By Dumisani Ndlovu
Kwekwe – Midlands Province has made significant progress in implementing the Food Distribution and Mitigation Strategy and Zunde raMambo programmes, with 119 out of 221 Wards receiving their full three-month grain allocation.
Following President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s declaration of the drought as a state of national disaster, the government has taken swift action to ensure that no one dies from hunger. In the Midlands, over 412 000 beneficiaries have received support from the distribution of over 10 000 tonnes of grain, representing 49 percent of the targeted 20 384 tonnes.
Under the Zunde raMambo programme, chiefs have collected 620 tonnes, leaving a balance of 406 tonnes. Speaking during a meeting for updates on the blitz on food distribution and sharing of cash for cereal urban programme modalities in Kwekwe last week, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Midlands Province, Owen Ncube said:
“The province has however, encountered challenges that have affected the smooth running of the programme. Challenges faced include grain shortages at GMB depots in Mberengwa and Gweru, delayed funding for transportation, and non-adherence to Zunde raMambo guidelines.”
Minister Ncube commended the government for its efforts in ensuring grain availability at depots and delivering it to communities at no cost. He praised the Second Republic’s sustainable programmes and projects aimed at empowering communities in the face of climate change-induced droughts.
“Notable achievements include surpassing the 2024 winter wheat target by 103 percent in the Midlands Province, with 12 459 hectares planted against a target of 12 000 hectares. Irrigation schemes have enabled dry areas like Gokwe South and Mberengwa districts to venture into wheat and maize production.
“The province has adopted smart agriculture technologies, supported by the Presidential borehole drilling programme, Village Business Units, and other strategies to boost agriculture production and productivity,” Minister Ncube said
