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Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
Land reform beneficiary George Mudanga has every reason to thank the ruling Zanu PF Government.
After taking ownership of 205-ha Braford Farm in 2004, the biggest pig producer in Mashonaland West province’s Chegutu district is once again on cloud nine as President Mnangagwa’s engagement and re-engagement drive yielded direct benefits to the farmer.
Through the Zimbabwe Agricultural Growth Programme (ZAGP) which is funded by the European Union, Mr Mudanga has managed to double his pig production at the farm located 40 kilometres south-east of Chegutu town.
He has sold over 2 000 breeding stock of gilts and boars to farmers across the country.
Speaking recently to a Namibian delegation from Kavango East Region that was on a 10-day trip to Mashonaland West province to have an appreciation of its agricultural sector, Mudanga said he owed his successes to President Mnangagwa and the Government.
Kavango East Region has a twining arrangement with Mashonaland West province, and the delegation’s visit was reciprocal after Zimbabwe’s team toured the nation last November.
Said Mudanga: “All this success is a result of the Zimbabwean Government. The programme which also brought an artificial insemination centre, was officially opened in 2021 by Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development Deputy Minister, Vangelis Haritatos.
“The semen has made it easy for us to reach farmers in the areas where there are no boars. It is new technology of high new genetics which has allowed us to improve growth of our pigs and the number of young ones from expecting pigs,” he said.
He grew his previously 150 sow unit to 250, through the programme.
The programme has also seen the farmer benefit more from the pigs whose low food conversion produces more meat than previously.
The Zimbabwe Pig Producers Association of Zimbabwe president also highlighted that through the programme, a syndicate from the province had been born, where farmers give each other access to knowledge and information.
Farmers with an interest in pig production also have access to facilities at his farm to learn and understand the lucrative business model.
“Most of the feed that the pigs consume is produced at this farm. We do cereal crops and soya beans that we take to the feed mix mill for feed production,” he added.
Head of Namibian delegation Damian Maghambayi requested the Zimbabwean farmer to invest in the South West African nation.
He said his nation, which was importing most of its food including pork products, was striving to reach food self-sufficiency.
Mr Mudanga has also made a name for himself in the poultry section doing a batch of 25 000 chickens.
He has opened doors for employment opportunities to at least 50 locals who work in various sections of the farm.
Online Reporter