Recognising the far reaching impacts of climate change and the need to build resilience while ensuring adaption remain essential. Further, the Second Republic has increased the Strategic Grain Reserve to 1.5 million tonnes.
In addition, my Government is consistently availing adequate resources to expedite payments to our farmers for crop deliveries. This Strategy is envisaged to guarantee enhanced productivity and profitability of farm operations along the “farming as a business” philosophy. I once again exhort all farmers to ensure the timely preparation for the 2021/2022 agriculture season.
This year, our cumulative tobacco sales exceeded 210.9 million kilograms, with export earnings surpassing US$589.6 million. Cotton production also increased by 100% to 92 000 tonnes. Investments to facilitate the value addition of these strategic crops are being sought.
With regards to livestock, we are gravely concerned with losses incurred by farmers due to the menace of livestock diseases. The distribution of tick-grease and locally produced January Disease vaccine doses has begun.
Farm mechanisation and agriculture modernisation continue to be high on the priority list of the Second Republic. The District Development Fund and other agencies are assisting with the tillage programme for various categories of farmers.
To augment the current number of mechanical farming implements available nationally, various bilateral schemes will inject an additional 3 000 tractor units and over 200 combine harvesters.
Mr. Speaker Sir, Madame President,
The mining sector is, this year, expected to grow by 11% as a result of robust programmes which encompass increased exploration and expansion projects; resuscitation of closed mines and opening of new ventures as well as mineral beneficiation and value addition.
Our manufacturing sector is benefitting from the Import Substitution Strategy and Local Content Policy launched by my Government, coupled with the favourable ease of doing business environment. Growth of the sector and a steady increase in industrial capacity utilisation is being registered.
Our people are encouraged to deliberately buy “Proudly Zimbabwean” brands, which now dominate our shop shelves. Meanwhile, I urge our industrialists to broaden their research and development towards increasing the range and variety of ‘Made in Zimbabwe” products.
The current economic rebound and increased productivity has seen increasing demand for electricity and fuel. In light of this, my Government has redoubled its efforts to complete and commission Unit 7 and 8 at Hwange Power Station. Other renewable energy augmentation projects, inclusive of solar power generation countrywide, are equally on course.
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