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Precious Manomano and Chenai Museta
THOUSANDS of women in Hwedza are set to benefit from chicken farming following a donation of an indigenous chicken hatchery donated by the Korea Partnership for Innovation of Agriculture (KOPIA) to the Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC).
The development is another example to the growing bilateral relations which are escalating in a wide range of areas. The programme unveils President’s Mnangagwa’s thrust to extend industrialisation in rural areas.
Speaking during the handover of the hatcheryt, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries and Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said the project goes a long way in supporting Government efforts in achieving food security and economic empowerment.
He also said the project was made possible by the cordial bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and the Republic of Korea which date back to 1994.
“We are pleased with the success of all the projects that have so far been completed and those still underway. I call upon the Republic of Korea to explore various opportunities that are abundant in other sectors.
“The Second Republic, through the leadership of President Mnangagwa, adopted a policy to leverage relations with friendly countries. This will secure investment to grow and transform the economy to achieve Vision 2030 of an Empowered Upper Middle Income Society,”he said.
SIRDC chief executive officer, Dr Leonard Madzingaidzo, said the indigenous chicken rearing was one of the projects being implemented as a result of bilateral memorandum of understanding signed in 2016 between Korea and Zimbabwe to develop locally adaptable technologies through knowledge sharing.
“We are grateful to be handed over the indigenous chickens project and hatchery. This state-of-art solar powered hatchery with a capacity of 5000 eggs will certainly improve the livelihoods of the Hwedza community. It will boost poultry production thereby promoting indigenous chickens rearing.
“The facility is more than a hatchery. It is certainly a hub for innovation, growth and an opportunity to empower Hwedza communities. It will serve as a model for sustainable and efficient poultry production” he said.
The local community would benefit as the hatchery would improve nutrition, income generation and employment creation.
In the advent of climate change the hatchery would help to alleviate the effects by using renewable energy for power requirements.
Korean Ambassador to Zimbabwe Jae Kyung Park said the two countries would continue supporting each other.
“This donation is basically for the people of Zimbabwe. Korea and Zimbabwe are two loving countries that have started supporting each other for many years. I always say my priority is on agriculture,” he said.
Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Permanent Secretary Dr Mavis Sibanda said the programme would go a long way towards improving incomes and businesses.
“We are confident that this facility will not only improve the livelihoods of our communities but also contribute significantly to the growth of our economy and food security. It is our responsibility to ensure that this hatchery contributes positively to our ecosystem.”
This year, Zimbabwe participated at the inaugural Korea Africa Summit to discuss cooperation in the areas of climate change, trade, food and health security.
At the summit, Zimbabwe and Korea signed an MOU on cooperation in agriculture with special emphasis on Zimbabwe’s participation in the Korea-Rice belt initiative.
The MoU will result in Zimbabwe receiving technical support and hybrid rice seed varieties from the Republic of Korea.
SIRDC is conducting research to adapt and adopt some Korean rice varieties resulting in the registration of two rice varieties, Sirdarice 201 and Sirdarice 301.
Online Reporter