5 000 motorbikes for Agritex officers

GOVERNMENT in partnership with a seed house and a fertliser company has availed 5 000 motorbikes to Agritex and Department of Veterinary Services officers in a move that will improve their mobility.

The officers used to traverse the length and breadth of their respective areas on foot, thereby compromising the quality of their work. Speaking on the sidelines of a handover ceremony of 24 motorcycles for Manicaland Province in Chiendambuya last week, Agritex Director in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Mr Stancilae Tapererwa said Government will avail 20 litres of fuel every month for each extension officer.

“Motorisation of our staff is a key priority. We have a total of 5 000 field workers. In the 1990s, our staff was able to move around in their wards but unfortunately their motorcycles broke down due to old age. It was now a major challenge for our staff to move around, hence the acquisation of these motorcycles.

“We are happy and are grateful to the stakeholders who have chipped in to assist.

“Valley Seeds pledged to supply 2 500 motorcycles and FSG, a fertiliser manufacturing company, pledged another 2 500. We have already taken delivery of 3 500 motorcycles,” said Mr Tapererwa.

He added: “All our staff who possess Class Three drivers’ licences have received their motorcycles. Government will provide 20l of fuel per month for the extension officers.”

Valley Seeds Commercial Business Manager, Mr Tichawona Maponga, said success in agriculture can only be achieved if private players partner Government.

“We went into a partnership with the Agriculture Ministry after the motorcycle programme was launched by President Mnangagwa in 2019.

“Extension officers are a vital cog in the agriculture sector as they spend most offering technical services to the farmers,” said Mr Maponga.