Staff Reporter

Government has so far put 150 000 hectares of arable land under various irrigation projects countrywide as part of efforts to improve agricultural productivity throughout the year.

Under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), Government has set a target to have at least 350 000 hectares under irrigation schemes by 2025.

Government expects Zimbabwe National Water Authority to spearhead its irrigation plan.

Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU) chief executive officer, Paul Zakaria said the steady progress that had been achieved so far within the irrigation strategy under NDS1 was exciting.

“This year’s agricultural season has been hugely successful due to the normal to above normal rainfall that we have received.

“But we need to plan ahead because of the threat of climate change. We may not be fortunate next year to get good rains.

“We are encouraged to note that the government has taken the initiative to rehabilitate some irrigation projects, build more dams.

“So far there is around 150 000 hectares already under various irrigation schemes. This is commendable progress. We hope farmers will take advantage of that and utilize the projects,” he said.

Starting with the 2021 National Budget, the government’s target is to increase agriculture output to US$8.2 billion by 2025 and accordingly, ZWL$46.3 billion was allocated to Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement.

For this season and subsequent agriculture seasons, Government has set sights to improve on access and timely financing arrangements, mitigating against climatic change, guaranteeing viability and competitiveness of farming business and protecting the environment for sustainability of the sector.