Staff Reporter

Approximately 2500 households are set to benefit from the first batch of the Presidential Poultry Project which was launched in Chiwundira Constituency recently.

The project is expected to benefit at least 500 farmers in each ward.

A youthful farmer only identified as Tinashe, was upbeat about receiving her allocation and praised the Second Republic for its efforts toward empowering the youth through farming.

“I am very grateful to our President, Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa and his Administration for their people centred policies.  As youths, ZANU PF has already trained us in various projects which include poultry breeding, goat rearing, soap making and mushroom farming amongst other projects. I am grateful that I have received these chicks which will allow me to start making profits. I hope our province will also be financed to venture into goat rearing project just as they have in Chipinge,” said Tinashe.

Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Senator Larry Mavhima commended the scheme saying more than 90% of farmers keep poultry for eggs and meat.

“This project is a game changer and a resilience building livelihood activity and I applaud the local Chief Chiwundura for allowing it to take place in his jurisdiction. In this regard, I urge all participants to embrace the program which has the potential to generate income, improve food nutrition and security in line with Vision 2030,” said Minister Mavhima.

The Presidential Rural Poultry Scheme meets the Second Republic’s Agricultural Revival Strategy in which marginalised farmers are expected to be well developed in order to meet Government’s vision of an upper middle income society by 2030.

Meanwhile, Midlands Acting Provincial Director for ARDA, Madeline Magwenzi said 25 000 chicks were going to be distributed among five wards whilst a further 455 000 chicks would be availed at a later date so as to complete the first part of the program.