Staff Reporter
Twenty women from nearby villages in Mutungagore, Mt. Darwin, have come together to plant 20,000 tomato seedlings.
This effort follows a challenging period during which a dry spell left the region's dam nearly empty, threatening the livelihoods of local farmers.
Agricultural Extension Officer, Tapiwa Moyo, who has been working closely with the farmers, expressed optimism about the project's success.
“The rains have come at just the right time. With sufficient water in the dam, these farmers can now irrigate their crops effectively, which significantly improves their chances of a successful harvest. Tomatoes are a high-demand crop, and if all goes well, they will be able to generate substantial income,” he said.
Mutungagore was one of the areas most affected by the El Niño-induced drought, and the village had been struggling with a severe water shortage for the past month.
“We had been struggling due to a severe water shortage for the past month. Our dam was running dry, and it seemed like we were losing hope. These rains have brought us relief. Now we can plant our tomatoes, and we are hopeful for a good harvest,” said Maria Chikukwa.
Local farmers highlighted the importance of community cooperation in the planting effort.
“We have worked hard as a community to plant these tomatoes. With the rains, we are confident that they will thrive. This is a fresh start for all of us,” said Lucia Nyamande.
Noteworthy is that the planting of the 20,000 tomato seedlings was made possible by a dedicated group of women from the surrounding villages. These women have long been involved in agricultural initiatives designed to boost local food production and income. The tomato project is seen as a critical source of both food security and economic opportunity for the community.
The tomato farming initiative is part of a broader strategy to diversify crops and increase resilience to climate change. With water now available, farmers in the area are hopeful that they will be able to meet local demand while also tapping into broader markets.
The government has made significant efforts to ensure food security in regions like Mutungagore by supporting initiatives that increase agricultural productivity. Through agricultural extension services, water management projects, and crop diversification programs, the government is helping farmers adapt to the changing climate and improve their yields.
