Agriculture Reporter
Following the good rains the country received during the past rain season, Government has announced that the country’s dams have enough water to irrigate this year’s winter crops.
Addressing the media during the 16th Post Cabinet Press Briefing on water resources, irrigation development and water sanitation, health and pollution coordination issues in the capital yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Minister Monica Mutsvangwa revealed that the national dam storage levels are at 91% above the 71.2% expected at this time of the year.
“Agriculture remains the biggest water-using sector in the country with an approximate usage proportion of 82%, followed by the usage of water for urban and industrial users which stood at 14%. Major dams set for commissioning are Chivhu and Gwai Shangani. A total of 378 376 hectares are targeted for irrigation by 2024,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
On Water and Sanitation, the Minister revealed that the cumulative number of drilled and rehabilitated boreholes is 1 507 for this year and that tendering is in progress for the purchase of 10 rigs for the Presidential Horticulture Scheme, initially targeting 3 boreholes per ward in 2021.
Regarding the winter wheat and barley, preparation, Minister Mutsvangwa reported that three facilities are in place targeting 92 000 hectares distributed as follows, the Presidential Wheat Scheme targeting 10 000 hectares, the Command/CBZ Agro-yield Scheme 60 000 hectares, and the Private Sector Support 15 000 hectares for wheat and 7 000 hectares for barley.
She highlighted that a Statutory Instrument to restrict marketing of wheat and barley crops to contractors and GMB only is being drafted.
The Minister noted that the 2021 Agricultural Marketing Season generally progressed according to plan revealing that measures are being put in place to facilitate value-addition of tobacco before exporting, so as to maximize on the proceeds from the cash crop.
“Government is also reinforcing discipline in the tobacco sector and over 60 illegal buyers have been arrested. Also, the Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Strategy is nearing completion. The main focus of the strategy are as follows, growers production to increase to 300 million kg, combating de-forestation, localizing financing of production, increasing value-addition and beneficiation, and growing alternative crops,” she said.
Pertaining to cotton marketing, the Minister advised that the 2021 Cotton Marketing season commenced on 18th May 2021 and Cabinet noted with concern the continued failure to pay farmers for cotton delivered to COTTCO. This has prompted Government decided to institute measures to increase its shareholding in COTTCO to at least 51% in tandem with its contribution in the company and apparent support to farmers and the need to spur rural industrialization.
“To this effect, Government will be paying farmers directly,” she said.
On livestock production, Minister Mutsvangwa said increases in beef, sheep and pork slaughter have been noted, largely reflective of the good rains and improved feeds. She said that milk production is creeping up and by June 2021, production levels will be similar to those of 2020.
“Varying interventions by the Dairy Sector have been devised to ensure growth. Foot and Mouth Disease vaccinations are continuing in high risk areas. The cumulative cattle vaccinated to date stand at 186 193. The cumulative deliveries of tick grease to GMB depots are 769 947 kg against a target of 1 million kg. The cumulative total of beneficiaries are 686 971 farmers,” she said.
Minister Mutsvangwa emphasised that the tick grease is for free and can be accessed from the local AGRITEX offices.
