Sidumisile Mabena
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
[email protected]
A VILLAGE Business Unit (VBU) in Bubi District has started selling green mealies, marking a significant milestone in community-led agricultural production and demonstrating the impact of Government-supported rural development initiatives.
Sibambene Village in Ward 15, Pollards, has begun harvesting and marketing green mealies from its community garden, one of 18 Village Business Units established in Bubi Constituency to promote year-round agricultural production, food security and sustainable livelihoods.
The project is expected to generate between US$2 500 and US$3 000 despite challenging weather conditions that affected crop performance during the growing season.
According to Agritex Field Officer Ms Cynthia Nkomo, the maize crop was planted in February this year in two batches as part of efforts to ensure a steady supply of produce to the market.
She said prolonged periods of low temperatures affected production levels, but the project is still expected to yield more than 1 500 dozen green mealies.
“Despite the weather-related challenges experienced during the season, the crop has performed reasonably well and we expect to harvest over 1 500 dozen green mealies. The sales are projected to generate between US$2 500 and US$3 000 for the community,” said Ms Nkomo.
The Village Business Unit model is part of Government efforts to strengthen household food security, enhance rural incomes and create sustainable economic opportunities for communities.
Sibambene VBU chairperson Mr Lovemore Majelo expressed gratitude to the Government for supporting the initiative and commended community members for their commitment and hard work.
He said proceeds from the project have already enabled the community to drill a second borehole, a development expected to improve water availability and support future expansion of the garden.
“The success of this project is a result of teamwork, dedication and the support we continue to receive. We have managed to drill a second borehole and we intend to use proceeds from the current sales to expand production and increase our output,” said Mr Majelo.
Bubi Constituency legislator and Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Honourable Simelisizwe Sibanda, applauded the community for effectively utilising Government support and turning the project into a success story.
He said Sibambene VBU had set the benchmark for the constituency’s 18 Village Business Units and challenged other communities to emulate its commitment, innovation and determination.
“The success being recorded here demonstrates what communities can achieve when they work together and fully utilise resources availed through Government programmes. Sibambene has set a standard that other VBUs should strive to emulate,” said Hon Sibanda.
He said Village Business Units are playing a critical role in improving household incomes, strengthening food security and advancing rural industrialisation in line with the country’s development agenda.
The success of Sibambene VBU adds to a growing number of community-based agricultural projects contributing towards improved livelihoods and the attainment of Vision 2030 through increased production, self-reliance and economic empowerment.
Bongani Ndlovu