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Victor Maphosa recently in Karoi
A Karoi young farmer has urged youths across the country to venture into commercial agriculture and contribute in the development of the nation.

Mr Munyaradzi Marara 34, who is also a beneficiary of the Command Agriculture programme commended Government for the support to farmers saying the various agriculture programmes will ensure national food security.

Touring his Karoi farm with The Herald recently, Mr Marara said youths should participate in making Zimbabwe a bread basket of Africa again.

He has planted maize on 75 hectares.

“I did not start with all these hectares when I ventured into agriculture four years back. I had only a few hectares but I started to expand using the proceeds from my farm produce.

“All this has been made possible by the assistance I am getting from the Government.

“I am a beneficiary of Command Agriculture Programme and every year I receive inputs, thanks to the Government.

“This programme has enabled me to put all of my energy into agriculture and I want to thank  President Mnangagwa for supporting farmers through programmes like the Command Agriculture.

“I also want to urge youths across the country to seriously consider commercial farming. By so doing, we all participate in making sure the sector thrives,” he said.

Mr Marara urged all beneficiaries of several agriculture programme to be faithful and utilise inputs accordingly. There has been reports of abuse of inputs with allegations that some Command Agriculture inputs were being sold to other people particularly in areas like Mbare and Chitungwiza.

“Let me urge my colleagues in the agriculture sector who are beneficiaries of Command Agriculture and other programmes availed by Government, to be faithful and utilise  inputs accordingly and productively.

“Please do not sell these inputs, let us use them specifically for the right purpose.

“Let us support Government efforts and ensure there is sufficient food for the nation,” he said.

He said becoming a bread basket of the region is possible.

“To my colleagues the youth, let us work hard in our farms. Let us contribute in making Zimbabwe a bread basket of the region again. It is achievable through hard work and unwavering support to this agriculture sector.

“Let us not spend time in streets and bars drinking and taking drugs, let us work and prioritise production.

“This year we are receiving good rains and we should take advantage of that. Together we will ensure that the nation is food sufficient,” he said.