Story by Aifheli Mudau
FARMERS at Jalukanga Irrigation Scheme in Beitbridge District are recording improved incomes and enhanced food security after embracing large-scale production of high-value crops, particularly sugar beans, under Government-backed irrigation programmes.
The initiative forms part of the Second Republic’s broader drive to empower rural communities through climate-resilient agriculture, commercial farming and rural industrialisation.
At the irrigation scheme, farmers are preparing for harvest amid growing optimism over strong market demand for sugar beans, which are increasingly becoming a lucrative source of income for households.
“These sugar beans are giving me hope because I am now close to harvesting. To me, this is ready cash because we are already engaging potential buyers,” one farmer said.
Another farmer said women in the community are benefitting significantly from the programme.
“As women, we are grateful for the support we are receiving from Government as we continue producing high-value crops such as sugar beans. This project will help us improve food security and household incomes,” she said.
Government support, including the installation of solar-powered pumping systems, has enabled year-round farming and improved productivity at the irrigation scheme.
Senior Village Head Reason Moyo said the project has transformed livelihoods within the community.
“These beans have brought food self-sufficiency to my community because once villagers sell their produce, they are able to buy what they need for their families,” he said.
Chairperson of the Jalukanga Irrigation Scheme, Stephen Dube said farmers are now shifting from subsistence production to commercially viable crops with higher returns.
“Farmers’ lives have changed for the better through irrigation farming. Previously, we mainly grew maize on this land, but we are now being encouraged to focus on high-value crops such as sugar beans so that we can realise better profits,” he said.
