Tsitsi Bvumburai

Farmers in Chivi recently showcased their impressive work to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development.

Chaired by Chivi South MP Felix Saul Maburutse, the committee’s visit on September 06 was a fact-finding mission to assess the progress and impact of local Village Business Units (VBUs). The tour highlighted the potential of organized farming to transform communities.

During their visit to the Mhikuro Kushinga VBU in Chivi North Constituency, committee members were particularly impressed with the project, which turned out to be one of the most productive in the area.

The VBU had approximately 5 000 heads of cabbage ready for market alongside a healthy crop of two-month-old maize.

“Farmers here are not just growing crops; they are cultivating hope and resilience within their community. Their efforts align with Vision 2030 to transform Zimbabwe into a prosperous, upper-middle-income economy,” Maburutse said.

The farmers’ success suggests that greater support for smallholder agriculture could significantly improve food security in this semi-arid district.

Maburutse’s sentiments were echoed by Chivi North MP Godfrey Mukungunugwa and Ward 8 Councillor Musa Njini, both of whom have actively supported these agricultural projects.

“Our government is dedicated to leaving no one and no place behind,” said Mukungunugwa. “With government assistance, we can sustain our families and contribute to community development, thus leaving no one and no place behind.”

Tsindikai Mapindure, a female member of the VBU, expressed her gratitude for the government’s support.

“We now realize the immense potential we hold to change our lives and our communities for the better through organized agriculture. With greater support, we can do even more than this,” she said.