ED pledges to support private sector

Mhondoro-Ngezi (New Ziana) –President Emerson Mnangagwa on Thursday pledged government’s commitment to facilitating increased private sector investment in the country to foster inclusive economic growth.

He said this while launching a multi-million dollar hybrid cattle ranching joint venture project being implemented by mining company Zimplats and Palmine Holdings.

President Mnangagwa described the project, which targets a herd of 5000 beef and 5000 dairy cattle, as a worthwhile investment initiative spearheaded by the private sector in support of government programmes.

“On its part, my government will accelerate the modernisation, industrialisation and growth of our economy in collaboration with the private sector and other investors. In unity, we are achieving our set goals. Brick by brick, we are building the Zimbabwe we all want,” he said.

“The fruition of the joint venture is a confirmation that sustainable and inclusive development of our great country is not only the responsibility of government. It is a shared responsibility of the private sector, development partners and all citizens alike.”

President Mnangagwa said the cattle ranching program would give impetus to the fulfilment of the agriculture and food systems transformation strategy which targets the attainment of a US$8.2 billion agriculture economy by 2025.

He said the project also targets semen production for both the domestic and export markets, while the beef cattle will consist of a commercial herd for domestic consumption and the high value Wangyu breed for the export markets.

Dairy output is targeted at 25 million litres of milk by 2026.

“The introduction of a dedicated 320 hectares of irrigated pasture is an emerging farming model which guarantees availability of feed for livestock. Construction of a modular milk parlour with capacity to handle 1 500 cows at one go as well as processing facilities for export of standard Wangyu beef is a welcome development in the modernisation of the sub-sector,” he said.

“The community development initiatives under this programme include the establishment of community paddocks and pasture improvement, roll-out of an artificial insemination programme for dairy and beef farmers to improve genetics, the swapping of old cattle with improved cattle breeds, provision of vaccinations and antibiotics targeting emerging pests and diseases, cattle dipping and skills development. There will also be cattle out-grower schemes for the provision of fodder grass and other stock feeds such as maize and traditional grains.”

President Mnangagwa said the initiative would help boost the national livestock herd.

“It (the launch) is a positive indication of the confidence global and local capital has in our economy and the progressive policies of the Second Republic. The project further highlights the potential for harmony between the mining and agricultural sectors. Synergies in these sectors will indeed speed up the realisation of the outcomes outlined in National Development Strategy 1 and vision 2030,” he said.
New Ziana