Story by Aifheli Mudau
A NEW 19-hectare irrigation scheme established by the government in Beitbridge District is set to strengthen household food security and revitalise local agricultural production.
The scheme, which draws water from the Umzingwane River using solar-powered pumps, has already ignited optimism among farmers who say reliable irrigation will help them achieve consistent harvests.
“We are busy preparing our land for planting, and once we are done with this, we will be ready to put our maize seeds down,” one farmer said.
Another added that the project was a lifeline for young people in the area.
“This scheme is good for us youths because we are now able to do farming and we will harvest what we can consume, and the surplus we sell to get money.”
Others said years of failed attempts at dryland farming had left them discouraged until government intervention made productivity possible.
“I have been trying farming for years but failing, so the intervention of government through this scheme will really boost our productivity,” a farmer noted.
Community leaders also welcomed the initiative, describing it as a major step towards economic upliftment.
“We are glad as a community because this will assist us as a community to get food if we work hard, we really thank the government for such a move,” Mzingwane Irrigation Scheme’s Vice Chairperson, Mr Vhonani Muleya said.
“This is a new scheme and we are looking at harvesting 4.5 tonnes per hectare, meaning there will be enough food for the farmer and the rest of the community,” Agricultural, Technical and Extension Services Supervisor, Orpheus Ndlovu noted.
Irrigation schemes have been identified as key in ensuring food security, beginning at the household level as government continues to establish new irrigation schemes and resuscitate old ones.
