BY SAMUEL NJINGA IN MASVINGO
21 communal farmers from Masvingo district received cattle from the President under the Special Assistance Emergency Fund that is being funded by the African Union through the African Development Bank. The programme is apparently being spearheaded by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development which has been tasked to identify cattle for both beef and dairy in order to be distributed to several farmers dotted around the country.
In Masvingo province, the launch of this programme was pioneered in Gutu. The programme is now expected to be stretched to Chivi, Zaka and Bikita districts depending on the gravity of terror that was caused by January Disease in those areas. Chiefs, Government officials as well as local authorities within the vicinity of these areas have been mandated to play a pivotal role in assisting the distribution of the Presidential Heifer Scheme.
Presiding over the distribution of the 21 cattle during a function held at Masvingo Show grounds in Masvingo, the Minister of State and Devolution Affairs, Ezra Chadzamira, said that the Agriculture sector, just like the Mining, Tourism and Infrastructure sectors, is fundamental in achieving the President`s Vision 2030 that is geared towards Upper Middle Class Economy.
“Masvingo province is home for cattle as it contributes close to half of the national herd. This programme also forms one of the backbone of the pillars of National Development Strategy 1, the TSP and National Development Strategy 2. The country`s economic growth has reached 7% regardless of the calamities emanating from factors such as sanctions, adverse effects of climate change and the COVID 19 pandemic. We keep on soldiering on and triumphing as our enemies continue to fight against us,” said Chadzamira.
The Minister also indicated that the Government has embarked on a special programme aimed at providing tick grease to every farmer as well as proceed on to rehabilitate all dilapidated dip tanks in the province. He further mentioned that more dips shall be erected and boreholes shall be drilled within the proximity of these dip tanks so as to allow efficient functioning of the availed resources.
Research has revealed that in 2022 and 2023 the Government managed to erect 100 and 55 dip tanks respectively. This year the Government is targeting to erect 50 dip tanks. The Government is also planning to do some awareness campaign programmes whereby the majority of farmers are expected to be taught on how to manage their livestock by experts in the field so as to avoid disease outbreaks.
“The Veterinary Services Department here in Masvingo is working on producing a drug that will help to fight January disease. The Government also plans to embark on Artificial Insemination programmes. More beneficiaries shall be identified in order to make sure that more and more people continue to get help from the President. For those who have received these cattle, make sure that you keep a strict eye on the cattle that you got.” he added.
Chadzamira also reiterated the President’s remarks that no one shall die of hunger as a result of the adverse effects brought about by Cyclone El Nino. He indicated that the President will be releasing drought relief programmes for free food aid very soon.