By Tapiwanashe Mulenga
Farmers who benefited from the land reform programme have been urged to fully use their land to assist the country to bring in much needed foreign currency, a Cabinet minister has said.
At a field day hosted by Douglas Msipa, at Cheshire Farm along Matobo road in Gweru, Minister of State in the office of the President and Cabinet in charge of monitoring the implementation of special Agricultural and related programmes, Cde Davis Marapira said increased productivity on farms would help the country in attaining foreign currency and create employment.
The Minister toured the10 hectares of garlic field, 1-hectare ginger, 1/2 hectare of turmeric field under irrigation which is expecting 70 tonnes garlic, 20 tonnes ginger, 5 tonnes turmeric.
Minister Marapira commended Mr. Msipa who is the son of the late national hero, Dr Cephas Msipa for the massive irrigation project and encouraged local farmers to do the same as it helps generate foreign currency and create employment thereby lifting the flag of the Midlands province high on the Gross Domestic Policy (GDP).
“Farming as it is, helps in creating employment more than anything else in the country,” said Minister Marapira
He recommended farmers around the country to adhere garlic, ginger, and turmeric production on the basis that it is reliable and farmer-friendly and highly profitable since few farmers produce them.
“Value addition is useful and profitable for farmers in that it generates foreign currency and assist in employment creation,” said Minister Marapira.
Mr Msipa aims at catering for both local and foreign markets, therefore, netting the country foreign currency. Imports were condemned by local farmer associations since local farmers can also produce garlic, ginger and turmeric for consumption and market.
“My advice to farmers is to start small on the high-value crops which can be grown anywhere in Zimbabwe. Crops with no cold chain requirements can be grown on manure or “murakwani” without chemical fertilizers and essential food for both humans and animals.
We are expecting at least US$500 000 from the crops,” said Msipa.
The Minister toured the10 hectares of garlic bulbs, 1-hectare ginger, 1/2 hectare of turmeric field under irrigation which is expecting 70 tonnes garlic, 20 tonnes ginger, 5 tonnes turmeric.
Minister Marapira commended Mr. Msipa who is the son of the late national hero, Dr Cephas Msipa for the massive irrigation project and encouraged local farmers to do the same as it helps generate foreign currency and create employment thereby lifting the flag of the Midlands province high on the Gross Domestic Policy (GDP).
“Farming as it is, helps in creating employment more than anything else in the country,” said Minister Marapira
He recommended farmers around the country adhere to garlic, ginger, and turmeric production on the basis that it is reliable and farmer-friendly and highly profitable since few farmers produce them.
“Value addition is useful and profitable for farmers in that it generates foreign currency which helps in the purchase of seed,” said Minister Marapira.
Mr Msipa aims at catering for both local and foreign markets, therefore, netting the country foreign currency. Imports were condemned by local farmer associations since local farmers can also produce garlic, ginger and turmeric for consumption and market.
“My advice to farmers is to start small on the high-value crops which can be grown anywhere in Zimbabwe. Crops with no cold chain requirements can be grown on manure or “murakwani” without chemical fertilizers and essential foods for the health of both humans or livestock. We are expecting at least US$500 000 from the crops,” said Msipa.
