Story by Aifheli Mudau
HARNESSING borehole water for drip irrigation by a Beitbridge farmer has boosted crop productivity, guaranteeing national food security, beginning at household level.
The inconsistent rainfall patterns in Beitbridge district and the desire for a consistent year-round water supply for irrigation have seen Royal Cooper Estate harnessing water from eight solarised boreholes to irrigate their 24-hectare farming enterprise.
The project boasts of 80 000 cabbage heads, butternuts, tomatoes and watermelons.
The irrigation scheme is also employing the locals.
“I come from the local community and we are benefitting from this horticulture project by getting employment,” an employee said.
“We can now take our children to school without any problems because, as parents, we use the money we earn here,” another added.
The use of borehole water has led to better yields and high-quality produce, with the Estate supplying local markets and cities like Bulawayo and Mbare Musika market in Harare.
“We have eight solarised boreholes here that are at least 140m deep to practise drip irrigation, we have 80 000 cabbage heads, butternuts which are really doing well, watermelons and also tomatoes. We use solar during the day to irrigate our farm. We supply local markets here in Beitbridge, including Bulawayo, Gweru and Mbare markets,” Royal Cooper Estate’s Operations Manager Samuel Karonga said.
The Second Republic continues to establish and resuscitate boreholes across communities to ensure access to water for production, village business units and domestic use.
