Addressing journalists in Masvingo, Provincial Affairs minister Kudakwashe Bhasikiti said despite the heavy rains this year that there would soon be no need for government to feed people.
“We have discovered that nearly all households will have enough food,” said Bhasikiti. “We know that in some areas the rains were so heavy that crops, especially the maize, turned yellow – but overall farmers will have enough food.”
The government and United Nations agencies are yet to complete the annual crop and livestock assessment used to determine people’s needs. Villagers from several districts in Masvingo urged the government to be cautious as thousands of people might still need food aid.
Raphael Mungezi of Chiwawa village in Chivi urged government to make a thorough assessment before scrapping the programme. “We are hungry and if the government scraps the programme some people are going to starve,” he said.
Meanwhile, an outbreak of army worm has hit Masvingo province, dampening prospects of a bumper harvest this year. The caterpillars have invaded Gutu , Chivi, and parts of Chiredzi where late planted crops have been severely affected.
Post published in: News