By Evans Dakwa
Agriculture remains a vital cog in the economic transformation agenda being pursued by the government of Zimbabwe, President Mnangagwa has said.
Speaking at the commissioning of Champion Foods Private Limited Milling plant in Harare, the President reiterated the importance of agriculture in the quest to develop the country’s economy.
“The importance of agriculture as the engine for Zimbabwe’s sustainable economic development cannot be overemphasised. As you are aware, over 70% of livelihoods are directly and indirectly linked to the agriculture sector. The sector presents great potential to leapfrog the economy, given its capacity to influence the development of various services such as manufacturing, insurance, and logistics, among others,” said President Mnangagwa.
He added that transformation of the agricultural sector remains a top priority for his government.
“Agriculture transformation and food self-sufficiency remain our top priority. We are a nation capable to produce and feed ourself.Hence, in the ongoing transformation journey, all the necessary support shall be rendered so that the sector’s contribution to the overall growth of the economy will continue to surpass yester-year records,” he said
The President also took the chance to emphasise government’s commitment to facilitating the improvement of business operating environment to foster development and support private sector companies operations.
“My Government will continue to foster a conducive operating environment and accelerate rural industrialisation, modernisation and growth of our economy.”
He congratulated Champion Foods Private Limited for the entrepreneurial initiative, as well as it’s contributions in the agricultural value addition space describing it as a welcome development.
“The massive milling plant will help complement the current local milling capacity, increase our product volumes, and create employment opportunities and export-led production. Allow me to also commend the determination, focus, professional workmanship, collaboration and teamwork exhibited by the teams who showed knowledge and proficiency in installing the milling plant. Today, we thus, give full testimony that what appeared impossible, now is possible ‘ “