President receives wheat, fertiliser from Russia

Oscar J Jeke

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has received a wheat and fertiliser consignment from the Russian Federation.

The consignment of 250 000 metric tonnes of wheat donated by the Russian government, was presented by Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Zimbabwe, Nikolai Vladimirovich Krasilnikov, with the 23 000-tonne fertiliser donation from the Russian chemical producer, Uralchem Group.

The donation, which was received at the Grain Marketing Board Depot in Aspindale Park, Harare. comes at a time when government is battling an El Niño-induced drought that has resulted in depleted national grain reserves.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, President Mnangagwa expressed his gratitude over the timely donation by Russian President Vladimir Putin while commending the relations between the two countries.

“On behalf of the people of Zimbabwe and on my own behalf, I express my deep gratitude to my dear brother, the President of the Russian Federation, His Excellency Vladimir Putin for the generous and timely donation.

“Our two countries, Zimbabwe and the Russian Federation continue to be subjected to the heinous and illegal sanctions imposed by hegemonic powers of the west. Throughout the world years of Sanctions, the Russian Federation has been true, trusted and dependable ally of the people of Zimbabwe,” the President said.

He also added that Zimbabwe is making plans to develop and establish capacity growth in the fertiliser industry, with a call to Russian investment in the sector a boost.

“With regards to developing our local fertiliser industry, plans are underway to increase capacity for growth of the industry. We are ready to foster greater collaboration, Partnerships and welcome new investments from the Russian Federation in this area,” President Mnangagwa added.

The donated wheat will constitute a significant amount to the total wheat harvested in last year’s farming season.