Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter
DHEVA VILLAGE, under Chief Murambinda, in Buhera, Manicaland province, has begun reaping rewards from village business units (VBUs) established under the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme after harvesting their first crop over the weekend.
Villagers also earned cash from the sale of their produce, which included maize cobs and vegetables, among other crops.
During a field day event held on Saturday at the Dheva VBU, villagers received US$4 000 from Prevail International Group chairperson Dr Paul Tungwarara as payment for the crops.
Prevail International Group is leading the implementation of the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme.
Speaking at the event, farmers highlighted how the initiative had changed their fortunes.
“We are delighted to have this tremendous programme in our village. These business units will go a long way in improving the livelihoods of villagers, especially in this arid region,” said Headman Dheva.
“Villagers here are grateful to the President for remembering them, particularly in these difficult times. Rainfall is scarce, but thanks to the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme and the establishment of these business units, people now have something to rely on for the future.”
Dr Paul Tungwarara encouraged villagers to embrace VBUs as “game-changers” for their community and to approach agriculture as a business.
“This programme, spearheaded by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has transformed the agricultural landscape of Buhera. It is changing lives, and you must take it seriously,” he said.
“Despite being in a drought-prone region, local communities are now producing surplus yields, improving food security and transforming their livelihoods.”
Online Reporter