By Takunda Chimwaka

Government has geared its efforts in driving the mainstream youth empowerment programmes through supporting youth in agriculture, The Harare post has learnt.

In a Press Statement for youth in agriculture, signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Settlement, Eng R J Chitsiko. The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Settlement, announced that it is jointly registering associations with Zimbabwe Youth Council (ZYC) for the participation in the 2019 Zimbabwe Youth in Agriculture APEX Council Elections to be held on a date to be announced.

“To date, 50 associations and organisations working with Youth in Agriculture have shown interest in working together as directed by His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa”, reads the statements.

In an interview with this publication, Chief Youth Council Coordinator, Nikros Kajengo revealed that, there are various stakeholders interested in working with youths in agriculture.

“The response we are receiving from the young people is overwhelming. What is needed is to come up with the Board which will coordinate all the intended projects. We are also grateful with the support we are receiving from Government particularly President Mnangagwa in spearheading an increase in agricultural production from the young people. We all need to contribute to food security and growth of our economy,” said Kajengo.

Government has been on a drive to ensure involvement of young people in the resuscitation of the derailing economy. Considerable allocation has been set aside for youth development in the 2020 National Budget.