Story by Tichaona Kurewa
GOVERNMENT has intensified efforts to strengthen irrigation infrastructure as it moves to increase agricultural production and safeguard national food security amid forecasts of below-normal rainfall in the coming farming season.
During a tour of the Bubi-Lupane Irrigation Scheme on Thursday, Vice President Colonel (Rtd) Dr Kembo Mohadi announced measures to improve water supply at the scheme, including relocating the pump station and installing an additional pump to ensure uninterrupted irrigation.
“Government will chip in to relocate the pump station so that it can pump water all year round and will continue to support this irrigation scheme to reach its maximum productivity,” he said.
He also assured farmers that water and electricity supplies to the scheme would not be disrupted.
Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development Dr Anxious Masuka said irrigation schemes will play a critical role in sustaining crop production as the country prepares for a potentially drier agricultural season.
“We anticipate that this coming season, the rains will be below normal. We don’t know by how much, so this scheme must become fully functional so that we can produce for the highest yields to ensure that this nation can feed from this scheme.”
Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Richard Moyo said the irrigation scheme has continued to improve livelihoods within surrounding communities.
“The scheme has seen beneficiaries sending their children to school and at least living decent lives. The scheme is promising because there is adequate water.”
ARDA Chief Executive Officer Mr Tinotenda Mhiko said crops at the Bubi-Lupane scheme and other irrigation projects remain in good condition.
“Here in Bubi-Lupane, the crop health and status is excellent, and generally across all the eight provinces where we established our wheat. The condition is good, and we are pleased with the progress that we have made.”
Commissioned in 2021, the Bubi-Lupane Irrigation Scheme is the pilot Presidential Vision 2030 Accelerator Model and is now in its sixth production cycle.
