President Emmerson Mnangagwa has pledged continued government support of the Command Agriculture Programme and the Presidential Inputs Scheme to ensure the country is food self-sufficient.
Addressing thousands of Zanu PF supporters at Rimuka Stadium in Kadoma today, President Mnangagwa said the Presidential inputs will be distributed on time this year.
“Now we are preaching unity, no to hatred, we should work towards a prosperous Zimbabwe, for that to happen people should be empowered. Inputs under Command Agriculture and Presidential Inputs scheme are being distributed now so that come rainy season farmers will be well prepared. Mashonaland West is one of the country’s breadbasket and as government, we will continue to support you,” he said.
The President said government has set aside $487 million for the Presidential Inputs Scheme this farming season and the inputs are for everyone regardless of political affiliation.
“Mashonaland West is one of the food baskets of Zimbabwe and government will continue to support the farmers as the government will inject $487 million into the agriculture sector. The inputs will be disbursed early this year so that farmers will prepare and plough their crops on time,” he said.
The President said the Land Reform Programme is irreversible and is now a closed chapter adding the land is for Zimbabweans and the burden for government now is to make sure that the country benefits from the exercise.
He said the cotton production is on the rise due to the inputs being availed by government, adding that in the past, Zimbabwe’s foreign direct investment (FDI) was less than half a billion, but now the country has received $16 billion worth of FDI commitments in a few months.
President Mnangagwa also highlighted that the Zanu PF party is united countrywide.
“Zanu PF is united countrywide and it cannot fit into anyone’s pockets…..but everyone fits into Zanu PF’s pocket,” he said.
He also denounced the imposition of candidates saying all those who want leadership positions should be servants of the people.
“Leaders should be the people’s servants, not vice versa and that includes me,” President Mnangagwa said.
On the issue of elections, President Mnangagwa said the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) is an independent body whose members are chosen by Parliament, and is not controlled by the government.
The President also said the government has invited observers’ world over in line with the new administration’s thrust of holding free and fair elections.
“We have invited observers for our elections because we have nothing to hide, we are transparent and we have opened space. Please welcome the observers warmly, they should understand that Zimbabweans are mature and they know what they want,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said victory is certain and blessed are those who will remain part of the ruling Zanu PF party.
Meanwhile, the President commissioned the recently refurbished Kadoma General Hospital earlier today.
Kadoma General Hospital was given a major facelift by one of the county’s platinum mining giants, Zimplats.
Source – ZBC
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