Online Reporter
Faith Ndlovu, Sunday Reporter
FARMERS in Lupane District, Matabeleland North Province are optimistic about the upcoming season after securing funding for required inputs through affordable loans facilitated by the Government, paving the way for a potentially bumper harvest at the Bubi-Lupane Irrigation Scheme.
The irrigation scheme has been identified as a pilot project for an integrated business model to be replicated by 450 irrigation schemes across the country as the Second Republic accelerates rural development and industrialisation.
Farmers have received affordable loans from the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (Arda), Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), while some are also self-financed and are collectively cultivating 120 hectares.
The AFC contributed US$23 000, while the FAO provided seeds and working capital. Arda contributed fertiliser and seeds valued at over US$40 000 and farmers contributed labour and capital worth more than US$10 000.
The Arda-administered scheme, whose innovative village business unit has been replicated nationwide, continues to play a crucial role in enhancing Zimbabwe’s food security through sustainable irrigation practices.
Bubi-Lupane Irrigation Scheme chairperson, Mr Gerald Khumalo, said this year, the farmers planted 120 hectares of maize crops.
“This year, we anticipate a significant harvest, with expected yields of approximately four tonnes or more per hectare.
The favourable weather conditions, combined with the farmers’ hard work and the support of our partners have created an ideal environment for optimal crop production,” Mr Khumalo said.
“We have 120 hectares of maize under cultivation using two pivots. The third pivot is yet to be used as we await more funding and as soon as we get it, we will start planting.”
Mr Khumalo also highlighted that the farmers in the scheme have also received modern-day scientific knowledge on farming as the Second Republic emphasises the need to take agriculture as a business.
“Arda assisted the Irrigation Scheme in securing the critical package, oiling the Government’s rural development agenda in an area once famed for its barren desert conditions but now turned into an agriculture production hub,” he said.
He noted that the provision of the loans is expected to bolster national food security, foster household development, promote shareholder growth and enhance the scheme’s further development, thereby supporting the achievement of Vision 2030 as espoused in the country’s economic blueprint – the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
“The rural development approach taken by the Government stresses the importance of creating employment within areas where citizens reside, commercialising agriculture and ensuring food security, beginning at the household level,” said Mr Khumalo.
He emphasised that despite anticipating excellent yields, the scheme is facing several challenges that threaten to hinder operations and production.
“We currently have no backup power at the dam, relying solely on Zesa for electricity to pump water for irrigation of our crops. We therefore need a backup plan in place,” he said.
He also called on the Government to facilitate payment for grain delivered to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB), saying they are still owed payment for 58 tonnes of grain supplied during the previous season.
