Owen Ncube
Rutendo Chitore
Gweru – Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs Owen Ncube last week officially opened the $51million Smallholder Irrigation Revitalisation Programme (SIRP) in Silobela.
SIRP is a government and international fund for agriculture development aimed at transforming the lives of small holder farmers mainly in dry parts of the country and the project will run for the next seven years.
Speaking at the event, Ncube said the ground breaking ceremony was an example of the commitment by government to revitalise food security.
He said the launch of such projects will positively contribute to the resilience of small holder farmers to the changing climatic conditions.
“The ground breaking ceremony is an example of government commitment to fulfill its promises to the community through supporting irrigation and food security.
“This will positively contribute to the resilience of smallholder farming communities in the face of climate change seen in the form of persistent droughts and flooding,” Ncube said.
Ncube urged benefiting communities to work together for the program to be successful.
“I therefore call for benefiting communities to collectively work together towards the sustainability and proper management of our projects.
“I would like to call upon all partners, stakeholders and business communities to form synergies and linkages that promote productivity,” Ncube added.local
