Maravi

(HERALD ZW) ‘Invest in agric co-operatives’

‘Invest in agric co-operatives’
Friday, 19 October 2012 00:00
Herald reporter

THE Government has urged smallholder farmers to join savings and credit co-operatives and village banks to assist themselves in raising working capital. Speaking at the World Food Day commemorations in Chivhu on Wednesday, Small and Medium Enterprises and Co-operative Development

Minister Sithembiso Nyoni castigated farmers who squander profits without any savings. “Savings and credit co-operatives help the farmer to easily access inputs, provide loans to fund their farm production. The co-operatives also assist them in identifying markets,” said Minister Nyoni.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Mr Seiso Moyo also emphasised the need to invest in agricultural co-operatives to mitigate hunger, malnutrition and provide the needed extra food.

“It has become imperative that farming be recognised as a legitimate entrepreneurial line of business to promote food security in the country and the world over,” said Mr Moyo.

The event was hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organisation and farmers received prizes for excelling in the various farming disciplines.

Mr Nyararai and Mrs Sibusisiwe Madyangove of Nharira Dairy Co-operative scooped the dairy farmers of the year prize.

A total of 28 farmers were judged in 12 areas with the judges prioritising herd health records, calf management, milk hygiene and cattle handling facilities.

Also in attendance was World Food Programme country director Mr Felix Bamezon, who applauded Government for implementing seasonal targeted assistance to boost nutrition. FAO director Gaoja Han said his organisation would support co-operatives to enhance food security.

Labels: COOPERATIVES, SITHEMBISO NYONI

posted by MrK @ 11:02 PM