Staff Reporter

Horticulture farmers in the country have applauded the Government for its decision to channel part of the US$30 million received from the International Monetary Fund in order  enable the farmers to sustain and increase production.

 A farmer, Eunice Magombo from Chihota who spoke to this publication said that as farmers, they were grateful for the efforts being done by the government of putting in place strategies to increase horticultural production.

“We are satisfied by the Government’s efforts of trying to improve horticultural production in the country. The funds being channelled towards the sector will go a long way in revamping the sector, create employment and uplift people’s standards of living,” said Magombo.

Magombo further applauded the Government for drilling boreholes to assist horticulture farmers instead of waiting for the rain season. She said that borehole water would allow the farmers to be on the field throughout the year.

Another farmer, Stephen Mungwari of Mazowe said that the horticulture sector had the potential of bringing in foreign currency for the country. He added that the support of horticulture sector would empower farmers and allow them to play a positive role in the development of the country.

Information in possession of this publication shows that Government is also set to channel US$20 million for the Smallholders Farmers Irrigation Infrastructure Development Fund to support 18 smallholder farmers in eight rural provinces of the country.

Government will further support the irrigation of approximately 2854 hectares   with about 5708 families benefiting across the country. In Masvingo Province, 120 families are set to benefit from the Government sponsored irrigation schemes with the water source being the newly constructed Tokwe Mukosi Dam.

 Meanwhile, Economic Analyst, Clive Mudzengerere said that the developments being spearheaded by the Second Republic under the leadership of President Mnangagwa show that the President is working tirelessly to improve the lives of the generality of the people across the country.

Mudzengerere added that the support of horticulture farmers was a step in the right direction in ensuring food security and the fulfilment of Vision 2030 of attaining an Upper Middle Income Economy status by 2030.