Staff Reporter
Farmers have applauded the Government for making strides in irrigation development.
In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services highlighted on their Twitter page that Government has developed an area for irrigation covering 150 hectares under Muzvezve-Sorteki Irrigation Scheme.
“A total of 150 hectares of land was cleared out of which 100 hectares is irrigable with 60 hectares towable centre pivots and 40 hectares fixed centre pivots being installed. One hundred beneficiaries will each have one-hectare piece of land and Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) will assist farmers with the cropping calendar and equip them with skills to manage farming as a business. The project will help to increase production and productivity,” reads the statement.
The development of irrigation land in the country is vital in supporting the attainment of an empowered and prosperous upper middle income society which will diversify farmers, allowing them to produce all year round.
In an interview with this publication, a small-scale farmer, Tatenda Chidhuza said she was delighted to see the Government implementing farming initiatives that allows farmers to produce even in a drought induced climate.
“This brings me great delight as irrigation schemes have become the assurance to a better yield in our country due to the inadequate rainfall in some parts of the country leading to some families where agriculture is the bedrock of their lives to have little or no food to eat,” said Chidhuza.
Speaking over the weekend, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Deputy Minister, Vangelis Haritatos said that the country required a minimum capacity of 350 000 hectares of irrigated land to ensure the nation is food self-sufficient and a net exporter of grain.
Meanwhile, Government is also spearheading the construction of 12 high impact dams aimed at modernising the agricultural sector in line with facilitating a modern, sustainable and climate smart agricultural sector.
