Chronicle Editor
Ngqwele Dube, Sunday News Correspondent
THE Lower Gweru Agriculture Society Show ended on Friday with farmers expressing their wish to see Midlands reviving horticulture.
Vungu Member of Parliament, Cde Omega Sibanda, who attended the two-day showcase, said there was optimism that revival of irrigation facilities will lead to high output and increase in exports.
He said irrigation facilities were in need of repairs and he would be embarking on a programme to ensure they are put back in a working state.
“The produce on show that included a lot of horticultural produce, maize, watermelon, beans and pumpkins, among others showed the immense potential that farmers can produce if given the right support.
“Farmers indicated that irrigation facilities are in need of repairs and I will be working with them to ensure this coming farming season they are able to water their fields.
“We will also be making efforts to drill boreholes at vantage points so there is no shortage of water,” he said.
The showcase started on Thursday ending on Friday at Maboleni Showgrounds in Lower Gweru. Cde Sibanda said farmers were also concerned about the increase in the prices of inputs.
“Prices of inputs have skyrocketed and farmers are rightly concerned if they would be able to afford them.
“They are asking the Government to ensure genuine farmers are given inputs not like in previous cases where those who did not deserve were given inputs and they did not produce anything.
“They also called on Agribank to visit them in their areas to verify that they are genuine farmers when vetting them for loans,” he said.
Cde Sibanda extended his gratitude to farming implements and inputs shop, Farm and City Centre for coming forward with several prizes such as seeds, knapsacks and watering cans that were awarded to various farmers for their efforts.
The show saw several schools converging to compete in athletics and football.
Bongani Ndlovu