Staff Reporter
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Mashonaland East, Advocate Michael Ndudzo, has called for the immediate rollout of drip irrigation systems and the establishment of agro village business units in all wards and villages across the province.
Speaking during a community forum hosted byMashonaland East Development Pulse (MEDP)recently, Minister Ndudzo said these initiatives are crucial for achieving rural transformation and accelerating the country’s development agenda.
“We must urgently set up agro village business units and drill boreholes in every ward. This is key to developing an agro-based economy and achieving Vision 2030,” he said.
He stressed that development should be practical and visible in people’s lives, not just a topic of discussion on social media platforms.
“Development should not be something we just talk about on social media, it must be felt at household level,” he said.
The Minister highlighted the importance of tailoring agricultural solutions to suit different ecological regions, especially the drier districts of the province.
“Drip irrigation is the way to go in dry areas like UMP and Mudzi. This method conserves water and allows for year-round food production,” he said.
He added that traditional methods alone would no longer sustain communities in the face of climate change and erratic rainfall patterns.
“It is time we move away from relying solely on rain-fed agriculture, especially with the changing climate,” he said.
Minister Ndudzo also encouraged local leaders and communities to work together in embracing agro village business models, which he said offer opportunities for employment, food security, and rural industrialisation.
“From Chikomba to Mudzi District, it is crucial that every citizen experiences the real meaning of Vision 2030. Let us walk the talk. The President has given us the direction—we must now act,” he said.
He concluded by affirming Government’s commitment to inclusive development through localised projects like borehole drilling and irrigation schemes.
“Vanhu kutanga, zvimwe zvotevera. These projects must not be seen as Government programmes alone. Communities must take full ownership so that the benefits last for generations,” he said.
The Minister’s message was well received by community leaders and residents, many of whom expressed hope that these initiatives would transform livelihoods and reduce poverty in rural Mashonaland East Province.
