The Sunday News
SEED Manufacturing Company, DuPont Pioneer Zimbabwe (DPZ), has been commended for supporting the Government in contributing to the success of the Land Reform Programme through continued operations in the country despite economic hardships.
Speaking during the Pioneer Farmer Competition Matabeleland South Provincial prize-giving day held at Gwanda Show Grounds last week, the Minister of State Responsible for Provincial Affairs, Cde Abedinico Ncube, expressed gratitude over the role played by DPZ in supporting the Government’s Land Reform Programme and for its continued provision of services at a time when some companies were folding due to sanctions.
“I am glad to tell you all that we have companies that supported us through the thick of things during those trying times and Pioneer Seeds is one such company.
“When other companies were closing shop and migrating to other countries, Pioneer remained resolute and supported the land reform through and through. I want to thank you for that,” he said.
Cde Ncube said the company had made its products easily accessible to all farmers who benefited under the land reform, an immense input to the programme.
“Land only without inputs including the seed maize component, which is the cornerstone in the annual best farming competition, could not have made the land redistribution exercise a success story hence the need for partnering with seed houses like Pioneer,” he said.
Although the seed industry also faces numerous challenges because of economic problems such as lack of finances, creativeness made them sail through.
Speaking at the same event on behalf of Pioneer managing director Mr Daniel Myers, the agronomy manager, Mr Tawanda Mangisi, said the company would continue working with Government especially in supporting its Zim Asset programme.
“Above all, we will partner with Government to ensure national food security at all levels of our social structures. We want food silos to be full from the village level, ward, district, provincial and that will eventually mean national food security which is the main agenda in the Zim Asset.
“We are emphasising on our goal of maximised food production,” said Mr Mangisi.
Provincial agricultural extension officer, Mr Judiya Ncube, encouraged farmers to continue working hard to fight hunger and ensure the country had enough food. The provincial competitions were meant to reward farmers who yielded best results with use of Pioneer seeds.
The best provincial farmer Mr Khawulani Ntini (Umzingwane), walked away with 20x50kg Compound D fertiliser, 20x50kg Ammonium Nitrate and 6×50 000 kennels seed maize. Mr Mkhulunyelwa Nkomo (Mangwe) came out second while Mr Themba Ncube (Insiza) was in third position.
