Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
BENEFICIARIES of the Government’s Productivity Booster Kits Programme in Mazowe District are expressing strong confidence in a bumper harvest this season, citing improved access to irrigation infrastructure as a key driver of crop performance.
Over 90 families in Glendale, Mazowe, have already benefited from the Second Republic initiative, which is aimed at strengthening national food security through increased agricultural productivity. Farmers say the timely distribution of the kits in August last year has enabled them to expand hectarage and plant early, well ahead of the onset of the rainy season.
A recent visit to beneficiary plots in the district revealed well-maintained and healthy crops, reflecting the impact of irrigation-based agriculture on local farming systems. Farmers reported that reliable water supply has allowed them to diversify crop production and sustain farming activities regardless of rainfall patterns.
Beneficiaries commended Government for prioritising irrigation development, saying the intervention has enhanced food security at household, village and district levels.
Agriculture Business and Advisory Officer for the area, Mr Innocent Guveya, said the programme has led to a marked increase in the area under cultivation, with improved yield prospects across most plots.
“We have noted a significant improvement in the area planted compared to previous seasons, and we expect yields per hectare to improve. Some farmers are already generating income through the sale of green mealies,” he said.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has repeatedly urged farmers to maximise the use of available land and water bodies as part of efforts to guarantee food security. Launching the Productivity Booster Kits Programme, the President said the initiative was designed to ensure inclusivity, particularly for A1 farmers who had not previously benefitted from irrigation schemes.
“The Second Republic, in its people-centred development policies, leaves no one and no place behind. To guarantee inclusion of A1 farmers who did not benefit from various irrigation schemes across the country, I am pleased to announce the launch of the Productivity Booster Kit Programme. Ten thousand A1 farmers will benefit under the first phase of this programme,” President Mnangagwa said.
Under the programme, each beneficiary receives a US$6 000 loan to acquire irrigation equipment for between one and three hectares. Government plans to invest US$1.98 billion over a 10-year period to support the initiative, with financial institutions providing additional working capital. Smallholder tobacco farmers are also set to benefit through the localisation of farming equipment procurement.
Phase One of the programme targets at least 10 000 farmers nationwide, a move expected to further consolidate Zimbabwe’s food security status and strengthen resilience against climate variability.
One beneficiary said early planting made possible by irrigation had been decisive.
“We have managed to produce this kind of crop because we have irrigation equipment and we started planting well before the rainy season. We thank our government for prioritising this area,” said one farmer.
Another beneficiary said the initiative had restored hope and productivity at household level.
“We hope this initiative will spread to other provinces to ensure the nation is food secure. This was a timely boost from President Emmerson Mnangagwa. We have a healthy crop and have realised that where there is water, there is scope for expansion. We are expecting improved maize yields of between six and seven tonnes per hectare this season,” the farmer said.
