Govt allocates 1 000 hectares to youths

YOUTHS have been allocated 1 000 hectares countrywide for income-generating agricultural projects since the launch of the Provincial Integrated Youth Skills Development Centres programme in January last year.

Government recently made a commitment to set aside 20 percent of all agricultural land for young people. At the launch of the programme in Kwekwe, President Mnangagwa directed all provincial ministers to identify 500 hectares under their jurisdiction for allocation to youths. Since then, 45 youths in Mashonaland West province have received 10-hectare plots out of the targeted 74.

In Matabeleland South, 60 out of the targeted 150 youths have also received land offers from Government. Distribution of land in other provinces is ongoing. Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development youth desk chief programmes coordinator Mr Nickros Kajengo said: “The beneficiaries are the first group among others to follow, as Government moves with speed to empower more youths countrywide.

“Youth engagement in agriculture continues to be an important aspect of the country’s development through facilitating maximum production and growth of the agriculture sector.”

Youths constitute about 60 percent of the country’s population.

The programme, Mr Kajengo said, is open to all youths with a passion for agriculture.

Beneficiaries first undergo a special training programme at provincial youth incubation hubs, where they are equipped with agribusiness skills.“After acquiring knowledge and land, youths can utilise the financial support made available to them through the Agricultural Advisory and Rural Development Services and the AFC Land Bank for inputs and relevant support,” said Mr Kajengo.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr Mlungisi Ncube (29) from Mangwe district, said he intends to use his land productively.

“I am the farm manager at Sekusile Nutritional Garden in Makorokoro, where I have already started to put my skills to good use,” he said.“Now, I have a bigger task because I have my own piece of land.

“This is a good starting point for me as a farming entrepreneur. “I have a lot to offer in developing this country’s agriculture sector and I am raring to go.”

Another beneficiary, Ms Ketty Chanetsa, said she was looking forward to contributing towards developing the country.“I am ecstatic and grateful, at the same time, for what President Mnangagwa has done for us as youths,” she said.

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