REMARKS BY H.E. THE PRESIDENT, CDE DR. E.D. MNANGAGAWA TO BE DELIVERED AT THE INTERNATIONAL FORUM ON HYBRID RICE ASSISTANCE AND GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY

REMARKS BY H.E. THE PRESIDENT, CDE DR. E.D. MNANGAGAWA TO BE DELIVERED AT THE INTERNATIONAL FORUM ON HYBRID RICE ASSISTANCE AND GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY

Ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening to you all.

It is indeed a great honor to attend the International Forum on Hybrid Rice Assistance and Global Food Security.

Food security is a critical issue, which affects all nations, great and small. The government of Zimbabwe has instituted a number of measures to stimulate agricultural production, setting the country all the development trajectory to achieve in upper-middle income society status by the year 2030.

My administration has various problems which relate to climate-proofed input support, as well as enhanced production and productivity in corn, wheat, cotton, fisheries, poultry, and livestock subsectors.

As a result of our initiatives, Zimbabwe realized an unprecedented feat of wheat self-sufficiency during this past 2021-2022 season, a first in the history of the country.

Our agriculture and food systems transformation strategy targets to double over agriculture output by 2030. The program is centered on six pillars of transformation, namely, food security and input substitution, increased and diversified exports, value addition and beneficiation, job creation and improved incomes among farmers.

My government is increasing land and irrigation through the accelerated irrigation, rehabilitation and development program.

The government of Zimbabwe recognizes that food and nutrition security is not only a national, but global issue that requires international cooperation and amount of sectoral interventions and coordination at the highest level.

I want to organize and appreciate the People's Republic of China for being a comprehensive, strategic partner of Zimbabwe.

We continue to benefit from Chinese investments in irrigation development and the promotion of contract farming, which has boosted agricultural production output. 

Allow me to conclude, but highlighting that Zimbabwe looks forward to continue working closely with the People's Republic of China, including other global partners to further consolidate in advance food security in our country, SADC region, the African continent and beyond.

Thank you.