President Emmerson Mnangagwa State of the Nation Address- 22 October 2020

Mr. Speaker Sir, Madam President, the historic signing of the Global Compensation Agreement reaffirmed the irreversibility of the Land Reform Programme.  It further symbolised my Government’s commitment to the entrenchment of constitutionalism, the rule of law and respect for property rights.

It is now incumbent on all of us to ensure production and productivity is galvanised on our land.  The Meteorological Department has forecasted a normal to above normal 2020/2021 rainfall season.

We must therefore ensure that all measures are in place for a successful agriculture season.  I commend communities throughout the country for the land preparations made under the Presidential Climate Proofed Agriculture Programme, Pfumvudza/Intwasa.  The Presidential Input Support Scheme will see over 1.8 million households being supported with free inputs to grow maize and traditional grains; while cotton farmers will also continue to receive support.  Input distribution under this facility has commenced in earnest.

The opening up of the horticulture space for our rural communities as a vehicle for improved economic inclusion and empowerment is essential.  To this end, my Government has resolved to roll out the Presidential Horticulture Scheme.

Furthermore, the accelerated resuscitation and development of irrigation schemes as well as construction of dams in all our provinces will help climate proof our agriculture against the adverse effects of climate change.

To meet the funding gaps, private sector led financing models are being rolled out for our farmers to access both mechanisation and inputs.

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