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Lovemore Kadzura Rusape Correspondent
FINANCE and Economic Development Minister Cde Patrick Chinamasa has implored resettled farmers to maximise land use and commercially produce food to feed the nation.
Cde Chinamasa said this yesterday during a livestock farming field day at Mr Farai Mangwanda’s plot in his Makoni Central constituency Land size, Minister Chinamasa said, does not stop small-scale farmers from practising mixed farming. Mr Mangwanda has five hectares.
He is doing both crops and animal husbandry. In January this year he ventured into fish farming and is reaping huge rewards. “Most people think that having a big farm is the only means necessary to do mixed farming. We have been proven wrong by what Mr Mangwanda is doing on this farm. We are seeing wonders here.
“You might have a small farm but that does not mean you should have limited capacity. Viable commercial farming activities can be done on a small piece of land as we are all witnessing here. Let us open our minds and do projects that change our lives.
“Other farmers, whether small- or large-scale must come to this plot to copy and learn what is happening here. This is so encouraging and worth emulating,” said Cde Chinamasa.
Speaking at the same function, Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Dr Joseph Made hailed Mr Mangwanda’s farming activities.
“Food and nutrition at this plot is so comprehensive despite the land size. He is doing exactly what we are encouraging farmers to do, that is to maximise land use and mixed farming. Mr Mangwanda has gone a step further in embarking on fish farming and this augurs well with the recently launched Command Fish Farming Programme. “Fish farming is a good business venture and we encourage farmers and individuals to embrace it,” said Dr Made.
Mr Mangwanda encouraged Zimbabweans to embark on fish farming. “I started fish farming in January this year with three ponds and my first harvest was in July. It is not a complicated business especially if you work closely with Agritex officials and stockfeeds suppliers. There is a ready market for fish. Remember white meat is on demand,” said the 68-year-old pensioner.
Online Reporter