News / National
EU unveils $12 million agriculture funding scheme for small-scale farmers
10 Apr 2013 at 22:46hrs | Views
The European Union has unveiled a $12 million agriculture funding scheme for local small-scale farmers.
Applauding the funding, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Ngoni Masoka told delegates and members of the media attending the ceremony in the capital that his ministry endeavours to ensure the promotion of the sector as it has always played a key role in food production.
Masoka said: "Increasing small-scale farmers' production and productivity, as well as linking farmers to viable and profitable markets remains one of my ministry's key policy thrusts."
EU Head of Delegation to Zimbabwe, Ambassador Aldo Dell'Ariccia said the bloc will continue investing in local agriculture with another $6 million programme earmarked for irrigation development and a further $19 million for smallholder farmers who are into crop livestock production.
"The EU will continue to support agriculture. We are happy to announce that further funding will be available very soon," said the Ambassador.
Smallholder farmers have traditionally played an important role in the nation's agriculture previously contributing more than 80 percent in terms of food production.
Availing such funding is set to boost the sector in terms of the much-needed support which has always been lacking.
Applauding the funding, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Ngoni Masoka told delegates and members of the media attending the ceremony in the capital that his ministry endeavours to ensure the promotion of the sector as it has always played a key role in food production.
Masoka said: "Increasing small-scale farmers' production and productivity, as well as linking farmers to viable and profitable markets remains one of my ministry's key policy thrusts."
"The EU will continue to support agriculture. We are happy to announce that further funding will be available very soon," said the Ambassador.
Smallholder farmers have traditionally played an important role in the nation's agriculture previously contributing more than 80 percent in terms of food production.
Availing such funding is set to boost the sector in terms of the much-needed support which has always been lacking.
Source - zbc
