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Business Insider
04-08-2025
- Climate
- Business Insider
Zimbabwe plans to turn a climate threat to food security with ambitious dam project
Zimbabwe has announced plans to build 50 new small dams and weirs, as well as upgrade and maintain existing agricultural dams around the nation, in a bid to defend its agricultural produce against climate disasters. Zimbabwe is planning to build 50 new small dams and weirs along with upgrading existing dams to bolster its agriculture against climate disruptions. The initiative is part of a larger program to irrigate 350,000 hectares by 2028 to enhance food security and resilience. Preparations are in place for an expected wetter-than-usual La Niña season in 2025–2026 to efficiently manage water resources. The plan is part of a larger national program to irrigate 350,000 hectares by 2028. The strategy is in preparation for a La Niña season that is predicted to be wetter than usual in 2025–2026. Authorities are acting proactively, focusing on food security and climate resilience in an area that is becoming more vulnerable to unpredictable rainfall patterns and severe weather. La Niña (cooler than normal sea surface temperatures) weather patterns typically bring above-average rainfall to parts of southern Africa, and Zimbabwe intends to turn this potential climate disaster into a strategic advantage. By investing in water harvesting infrastructure, the government hopes to ensure that excess rainfall can be captured and stored efficiently for year-round agricultural use. Comments on the dam project According to Engineer Edwin Zimunga, Chief Director of Agricultural Engineering, Mechanization, Farm Infrastructure Development, and Soil Conservation at the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, the threat of climate variability necessitates both large-scale infrastructure commitment and conservation. 'The face of climate change really requires that conservation, especially of our biodiversity and natural resources, happens at a much bigger scale. Soil conservation remains a strategic pillar of agricultural production,' he said. 'The best time to start a Pfumvudza plot, to build contours, or to construct field drainages is now. In the old days, we pegged and built contours before the rains to channel and retain water; that has not changed. Only now we are doing it at a greater level because the rains are more erratic and the erosion more severe,' he added. In light of last season's events involving minor farm dam breaches that resulted in fatalities, as reported by The Herald, Eng Zimunga issued a warning that inadequate dam maintenance might have catastrophic repercussions.
India Gazette
12-07-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
"Youth are getting employment through a transparent process": Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan
New Delhi [India], July 12 (ANI): Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday distributed appointment letters to selected candidates for government jobs at the Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Mela held in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Through this employment drive, more than 51,000 candidates across the country received appointment letters for government jobs. On this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the event virtually. According to a release from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, addressing the gathering, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, 'Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision is a blessing for India. Under his leadership, we are on a grand mission to build a 'Viksit Bharat'. There's tremendous work happening across all sectors. In terms of employment, Prime Minister Modi's current tenure is a golden era, as over 25 crore people have risen above the poverty line. He has uprooted poverty from its roots.' He further added, 'Whether it is direct or indirect employment, speaking of direct government jobs, more than 10 lakh youth have already been provided with employment by receiving appointment letters. Today, over 51,200 youth have been inducted into various departments, including the Railways, through a fully transparent process, and solely based on merit.' Concluding his address, Chouhan said, 'Heartfelt congratulations to all these young people. This employment is not just for their personal growth, they will now contribute as partners in the mission of building a 'Viksit Bharat'. My sincere thanks to the Prime Minister for his visionary leadership and commitment.' Earlier on Saturday, noting that the world is realising India's two immense powers of demography and democracy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that youths are both capital and guarantee for the country's bright future and Centre is continuously working to turn this into a 'source of prosperity.' Addressing the appointees at the 16th edition of Rozgar Mela, Prime Minister Modi said, 'Today, the world accepts that India has two immense powers - demography and democracy, that is, the largest youth population and the largest democracy. This strength of the youth is both the capital and the guarantee of a bright future for our India. Our government is working to convert this capital into a formula for prosperity.' Highlighting the outcomes from his recent visit to five nations, PM Modi said that the agreements signed bilaterally with these countries will give a major boost to the manufacturing and service sectors of the country, which will ultimately benefit the youth of the country. 'Two days ago, I returned after travelling to five countries. The echo of India's youth power was heard in every country. During this period, all the agreements that were made will benefit India's youth. India will benefit significantly in the coming days from the agreements made in various sectors, including defence, pharma, digital technology, energy, and rare earth minerals. India's manufacturing and service sectors will get a huge boost,' he said. Emphasising the changing landscape of jobs, the Prime Minister said that the Centre's policies have been reformed to meet the modern needs. The new recruits, selected from across the country, will be joining the Ministry of Railways, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Department of Posts, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Department of Financial Services, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, among other departments and ministries. The 16th edition of the employment drive is being conducted at 47 locations across India. The recruitments are taking place across Central Government Ministries and Departments. Rozgar Mela is a step towards fulfilling the Prime Minister's commitment to accord the highest priority to employment generation. It will play a significant role in providing meaningful opportunities for the youth to empower themselves and participate in nation-building. So far, more than 10 lakh appointment letters have been issued under the Rozgar Mela initiative across the country. (ANI)
Hans India
10-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Shivraj Chouhan to chair high-level meet on cotton crisis in Coimbatore
Chennai: In a significant move to address the ongoing crisis in cotton cultivation, Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers Welfare, and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan will chair a high-level meeting in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, on Friday. The meeting will focus on strategies to enhance cotton productivity, tackle viral infestations, and ensure the availability of high-quality seeds to farmers. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare stated that the meeting would bring together a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including cotton farmers, scientists, agriculture ministers from cotton-growing states, senior government officials, representatives from the cotton industry, and agricultural universities. 'Cotton production in India has been steadily declining, mainly due to the TSV virus affecting BT cotton,' Minister Chouhan said in a video message ahead of the meeting. He emphasised that the purpose of the gathering is to conduct an in-depth discussion on boosting productivity, reducing input costs, and developing high-quality, climate-resilient seed varieties. 'This meeting aims to create a practical and sustainable roadmap for the revival of cotton cultivation in the country,' he said. Chouhan reiterated the Centre's strong commitment to improving the welfare of farmers. 'It is our firm resolve to enhance cotton production and uplift the livelihoods of our cotton-growing brothers and sisters. The challenges we face can only be overcome through collective effort,' he noted. To ensure wider participation and gather inputs from the grassroots, the Ministry has also launched a toll-free helpline -- 1800 180 1551 -- inviting cotton farmers from across the country to share their suggestions, experiences, and concerns. The minister assured that all inputs received through the helpline would be taken seriously and considered in policy formulation. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 10.00 a.m. on July 11 and is expected to witness the active participation of senior officials, top scientists, and policy-makers, including the Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Issuing a heartfelt appeal to the farming community, Chouhan said, 'Together, we will overcome this challenge and bring about a revival in cotton production in India. Your insights will help shape policies that are rooted in real-world challenges.' The meeting in Coimbatore is seen as a critical step towards restoring the health of India's cotton sector and ensuring long-term sustainability for millions of farmers who depend on it.
The South African
13-06-2025
- Politics
- The South African
Deputy President Paul Mashatile withstood intense interrogation
Deputy President Paul Mashatile told the National Assembly on 12 June 2025 that small-scale farmers still struggle to obtain credit due to the lack of title deeds, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and Limpopo. He says the government granted R500 million and 44 000 hectares for land redistribution in the 2025–2026 fiscal year. This is in line with the numbers in the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development's 2025 budget vote. Some parliament members say progress is still slow because of bureaucratic and legal delays. Mashatile, head of the Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security (JCPS) Cluster, says Operation Shanela has led to 13 000 arrests. The operation ran from 17 to 23 March 2025. The programme's main goal is to stop gang violence in places like the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Stats SA Q1 2025 data shows youth unemployment at 45.5 percent, further pushing gang recruitment. Security experts at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Africa say we can't stop crime without dealing with poverty and gaps in education. Mashatile attested to 105 municipalities' poor water supply performance. The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) sends engineers to keep an eye on failing projects. Theft, leaks, and billing errors cause water losses of up to 50% in some metros, according to the DWS 2025 performance report. Outdated water infrastructure in places like Emfuleni, which has not been updated in over 40 years, has led to over R17 billion in debt owed to water boards and growing public discontent. Deputy President Paulus Mashatile warned that the United States' withdrawal from the PEPFAR would leave South Africa with an annual R8 million shortfall. He said domestic resources will secure antiretroviral (ARV) medications for the next two years. The South African National AIDS Council's (SANAC's) 'Close the Gap' campaign aimed to place 1.1 million people on antiretroviral treatment by 2025. However, groups like Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) warn that without ongoing funding, most vulnerable patients face serious risks. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
The Citizen
02-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Zeekoehoek development plan seeks public feedback
Mogale City, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development, is developing a Precinct Plan for the Zeekoehoek area. As identified in the city's Spatial Development Framework, Zeekoehoek was earmarked as an area requiring a precinct plan. According to MCLM communications officer Refilwe Mahlangu, precincts are not necessarily formal administrative zones but rather smaller geographic areas with distinct characteristics that necessitate detailed planning and strategic interventions to guide future development. 'The Zeekoehoek Precinct Plan area is in the western reaches of the city, south of the R560. The R24 runs through its far western boundary, while the R563 forms the eastern edge. The precinct includes portions of the following farms: Zeekoehoek 509, Waterval West 510, Impala 563, and Doornbosch 508,' Mahlangu said. The municipality invites members of the public to submit their comments on the draft Zeekoehoek Precinct Plan, which will play a crucial role in shaping the future development of the area. The draft can be found on Mogale City's official website. The closing date for comments is August 22. For enquiries and further information, please send an email to or At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
