adminMartha Leboho in Masvingo
Resettled farmers at Bhani resettlement area in Masvingo have been thrown a lifeline after the Food and Agriculture Organisation provided $110 000 to revive Longdale irrigation scheme.
The scheme collapsed several years ago owing to a myriad of challenges chief among them an obsolete water pump, which is now functioning after FAO’s intervention in November last year.
Revival of the 16-hectare scheme was benefiting 32 plot-holders whose plots had been unproductive after the scheme’s collapse.
It was expected to boost food security in Bhani and surrounding areas.
Speaking during an Agriseeds field day held at Longdale, the firm’s provincial sales manager Mr Onai Makoni urged farmers at the scheme to treat farming as a business to boost production and ensure food security.
Mr Makoni said smallholder farmers at Longdale had the capacity to supply fresh produce in Masvingo City, about 15km away from the scheme.
“We urge you to practice farming for business throughout the year as this will boost your yields while at the same time bringing national development in the country as you will be suppliers of different crops,” he said.
“Once you are running your farming business sustainably there will be no need for bank loans to finance your operations as you will be generating enough income.
“We also urge plot-holders to seek advice when choosing seed varieties, which suits their area or region,’’ said Mr Makoni.
Masvingo District Agritex officer Mrs Davidzo Dube urged farmers to consider seed from AgriSeeds as it was resistant to insects and diseases.
Longdale scheme chair Mrs Rindai Ngurushayi said plot- holders were expecting a bumper maize harvest as their crop was not affected by fall armyworm or other pests.
Online Reporter