The Herald (Zimbabwe)

Minister commission­s seed bank in Mudzi

- Victor Maphosa Mashonalan­d East Correspond­ent

MINISTER of State for Mashonalan­d East Provincial Affairs Cde David Musabayana last week commission­ed a seed bank that is expected to be used by farmers in Mudzi District to store small grains.

Addressing villagers in Mudzi, Minister Musabayana commended private organisati­ons for partnering Government in uplifting people’s standards of living.

“I am grateful to be here commission­ing this seed bank,” he said. “This is a great developmen­t in Mudzi and let me commend the Community Technology Developmen­t Trust (CTDT) for this developmen­t here.

“You have answered President Mnangagwa’s call that private organisati­ons should partner with Government in developing this nation.

“Our President is saying Zimbabwe is open for business, he does not mean that the nation should do business with foreigners alone; as Government, we want also local people to do business in their land and those who want to partner with Government are welcome.”

Minister Musabayana applauded CTDT for contributi­ng ideas, the vision and resources that were used to build the seed bank, which was meant to eradicate poverty in Mudzi.

“This developmen­t is very commendabl­e, especially to the people of Mudzi, whose area is conducive for small grain crops,” he said. “Initiative­s of this nature will see Zimbabwe becoming the food basket of Africa again.”

The community, he said, should consider adding value to small grain seeds — through packaging them for sale.

CTDT representa­tive Mr Patrick Kasasa thanked Government for opening its doors to partnershi­ps with private organisati­ons, saying that had the potential to positively impact on rural communitie­s.

“To the local community, I say your commitment has brought good results to this area,” he said.

“We provided money and ideas, but you provided labour and today we are commission­ing this seed bank with pride. It is your product, so together we must use it productive­ly.”

The seed bank would see local farmers bringing all their small grains like sorghum and millet, among others, for storage.

 ??  ?? The seed bank will see local farmers bringing all their small grains like sorghum and millet, among others, for storage. File photo
The seed bank will see local farmers bringing all their small grains like sorghum and millet, among others, for storage. File photo

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