Story by Providence Maraneli
COMMUNAL irrigation schemes are targeting record-breaking production this summer cropping season at a time when the government is encouraging the production of cereal crops to counter the effects of Elnino-induced drought,
While preparations for the summer cropping season through the climate-proof Pfumvudza/ Intwasa programme are at an advanced stage, communal irrigation schemes in Matabeleland South have taken heed of the government’s call to venture into cereal production in the face of a lean rainfall season.
“We have already started planting and with climate change, we know we need to save as much water we can,” said Silikwe irrigation scheme farmer.
“We have to be productive, the government and development partners have helped us with a solar system that has cut the diesel costs,’ said another farmer.
Silikwe Irrigation Scheme chairperson, Ms Elitha Ngwenya said, “We had challenges with our system but now it’s better, we want to have a good crop because out there in the village, there is nothing.”
Experts are convinced irrigation schemes have what it takes to contribute to national food security.
“We have revitalized a couple of irrigation schemes and we have solarised most of them for sustainability and all things being equal, all the schemes will produce something this year. With Mat South being dry, we feel irrigation can contribute immensely to the provincial grain,” said Matabeleland South Provincial Irrigations Engineer, Mr Shepherd Mpotegwa.
Major irrigation schemes in the province have gone through a massive transformation, with Silalabuhwa, Makwe, Sebasa, Rustlers, Bambanani, Valley, Masholomoshe and Mankonkoni being the latest to receive modern equipment.
