(HERALD) ‘Zim can produce own maize seed’

‘Zim can produce own maize seed’
Business Reporter

ZIMBABWE has capacity to produce enough seed maize and may not need to import any, Lands and Rural Resettlement Minister, Dr Herbert Murerwa has said.

In a speech read on his behalf by his Permanent Secretary, Mrs Sophia Tsvakwiat a Pioneer Field day and Seed Conditioning plant tour at Juru recently, Dr Murerwa said seed maize was a pre-requisite for the enhancement of agricultural production in the country. It would thus be improper for the country to continue importing.

"We have the requisite resources to produce our own seed . . . (we have) rich soils. . . favourable ecological zones, technical expertise in Government and private sector (that) support seed production and the necessary infrastructure," he said. Zimbabwe used to export seed to the region.

Dr Murerwa said Government would continue support farmers.

The Government through its Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development provides extension services to farmers.

"As part of the team my ministry will ensure that we build on that support in terms of providing security of tenure to those of our farmers who are seen to be serious in producing for the nation," Dr Murerwa.

It is the Government’s policy that farmers allocated land under the A2 model and are productive can apply for 99-year leases.

To date, 115 leases have been registered countrywide.

The minister urged farmers in terested in applying for leases and permits to do so through the ministry’s district, provincial and head office.

Speaking at the same function, the Member of Parliament for Goromonzi North, Mr Paddy Zhanda said the lease agreement should permit partnership for willing farmers to share the farm but there should not be transferring of land.

"This is important because it boosts production and at the same time the other farmer may take the opportunity to learn from another," said Mr Zhanda.

The inclusive Government agreed that a comprehensive, transparent, non-partisan land audit be conducted and the ministry is already working on the modalities of the best way to carry out the exercise.

"In the same spirit, it was agreed that all Zimbabweans eligible to be allocated land and who apply for it shall be considered irrespective of race, gender, political affiliation and religion," Dr Murerwa.

The Government further agreed to ensure security of tenure to all landholders and that stakeholders work together for the restoration of full productivity on all agricultural land.

Zimbabwe needs to produce 1,8 million to 2 million tonnes with the balance being held as food reserves.

This has not been achieved over the past few years because of a number of reasons which include unfavourable weather conditions and unavailability of inputs.