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Runesu Gwidi Herald Correspondent
Government has been urged to support avocado production under irrigation in Nerumedzo communal lands in Bikita East to boost household incomes. The call was made by Zanu-PF National Assembly candidate for the constituency Cde Johnson Madhuku, who announced plans to engage Government to support communities in Nerumedzo to venture into commercial production of avocados.

Cde Madhuku told The Herald that the Nerumedzo area has great potential to be a major avocado growing hub in Bikita in a development billed to attract companies that will further process the fruit creating jobs for locals.

He said upon winning elections slated for July 30, his focus will be on engaging Government and other investors to support development of avocado plantations in Nerumedzo, which has conditions that are ideal for producing the fruit.

“My objective once voted into office will be to help communities in Nerumedzo to produce avocados commercially and the only way that can be done is through irrigation development to boost production of the fruit.

“Avocados can become a cash cow for communities in Nerumedzo and the entire Bikita district if Government and development partners support with irrigation infrastructure.

“There will be bumper harvest of avocados in the area which in turn will attract investors interested in canning the fruit for local consumption and export,” he said.

Cde Madhuku said organised avocado production under irrigation had potential to boost incomes for communities in the arid Bikita district.

“The soils in Nerumedzo are suitable for avocado production and this will boost household incomes for villagers in Nerumedzo who will get money to pay school fees and buy food for their families,” he said.

He said Bikita had more mineral resources compared to other districts in Masvingo province saying agriculture could drive the district’s economy after investment in irrigation development.

The Zanu-PF aspiring Member of Parliament also said his other objectives included rehabilitation of the road network in Bikita East.

“There are some areas in my constituency that are still inaccessible because of the poor state of roads while some places were cut-off from the rest of the district after bridges were washed away by floods, the problem of infrastructure is still a major challenge,” he said.

Cde Madhuku, who helped to propel Pamushana High to dizzy heights making the institution a powerhouse both in sporting excellence and academics during his stint as headmaster, said potable water also remained a challenge in some parts of Bikita East.

He expressed confidence of winning Bikita East constituency saying the majority of people were solidly behind Zanu-PF and President Mnangagwa.

The veteran educationist said his chances of Zanu-PF retaining the constituency were enhanced after the main opposition MDC Alliance fielded two candidates in Bikita East.

Cde Madhuku will square off with the MDC Alliance duo of Messrs Satiya Sengedzeni and Bonface Mudzingwa together with Mr Ernest Rambe of the National Constitutional Assembly.