Maize production programme to reduce imports

ZIMBABWE and India can learn from each other in various sectors of the economy to increase production and productivity, Indian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Rangsung Masakui has said.

Officially opening the 91st edition of the Midlands Agricultural Show in Gweru yesterday, Amb Masakui said Zimbabwe and India were largely agriculture dependent countries who can learn from each other in order to increase productivity in the sector and ensure food security.

He said India went through a difficult time but has managed to grow and become self-sufficient in food.

“Zimbabwe and India can learn from each other in the areas of policy formulation to increase production and productivity, credit fl ow mechanism, research and education and mechanisation. India’s huge requirements of pulses and availability of land in Zimbabwe for production of variety of food items can be complementary in our business relations,” he said.

In a speech read on his behalf by the Minister of State in his office Cde Clifford Sibanda, Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa acknowledged the support that Zimbabwe continues to receive from India.

“Government at its Cabinet meeting last week took a decision to embark on command agriculture in the coming summer cropping season in order to ensure food security and maize supply self-sufficiency, the programme will be implemented under the guidance of Food Security and Nutrition Cabinet Committee which I chair.

“The programme will be run from the Office of the President and Cabinet. This programme aims to produce maize locally and reduce grain imports. The programme targets to produce at least two million metric tonnes of maize grain on 400 000 hectares out of which at least 200 000 hectares should be on irrigated land. The special programme on maize production has the advantage that funds will be used locally to buy inputs and also ensures employment creation,” he said.

VP Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe and India enjoyed cordial relations and this has been extended to agriculture.

“Currently agricultural equipment is being received from a number of countries. Allow me to acknowledge the support which our Government continues to receive from the Government of India.

“We are confident that the partnership and co-operation which we have enjoyed since preindependence will continue to grow and bear fruit and improve the living standards of the ordinary Zimbabweans,” he said.