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Mthabisi Tshuma, Sunday News Correspondent
APEX Council for Youth In Agriculture chairperson Mr John Muchenje has called on the Government to prioritise people living with disabilities in its programmes such as giving out farming inputs for this agricultural season.
Addressing residents at Stanley Hall in Makokoba recently at the commemoration of the International Day of Persons Living with Disabilities, Mr Muchenje said he was impressed by the support that people with disabilities in the country were receiving but said it was sad that they were not getting support in terms of the farming inputs.
“I am grateful to President Emmerson Mnangagwa for the support being rendered to people with rare diseases and those living with disabilities in Zimbabwe in terms of affordable access to education, health care services, employment opportunities and social protection and guidance over the past year.
“I am touched that people living with disabilities have not yet started receiving their farming inputs which is a cause for concern especially now that the farming season has already started,” said Mr Muchenje.
He added that the President has gone an extra mile in ensuring that the needs of people living with disabilities were catered for through provision of basic care and support from the Government.
“The President is on record saying the Government must prioritise the rights and welfare of people living with disabilities. Their need for support is not negotiable given that they are a special group which is often side-lined but does very well if supported.
“On agriculture, the President has withdrawn the land ownership from individuals to the State. All the agricultural land now belongs to the State which means that it can be re-allocated anytime the State feels land is under-utilized,” said Mr Muchenje.
Mr Muchenje who recently was crowned the 2019 young farmer of the year, said they would work hard in ensuring that people living with disabilities utilise the land and all other resources at their disposal.
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Online Reporter