Agriculture backbone of Zimbabwe's economy, says Mnangagwa

President Emmerson Mnangagwa says agriculture is the backbone of the economy and the command agriculture model is meant to ensure food security.

The President said this while addressing a highly subscribed Zanu PF rally at Chipadze Stadium in Bindura, Mashonaland central Province this afternoon.

"Through the command agriculture programme, Zimbabwe will never be food insufficient again. The government will continue supporting farmers in tobacco, cotton farming by providing free inputs," he said.

The President said there's need for a culture of honesty and hardworking adding that corruption cripples the economy.

"When you work for the people, you must put all your effort and must have integrity. We don't want corruption. We are against corruptly acquired wealth," he said.

President Mnangagwa said independent candidates automatically expelled themselves from the Zanu PF party and should not campaign using its name or party regalia as that is in violation of ZEC regulations.

He added that the new dispensation will not return farms to the colonial settlers as purported by some rogue elements who are bent on disturbing developments in the country .

"We hear that some people are saying the new dispensation will return farms to the colonial settlers but I want to assure you that that will never happen because we united the people with their land," said the President.

President Mnangagwa said government's top priority now is development so that the future generations will enjoy the fruits of a solid economic foundation.

"Our main thrust as government is development. We have a duty as leaders to create an environment for the betterment of the future generations. The youths should say our elders built a strong foundation for us," he said.

The President said government wants to make sure it creates a competitive environment for businesses to thrive in the country.

"There's stability, unity and peace in Zimbabwe which will make sure that capital comes because capital comes where it is comfortable. When investors come we should treat them well because the aim of a businessman is to make profit, however, we need their skills and technology which our people will learn and develop our country," he said.

He said the government is committed to unite the people of Zimbabwe in peace and in harmony.

""We need peace in this province because we once heard of the skirmishes caused by G40 but ignore them because we want peace," said President Mnangagwa.

The President said Zanu PF is bigger than everyone but no one is bigger than the party.

"No one can put Zanu PF party into their pocket but Zanu PF is a like a pocket, it can fit everyone. No matter how popular you become you'll never own Zanu-PF," he said.

The President also said government has put in place financial windows for the youths to nurture and develop their skills for the development of the country.

"We have just opened the Empowerbank for the youths but we don't want you to repeat what happened during the Kasukuwere era whereby youths failed to pay back the money they borrowed. You will be supported by the government and you must learn to pay back the loans," he said.

President Mnangagwa said the party doesn't want the imposition of candidates but wants leaders that come from the people because the power of the party is vested in the people.