Story by Aifheli Mudau
FARMERS at the Jalukanga Irrigation Scheme in Beitbridge District are set to reap higher maize yields this season following the adoption of drip irrigation, certified seeds, and modern farming technologies.
The initiative, supported by government programmes, is part of a broader effort to improve food security and enhance agricultural productivity.
“The use of drip Irrigation and certified seeds has benefited a lot of farmers who are in this Irrigation Scheme because we are assured of a good harvest from our fields.
“We were used to canals, but now we are realising that canals were wasting our water as compared to drip irrigation because water only goes to the plant.
“The harvest we get here is good because we do our planting on time and weeding. The drip also offers us as farmers a good time because you open taps and the water goes to the field, we are good to go with this drip irrigation and we thank our government for such support,” farmers said.
Seed experts and AGRITEX officers concur that using the correct agronomic practices can boost crop productivity.
“Farming using certified seeds plays a major role in the tonnage the farmer is going to get,” agronomist, Mr Eugene Ndlovu noted.
“Drip irrigation is good for food security, so as AGRITEX we will continue working together with farmers to increase food security,” Agricultural Technical and Extension Services, Acting Beitbridge District Head, Douglas Ncube.
Government support for irrigation schemes like Jalukanga forms part of ongoing efforts to revitalise agriculture, increase self-sufficiency, and reduce reliance on food imports.
