Chivhu Dam promotes food security

Precious Manomano

Herald Reporter

The people in Chivhu have started reaping huge benefits from Chivhu Dam, with farmers showcasing a wide variety of produce at the just-ended Chikomba District Agricultural show.
Farmers are making use of water from the dam to irrigate their crops.

The development dovetails with President Mnangagwa’s vision of turning villages into greenbelts under the Presidential Rural Development Programme.

Chivhu Dam was constructed under the Government’s Public Sector Investment Programme and was commissioned last year.

Mr Tafara Mugeyi of Chikomba said the dam took the sting out of the El Nino induced drought.

“There is no drought here, as you can see we have healthy crops. We are also food secure because of the Pfumvudza programme,” he said.

Ms Agness Munjiri said they are geared for another successful summer season.

“As a community, we are blessed to have this dam which we are using to fight food insecurity.”

Ms Solomina Rwafa and Mrs Grace Chakanyuka won prizes during the show and urged farmers to continue implementing the Pfumvudza concept to get higher yields.

Speaking at the official opening of the show last week, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary, Professor Obert Jiri said he was impressed by the quality of crops produced in the district.

“We are proud of Chivhu farmers, they are doing so well. Their crops are healthy,” he said.

“Climate change proofing involves integrating climate considerations into our planning and decision-making processes. Farmers now need to prepare for next season to fulfil our mantra “food security every day, everywhere.”

Information, Communication, Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera who is also Chikomba West legislator said Chivhu Dam and the Zunde ramambo programme are promoting food security in the area.

“We are grateful that Zunde ramambo is now back and that more programmes are taking place at Chivhu Dam,” she said, adding that all villagers will benefit from the programmes.