dyton mupawaenda
Walter Nyamukondiwa–Mashonaland West Bureau
FARMERS in the Chitomborwizi Purchase Lands straddling Makonde and Zvimba districts in Mashonaland West want speedy implementation of the irrigation development planned for Biri Dam.
At least 350 farmers are set to benefit from the project using the water from Biri Dam which has a capacity of 334 000 megalitres, that can irrigate at least 11 000 hectares.
Speaking at a stakeholders meeting, farmers in Chitomborwizi, set aside as small commercial farms for blacks in the 1960s, said delays in implementing the irrigation scheme affected productivity.
“We feel that the project needs to be implemented as soon as possible so that production at our farms can increase, said Mr Mbulayi Silindile.
“The project has been on hold for a long time and as farmers we feel that there is need to move with speed so that the more than 300 farms become productive and not only rely on rain-fed agriculture.”
Farmers should initiate community funding mechanisms to speed up the process to complement Government efforts, he suggested.
Zinwa provincial irrigation engineer Siyakia Mandirega said there were numerous sources of finance including Government and funding through banks, private and joint ventures to assist in setting up irrigation equipment on the farms.
“While there are funds being availed by Government whenever they can against a lot of other competing projects, farmers can also pursue private funding, go to banks for Government provided funds, and joint ventures,” said Eng Mandirega.
He said the project would see water being pumped to high ground before being distributed to 14 other points and then down to the farms.
Those close to the dam were advised to seek funding to draw water to their plots while waiting for implementation of the comprehensive plan.
Provincial Agritex manager Mrs Evelyn Ndoro said the Biri irrigation development was on the province’s priority list.
“The Biri irrigation development plan remains our top priority as a province and we know that there are other projects which need Government’s funding,” said Mrs Ndoro. The slow implementation was owing to funding constraints. She urged farmers in Chitomborwizi to consider raising funds to complement what Government is providing.
Online Reporter