Heifer scheme rolled out

Tanaka Mahanya  

THE Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Resettlement is rolling out a skills development programme to complement President Mnangagwa’s heifer scheme.

Agricultural Advisory Services chief director in the Ministry, Professor Obert Jiri, told H-Metro the skills development is targeted at all the country’s provinces.

“People have greatly benefited from the skills development programme, including skills in best animal and crop management practices at home.

“Young people are being trained in various aspects of integrated production like animal husbandry, cattle rearing and livestock farming,” he said.

Professor Jiri said there is a need for technological advancements in order to achieve Vision 2030.

“The Ministry needs to adopt new technologies, improve knowledge accessibility and further train farmers, especially those in rural areas,” he said.

Professor Jiri said 590 beasts have been distributed to the provinces so far, and only Masvingo and Mashonaland Central, are yet to receive heifers.