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Precious Manomano

Herald Reporter

Village Business Units (VBUs) that are envisaged to spur rural industrialisation and modernisation have started to pay dividends to villagers countrywide with some expecting rich pickings from their gardens.

While some are expecting windfalls of as much as US$3 000, others have already started to count their profits from the produce of their labour, thanks to a game-changing initiative that was introduced by Government to transform rural areas.

About 127 VBUs and 33 school business units have so far been established under the ongoing Presidential Rural Development Programme.

The programme also comes with the drilling of 50 000 solar-powered boreholes to provide water for irrigation.

Beneficiaries of Zunde VBU in Mt Darwin who spoke to The Herald recently, praised the Second Republic for implementing sustainable projects that will uplift people’s livelihoods.

Mrs Chenai Masiiwa said they are earning meaningful amounts every month from the gardening project that they are undertaking. They grow vegetables, cabbages and tomatoes all year round, and have access to a ready market.

“We are proud that we have borehole water that we use for watering the garden. We have a bank account where we put our money. We sell our produce and also consume our fresh vegetables. There is no risk of buying vegetables that are infected because we consume what we produce. We are also proud that we are doing very well and we get money from this initiative to support our families,” she said.

Mr Tichaona Mangwiro said they have created employment opportunities for themselves, adding that there is no reason to find formal employment since this initiative is gainful.

“We work with the guidance from experts. We are doing well. So far there are no challenges. We are planning to increase our production this season. VBU has transformed a majority of people’s lives. We are now seeing a marked reduction of robbery cases because the majority are occupied with work here and are earning good amounts to sustain themselves,” he said.

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka said agricultural development at these business units will drive rural industrialisation which, in turn, will spur rural development.

Dr Masuka urged communities to fully utilise VBUs for maximum profits.

The VBUs are equipped with irrigation systems and greenhouses where villagers engage in horticultural production.

Under the Presidential Rural Development Programme, 35 000 VBUs and 9 600 school business units will be established by 2025.

The Presidential Rural Development Programme is part of the Government’s Rural Development 8.0 initiative whose other components include the Vision 30 Accelerator Model, Pfumvudza/Intwasa, Presidential Poultry Scheme, the Presidential Goat Scheme, Presidential Fisheries Scheme, Presidential Blitz Tick Grease Scheme and the Presidential Cotton Inputs Scheme.