Maravi

(HERALD) Plans to revive US$5m winter maize project abandoned

Plans to revive US$5m winter maize project abandoned
Thursday, 23 June 2011 01:00
Masvingo Bureau

THE Masvingo provincial leadership has abandoned plans to revive the US$5 million winter maize project in the Lowveld, that was aimed at mitigating the effects of last year's drought after failing to secure adequate funding.

Under the project, over 2 500 hectares were envisaged to be put under winter maize in Chiredzi after the Masvingo provincial leadership led by Governor and Resident Minister, Titus Maluleke successfully lobbied the two sugar growing estates and new cane farmers in the area to commit part of their land for the project.

The provincial leadership had requested for funds from treasury to revive the winter maize project in the wake of severe food shortages.
Masvingo acting provincial agricultural extension officer, Mr John Chihombori, recently confirmed that they were still waiting for funds to embark on the winter maize project in Chiredzi from Government.

Mr Chihombori, however, intimated that chances of embarking on the winter maize project in the Lowveld were now very slim as the maize crop, if planted now-would encroach into the rainy season.

"There was a request for funding for the winter maize project that was send to Government, but as of now nothing yet has been made available in terms of inputs and funding so we are no longer sure whether the project is still on.

"We do not know whether we will get the funding for the project or not but we are still waiting,'' said Mr Chihombori.

He said although it was not yet too late to start the winter maize project, chances were that the winter maize crop if finally planted would well encroach into the beginning of the main farming season.

The winter maize project also suffered a still-birth last year after the Masvingo provincial leadership failed to raise funds for the ambitious project.

The winter maize project was started as a pilot project by the then Masvingo Governor Josaya Hungwe in 2002 following consecutive years of drought, which left Masvingo province grappling with severe food shortages.

Labels: MAIZE

posted by MrK @ 3:56 PM