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George Maponga in Chiredzi
Lowveld sugar producer Tongaat Hulett has revived winter maize production in Chiredzi, with 329 hectares now under development to plant the staple crop.
This is part of efforts to mitigate effects of successive crippling droughts experienced across Masvingo in recent seasons.
The move by Tongaat followed a request from Government and the Zanu-PF Masvingo provincial leadership led by secretary for production Cde Josaya Hungwe.
At least 1 000 tonnes of maize will be produced under the project, with harvesting of the winter crop expected around September this year.
Speaking during a tour of the project in Triangle on Wednesday, Tongaat managing director Mr Sydney Mtsambiwa said the sugar producer will spend nearly $500 000 in the winter maize venture.
He said his company decided to assist in easing food shortages in Masvingo following a distress call from the provincial leadership through Cde Hungwe.
“We are doing this project as part of our own contribution as a company to mitigate effects of drought that left many families facing hunger and starvation in Masvingo and other parts of the country,” said Mr Mtsambiwa.
“Planting of the maize crop is expected to be completed in the next 12 days, which means we will be harvesting this maize around September at an average yield per hectare of four tonnes.”
Mr Mtsambiwa said it was his company’s wish for grain produced under the winter maize project to be distributed mainly to underprivileged members of society such as orphans and the elderly.
Cde Hungwe, who is also the Minister of State responsible for Liaising on Psychomotor Activities in Education and Vocational Training, paid tribute to Tongaat for heeding Government’s appeal to ease effects of drought in Masvingo through winter maize production.
He said the Lowveld sugar producer had always stood by Government and the people of Masvingo in times of hardships.
“This is not the first time that you (Tongaat) have assisted Government through the winter maize production and we are happy with your support which will go a long way in easing hunger in Chiredzi district,” said Cde Hungwe.
“As Government, we now know that in terms of food availability, Chiredzi district is now safe because of the winter maize project.”
Cde Hungwe said he wanted President Mugabe to tour the winter maize project.
The project was first mooted by Cde Hungwe when he was the provincial governor for Masvingo in 1992 following a crippling drought that swept across the entire country.
Tongaat warmed up to the idea and agreed to venture into a pilot winter maize project that produced about 1 500 tonnes.
Online Reporter