Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
AT least 330 Romsley Irrigation Scheme farmers are beginning to benefit from year-round irrigation after the electrification of the scheme by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), in a development Government says is accelerating rural industrialisation and food security.
The electrification project, implemented under Government’s rural transformation and irrigation development programme, enables farmers at the 384-hectare scheme to irrigate consistently, despite widespread power shortages affecting other parts of the country.
In an interview after touring the project last week, Energy and Power Development Minister, Honourable July Moyo said the project demonstrates a coordinated whole-of-government approach to rural development.
“This is a clear example of what we mean when we talk about a whole-of-government approach. Different arms of Government have come together to ensure that communities are productive, self-sustaining and economically empowered,” said Minister Moyo.
He said electrifying irrigation schemes are central to boost agricultural productivity and stabilising rural incomes. “As a result of this intervention, the community is now earning regular income from working on the land. This is rural transformation in action,” said Minister Moyo.
Minister Moyo said the electrification of irrigation schemes is critical to climate resilience, particularly in semi-arid regions.
“We cannot continue to rely on rain-fed agriculture. Irrigation, supported by reliable power, is the future of food security,” he said.
Minister Moyo also said Romsley Irrigation Scheme is among several projects being rolled out nationwide under Government programmes aimed at modernising agriculture, improving rural incomes and reducing poverty.
An engineer with REA, Engineer Joseph Magadze said the agency invested heavily in the Romsley project to ensure uninterrupted power supply for irrigation.
“Our role as REA was to electrify the irrigation scheme so that farmers can produce throughout the year. We constructed an 8,3-kilometre 33-kilovolt power line at a cost of US$160 000,” said Engineer Magadze.
He said the agency also installed multiple substations to support irrigation operations.
“In addition, we constructed five substations with a combined capacity of 700 kilovolt-amperes, at a cost of US$100 000. In total, REA invested about US$260 000 in this project,” he said. Engineer Magadze said the infrastructure was designed to support both current operations and future expansion.
“The system was built with growth in mind. It allows the scheme to operate efficiently and reliably, ensuring that farmers are not affected by load shedding,” he said.
He said electrification significantly reduced operational costs compared to diesel-powered irrigation. “Electricity is more affordable and sustainable. This improves profitability for farmers,” Engineer Magadze said.
Romsley Irrigation Scheme chairperson, Mr Garikai Tafirenyika said the electrification has transformed operations at the scheme.
“REA connected us with electricity and we are very grateful. While there is load shedding in many areas, here we do not experience it because we are connected through the Rural Electrification Agency,” said Mr Tafirenyika.
He said the development also opened opportunities for surrounding communities.
“As nearby villagers, we can now connect our homes as well. Initially, only the irrigation scheme was connected, but now electricity is more accessible and affordable for the community,” said Mr Tafirenyika.
Mr Tafirenyika said the scheme currently covers 384 hectares, divided into five irrigation blocks, with 330 registered beneficiaries.
“The scheme will expand in phases, funds permitting. A transformer and pump house have already been established at Chigora, where the next phase of expansion will take place,” he said.
He said once fully expanded, the scheme could exceed 600 hectares.
“At that stage, more farmers will benefit and production will increase significantly,” he said.
Mr Tafirenyika said farmers now grow a variety of crops throughout the year.
“We produce maize, potatoes, cabbages, watermelons and beans,” he said.
He added that the scheme has improved the livelihoods of farmers in the area.
“This project has changed our lives as farmers. Before electrification, production was limited and costs were high because we relied on diesel and inconsistent water supply. Now we are irrigating throughout the year, production has increased and incomes have become more predictable,” he said. He said farmers are now able to plan better and meet household needs.
“People are paying school fees, improving their homes and supporting their families through proceeds from the scheme. This is not just about farming, it is about dignity and stability in rural communities,” he said.
Another beneficiary, farmer Mr Elias Chiwara, said access to reliable electricity has boosted productivity.
“With electricity, we are now planting on time and harvesting more. We no longer worry about power interruptions, and this has helped us increase yields and improve our livelihoods,” said Mr Chiwara
