republic for the gesture
“I do not have enough words to thank President Mnangagwa for this gesture. I got 10 ha in Chikomba and will surely use it productively. I am the first one in my family to be given a piece of land. I am so happy,” she said.
Another beneficiary Mr Chris Saidi said they are honoured to be given an opportunity to contribute in the food security of the nation.
“I am happy that I now have 10ha thanks to President Mnangagwa.
“This is an opportunity for me to work even harder for the country. I am going to work towards ensuring food security for the province and the nation at large.
“Right now I have started clearing the 10 ha and soon, I will start planting. Nothing will stop me from getting good yields. I will not rest in utilising this land productively. This is commendable,” he said.
Mr Passion Hodzi from Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe, who also got 10 ha in Chikomba said he will work on his land productively.
“We will surely achieve Vision 2030. Having a piece of land is the kind of empowerment we will always cherish. What President Mnangagwa has done for us is commendable and I will not waste time but work tirelessly on my farm,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s economy is largely agro-based, while youth empowerment is a key pillar in the economic development of the nation.
Online Reporter