The Minister of state for Provincial affairs and Devolution for Midlands Province, Owen Mudha Ncube, yesterday, toured the 146-hectare New Farm in Ward 31 Sherwood West, Kwekwe District, where he commended a joint venture between Midlands Acres and six local farmers for boosting food production and crop diversification in Midlands Province.
The project has 76 hectares under maize, with an expected yield of 684 tonnes this season, while nine hectares are planted under paprika for export.
Speaking after the tour, Minister Ncube said the initiative demonstrates how structured partnerships between investors and local farmers can accelerate agricultural productivity and strengthen national food security.
“This model clearly shows that when farmers work together with private investors under supportive Government policy, productivity increases significantly,” said Minister Ncube.
“We are looking at 684 tonnes of maize from this farm alone, which contributes meaningfully to provincial and national grain reserves. At the same time, paprika production strengthens our export earnings and promotes crop diversification,” he said.
Minister Ncube said the project aligns with the Second Republic’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), particularly under the Food Security, Climate Resilience and Environmental Protection Pillar.
“Our thrust as Government is to promote climate-smart agriculture, expand irrigation development and build resilience against erratic rainfall patterns. This project is a practical example of that vision in action,” he said.
One of the farmers identified only as Musanhu said the partnership with Midlands Acres had improved access to inputs, mechanisation and technical expertise.
“Through this joint venture, we have been able to fully utilise the land and improve yields. Access to irrigation and technical support has made a significant difference to our operations,” he said.
The Midlands Province continues to record increased agricultural productivity through public-private partnerships and farmer-led initiatives aimed at contributing to Vision 2030’s goal of attaining an upper middle-income economy.
