RYAN CHIGOCHE
Zimbabwe Stock Exchange-listed firm, Seed Co Limited, on Monday donated 5000 Sinovac vaccine doses to Agritex officers as the company gives back to the community.
The vaccines which were acquired through a partnership with Cimas were handed over to Minister of Local Government and Public Works July Moyo, Minister of Land Agriculture, Water, and Rural Settlement Anxious Masuka and the Deputy Minister of Health John Mangwiro at a ceremony held at Seed Co’s head office in Stapleford.
Seed Co Regional Director Edworks Mhandu stressed the importance of Agritex officers in the community hence the need to be included in the vaccination exercise.
“We want to emphasise the importance of Agritex officers to the farming community. In the engagement with farmers Seed Co agronomy staff work closely with Agritex extension officers who are found at ward, district and provincial level all over the country. They are part of the farming community so it is important to ensure that the Agritex officers are protected from the Covid-19 virus, and we are told by health experts that vaccination is key in the protection against Covid-19,” Mhandu said.
Masuka hailed the efforts by Seed Co in donating to the Ministry at a time they are targeting 100% staff vaccination since Agriculture was given the essential service status.
“Ever since the beginning of the pandemic, we the Agriculture sector were awarded the essential service status. It is important that all our staff get vaccinated. Therefore Seed Co donation will go a long way in achieving our target of 100% staff vaccination by August 2021 because we must adhere to Covid-19 guidelines as an essential service,” he said.
Guest of honour Moyo said that the gesture by Seed Co proves that corporates are key in the fight against the pandemic. He added that the donations will go a long way in protecting communities.
“I am pleased to acknowledge the strides made by Seed Co to ensure that not only are the members of your organisation vaccinated but also successfully conducted vaccinations to the neighbouring community here in Stapleford. I would like to thank and appreciate Seed Co for this life-saving gesture as it will go a long way in ensuring that the Agritex staff are protected from the pandemic.”
“Agritex, being an essential service has staff who continue to do farm visits and a lot of face to face interactions Our extension officers need to do frequent farm visits to ensure farmers are ready for the farming season. Our aim is to ensure that both communal and commercial farmers are geared up and ready for the forthcoming season. We hope to execute our work in a safe and conducive environment Hence this timeous intervention by Seed Co is commendable,” he said.
Last week, Seed Co vaccinated 1500 people in the Mandebvu community as it began its Corporate Social Responsibility programme.
