Let me hasten to state that, only those with a proven track record of delivering to GMB and repaying their loans, will be supported under the Command Agriculture Programme.
To strengthen our resilience to climate change, Government is encouraging communal, A1 and A2 farmers, to grow traditional grains. The implementation of the irrigation development programme will also be accelerated. A ZWL$60 million facility has been set aside for the rehabilitation of machinery under the Command Agriculture Programme. US$51 million has been allocated for the supply of various agricultural machinery from John Deere, some of which are already being delivered.
Meanwhile, Government will accelerate the consummation of a facility with the Government of Belarus, for the importation of tractors, planters and combine harvesters.
To render inputs more affordable to our farmers, Government is putting in place measures to facilitate the duty free importation of fertilisers, targeted electricity subsidies and the local manufacturing of fertilisers, including the full exploitation of phosphates from Dorowa.
Government is currently working on a programme to avail dipping chemicals and also in improving general animal husbandry practices. Research by our institutions of higher and tertiary education towards the local manufacturing of foot and mouth disease vaccines, has also begun with the support of Government.
Mr. Speaker Sir, the mining sector has continued to be the country’s key source of export earnings, income, employment and the preferred destination for investment inflows. During the first half of the year, the sector generated US$1.3 billion, which constitutes 68% of the country’s total export receipts. We will soon unveil a comprehensive strategy and roadmap towards the attainment of a US$12 billion mining industry in Zimbabwe by 2023. The attainment of this goal is achievable, with concrete green fields and expansion projects now at various stages of implementation.
Mr. Speaker Sir, our manufacturing sector offers immense growth opportunities through backward and forward production linkages. I am pleased to note that some companies are gradually increasing their production and exports. The introduction of a mono-currency system is also set to boost the competitiveness of our manufacturing sector.
In addition, Government is scaling up its support to the sector through duty exemptions on raw materials and capital equipment, tax breaks and holidays for priority projects and other import management measures. This thrust is anchored on the implementation of the recently adopted Zimbabwe National Industrial Development Policy and Local Content Strategy.
Mr. Speaker Sir, to promote trade and exports, the modernisation of the Beitbridge Border Post and bilateral negotiations on the establishment of One-Stop Border Posts in Victoria Falls and Beitbridge, are ongoing. The introduction of smart technologies to speed up freight clearance at our ports of entry will be speeded up.
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