The Sunday News
Harare Bureau
THE Government will soon establish two new parastatals and overhaul existing ones in a bid to boost economic performance, a Cabinet Minister has said.
This comes as Government has taken a decision that all agro-sectors in the country be put under Command Agriculture. The Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Authority will spearhead irrigation infrastructure development and promote all-year round production, while the National Horticulture Authority of Zimbabwe will source foreign markets for local products.
Among the parastatals undergoing surgical work is the Cold Storage Company which will superintend Command Livestock, which targets growing livestock and beef exports. A new 11-member board has already been appointed.
In an interview with our Harare Bureau last week, Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Minister Dr Joseph Made said Government has also directed banks and marketing institutions to mobilise funds to ensure 2016/17 maize producers are paid on time.
He said Grain Marketing Board silos and other grain storage facilities countrywide would be fully operational when grain deliveries begin in coming weeks.
“We are set to establish the National Horticulture Authority of Zimbabwe, which will focus on export markets. Plans are also at an advanced level to establish the Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Authority, which will be responsible for spearheading development of agriculture irrigation infrastructure.
“The parastatal will, among other responsibilities, target the utilisation of all water bodies as well as increase the number of water reservoirs across the country to promote production all-year round.”
