The ManicaPost
Farming Reporter
SUNFLOWER farmers in Makoni District received a major boost to their operation after 20 of them received equipment worth US$60 000 and inputs from a development partner as part of value addition efforts in the crop’s production.
Speaking on behalf of Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Nokuthula Matsikenyere during the handover ceremony, Makoni District Development Coordinator, Mr Darlington Museka thanked Rotary Club Mutare for the gesture.
He called on the beneficiaries to make maximum use of the donation to improve production and sustain the project as a lucrative enterprise.
“We are grateful for this assistance as it will go a long way in empowering the farmers and reduce the dependency syndrome among villagers. Our desire is to have the sunflower farming project run sustainably and develop into an important source of livelihoods,” said Mr Museka.
Speaking at the same occasion, Rotary Club Mutare president, Advocate Natsai Nyamwanza said empowering women is important in ending poverty while ensuring gender equality for sustainable development.
She said: “As an organisation we decided to assist the farmers with resources and equipment. This is in line with Government’s thrust to achieve Vision 2030 as espoused in the National Development Strategy (NDS) 1.”
