Andrew
Online Reporter
GOVERNMENT plans to support over 380 000 farmers into formal and successful businesspeople who will contribute to the attainment of a multi-billion agriculture industry by 2025, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka has said.
Speaking at a ceremony to mark the commencement of the 2022 tobacco marketing season, Dr Masuka said Government was considering submissions from stakeholders on the bankability of the 99-year leases.
“As the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, we want to transform the 21 000 A2 farmers to become perennially successful businesswomen and businessmen by 2025,” he said.
“Furthermore, the Ministry aims to transform the 360 000 A1 farmers to become formal and viable small-to-medium enterprises by 2025.”
Dr Masuka said he was optimistic about a good tobacco yield despite erratic rainfall distribution during the summer cropping season.
He, however, warned against side-marketing, saying the practice was threatening the viability and credibility of the tobacco industry.
Online Reporter