‘We will support productive farmers’

Robin Muchetu
Government will support productive farmers who value their communities and prmote national food security, Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko said yesterday. VP Mphoko told journalists while touring Merry Ellen Farm in Bubi that: “It is important to have security when you are in this business. If you do not have any, then it becomes difficult to operate; you cannot have any sound plans as you will not be sure of yourself.

“It is also vital to know the relations between the community and the farmer, and I am happy here they said the relations are good. The community is benefiting greatly, which is what we want. We appreciate that they are producing seed maize as this is what we need at this time.”

Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Deputy Minister Davis Marapira said: “This is one of the best (farms) in the nation. They have advanced technology in irrigation development, which many farms do not have.

“Last year, I encouraged the farmer to upgrade his irrigation technology and he was hesitant as there was no security of tenure, but he agreed and he is doing well indeed.”

Minister of State in Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Office Clifford Sibanda said the farm, owned by Mr Peter Evans, had benefited the local community by contributing 200 tonnes of maize as food relief.

Mr Evans said, “We grow maize, potatoes, paprika, soya beans and maize seed and constantly try to increase our yields by advancing in irrigation technology. We also employ 260 local workers and it is working out well.”

Merry Ellen Farm spans 1 300 hectares, 330 of which are under irrigation.