Chronicle Editor
Midlands Bureau
THE Midlands Province exceeded its 2024 winter wheat cropping target by 102 percent, aligning with its ambitious Economic Development Plan as it seeks to contribute more to national development, Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Owen Ncube, has said.
He was addressing farmers and Government officials at the Mutange Irrigation Scheme winter wheat field day in Gokwe South on Monday.
Minister Ncube said the bold achievement was credited to strategic partnerships and the Second Republic’s inclusive development approach towards transforming previously marginalised areas like Gokwe South, North, and Mberengwa into thriving wheat and maize producers through irrigation.
“Through such partnerships, the Midlands Province surpassed its 2024 winter wheat farming target by 102 percent with an expected higher yield per hectare, in line with the Provincial Economic Development Plan, which seeks to surpass Midlands’ Gross Domestic Product growth of 10,9 percent realised in 2022,” he said.
“We are grateful to the Second Republic for its development mantra of leaving no one and no place behind, as previously marginalised dry and arid regions like Gokwe South, Gokwe North, and Mberengwa now produce wheat and maize under irrigation, an achievement previously unimaginable.”
Minister Ncube said the event was a testimony to the New Dispensation’s strategic policy decision to increase collaboration with the private sector and industrialise the economy — leading to modernisation and leapfrogging Zimbabwe towards a prosperous and empowered upper-middle-income society by 2030.
He said the joint venture scheme resonates with the aspirations of the New Dispensation’s development trajectory, focusing on production and productivity underpinning rural industrialisation.
“In this regard, President Mnangagwa, recently underscored the New Dispensation’s commitment to implementing the Climate Smart Agriculture 8.0 Model and retaining agricultural self-sufficiency through financial inclusion, innovation, mechanisation, and water harvesting technologies,” he said.
“I am pleased to visit Mutange Irrigation Scheme, which has over 150 members and operates efficiently under a joint venture with Brainchild Farms.”
Mutange Irrigation Scheme boasts 91 hectares of flourishing winter wheat and 31 hectares of maize crop.
Minister Ncube attributed the successful 2024 winter wheat crop at Mutange to enhanced support through the Presidential
Input Support Scheme, installation of new pumps by Zinwa, uninterrupted power supply and closer technical support by extension officers, provision of tillage implements, timely land preparation, provision of fuel, and adequate labour by the Joint Venture Partner, Brainchild Farms.
“I am pleased to note that 20 irrigation members have been engaged by the partner and receive monthly wages, along with other hired labour and two university students on attachment, complementing the National Development Strategy (NDS 1) human capital and innovation pillar,” said Minister Ncube.
He said agriculture anchors livelihoods of 70 percent of the population and contributes 12,2 percent towards Midlands Provincial GDP.
The Minister reiterated the Second Republic’s continued commitment to implementing tangible signature programmes and projects that support agricultural development in the province and beyond.
“Motivated by the Second Republic’s people-centric milestone achievements, the Midlands Province reaffirms its support for President Mnangagwa’s results-oriented leadership, and delivering tangible socio-economic development through high productivity levels,” said Minister Ncube.
“I urge you to remain resolute and steadfast in supporting the attainment of a prosperous and empowered upper-middle-income society under President Mnangagwa’s stewardship.”
Online Reporter