The ManicaPost
Kudakwashe Chidziya Post Correspondent
GOVERNMENT in partnership with Profeeds and Empower Bank has walked the talk in implementing sustainable agricultural projects for youths to create employment and revive the economy through entrepreneurship.
The initiative is in tandem with the national vision of a middle income economy by 2030.
Integrated agricultural projects initiated by the Government are meant to benefit youths across the country.
The programme has since started in Manicaland with major projects being poultry, piggery, fish and horticulture farming.
Speaking at a two day fish farming training held at Dzobo Hall in Mutare South, Zanu PF provincial youth chairman Cde Tawanda Mukodza said youths agricultural projects were being funded by Empower Bank.
“So far we have several youths in Dzobo village who have embarked on fish farming. Their ponds are commercial and today Empower Bank is registering more youths and will disburse additional funding after the vetting process. Currently more than six groups of youth partnerships are doing fish farming,” he said.
MP for Mutare South Cde Jeffrey Ngome said youth participation in the economy was vital.
He said youths deserve to be equipped with requisite skills before being empowered financially.
“Youth inclusion in the economy is vital as they are the young, energetic and business visionaries. We therefore want to support their ideas by giving them capital to realise their full business potential. In Mutare South, we are going targeting about 1 000 youths,” he said.
He said funding for the projects has already been secured through Empower Bank.
Empower Bank loans officer Mr Michael Mangure said more funding had been allocated for various youth projects in Mutare South.
“We are encouraging self-sufficiency through sustainable projects. We have flexible payment plans for youths who have presented viable project proposals. The idea of integrated farming is to do away with the scenario of flooding the market with the products or produce. We are offering business consultancy through advice, trainings and capital so that the youths embark on commercially viable projects.
“We, however, urge youths to embrace the initiative towards attaining our financial inclusion mandate which cut across all age groups,” he said.
Apart from poultry, piggery and pen feeding, Aquafeeds which is part of Profeeds, conducted lessons on fish farming, an avenue appreciated by the locals for diversity.
