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Govt to donate equipment to Tokwe Murkosi farming projects

by Stephen Jakes
21 Mar 2016 at 05:21hrs | Views
The Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Joseph Made has said government will soon donate farming equipment to Tokwe Murkosi farming projects in order to enable them to draw water to the people for irrigation.

Speaking in parliament Made said they were not waiting for the farmers to register themselves but in each province we have set up teams that will be working hand in glove with Ministers of State in the respective provinces so that we could start in the areas where there are water bodies.

"It could be in communal areas, A1 or A2 farming areas and even the old resettlement and the then called ‘purchase areas'. We are looking at where rehabilitation is required and the areas where we need to open up canals," M<ade said.

"The big project on Tokwe-Mukorsi is now almost complete. This is of interest to those that come from Masvingo. ARDA will also be involved even where church institutions that have farms are concerned. The programme is going on quite well. Registration is in progress for us to go to the next stage where we will give implements."

"We are going to give equipment for drawing water or engines and pipes for ensuring that people are able to irrigate. Already in place is the implementation of the Brazilian project. You witnessed on the television, that we visited some areas and we are now going for the second phase of the Brazilian project. There is another project where we are going to be assisted by the Indian Government to access some pipes for irrigation. China is also involved in assisting us in this regard," he added.

Made reiterated that where they were going to be working, nothing is going to be free regardless of whether it is A1, A2 or communal.

"Wherever we are going to be giving out machinery under the Brazilian project, we are going to be giving seed and fertilizers so that the farmers will become empowered and that they will be in a better position to repay the loans advanced to them," he said.

"I urge all of us when we go back to our provinces to encourage our farmers to register for these projects which are being spearheaded by the Ministers of State of respective provinces so that it cuts across the entire length and breadth of the country."

Source - Byo24News