Story by Farai Gwaze
FARMERS are embracing cutting-edge greenhouse techniques to revolutionise agricultural activities.
A 35-year-old and innovative farmer, Brian Mataruka is enjoying the fruits of hard work thanks to his forward-thinking approach to agriculture.
By leveraging cutting-edge agri-based innovations, Mataruka has successfully cultivated a thriving crop of tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers on five hectares, producing 21 tonnes of tomatoes per week and between five and seven tonnes of pepper per week.
“All our products are grown in a greenhouse and on its own is smart innovation because we can grow our plants throughout the year. Within those greenhouses, we have introduced automated irrigation where we can monitor our water use from remote locations.
“All our irrigation systems are plant-specific so there is no wastage, at the same time because our irrigation systems are timed which also increases our efficiency on power utilisation,” he said.
Mataruka can optimise irrigation schedules, serve water, and ensure his crops receive exactly what they need to thrive.
“The technology has come so far that you can measure the millilitres you need for a specific crop throughout the season. So those calculations by any farmer are key in determining water usage and how to create efficiencies on that water usage, I can monitor the water usage per plant, per row, per ridge, per bay from the comfort of wherever I am from my phone.”
His adoption of modern farming techniques has not only improved yields but also enhanced the quality of his produce, setting a new standard for sustainable and productive farming practices.
