Sundaymail Editor
Online Reporter
THE setting up of a pig artificial insemination (AI) station in Chegutu, is clear evidence that the Second Republic’s engagement and re-engagement thrust is getting the intended results, a prominent farmer has said.
Braford Farm managing director, Mr George Mudanga, made the remarks during the official launch of an artificial insemination (AI) station at the farm on Thursday.
The station, which was set-up at a cost of US$18 000, is a partnership between the Government and the European Union (EU).
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement deputy Minister Vangelis Haritatos officially opened the station.
“The setting up of this station is clear testimony that Zimbabwe is truly open for business. The Government’s partnership with the European Union has proved that President Mnangagwa’s policy of engagement and re-engagement is bearing fruit,” the youthful farmer said.
The launch follows the importation of pig breeding stock in 2020, and the successful completion of the AI station early this year.
Constructed under the Value Chain Alliance for Livestock Upgrading and Empowerment (VALUE) project, the station is set to facilitate easy and localised access to top quality pig genetics by small and medium pig producers.
The VALUE project is part of an EU-funded Zimbabwe Agricultural Growth Programme (ZAGP), a response to tackle challenges within the country’s livestock sector through financial support from the EU amounting to €40 million.
Mr Franck Porte, the EU’s head of cooperation in Zimbabwe described the station as a game-changer.
“As the EU, we are more than pleased to be involved in this game-changing project. The construction of the station proves that the EU and Zimbabwe are cementing the existing sound relationship,” Mr Porte said.
Online Reporter