By Violet Mashonga
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Dr. Anxious Masuka has commended farmers in Mashonaland West for adopting innovative agricultural practices during a visit to Victory Farm and the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) Mhangura project.
Dr. Masuka toured the sites on Wednesday alongside Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Marian Chombo. The visit was facilitated by Provincial Director Medelina Magwenzi, who coordinates government agricultural programmes in the province.
At Victory Farm, a joint venture between farmers Tichaona Mapfoche and Colonel Shorai Chiripanyanga, the ministers inspected a thriving wheat crop. Dr. Masuka praised the farmers for their efforts, saying the project demonstrated the potential for improved productivity through modern farming methods.
The tour also included a briefing for a visiting Namibian delegation led by Hon. Paulus N. Mbangu, a Member of Parliament, who expressed interest in future agricultural cooperation between Namibia and Zimbabwe.
The ministers then proceeded to the GMB Mhangura site, where construction of new grain silos is 78 percent complete. The project aims to improve crop storage capacity and reduce post-harvest losses.
Minister Chombo said the investment in storage facilities would help safeguard grain quality and enhance food security. Dr. Masuka stressed the need for continued collaboration between government and the private sector to boost agricultural output and rural livelihoods.
