Online Reporter
Precious Manomano-Herald Reporter
GOVERNMENT has established 460 smallholder irrigation schemes across 26 173 hectares, positively impacting 35 585 households countrywide.
This is aimed at boosting farmers’ incomes while promoting efficient management of water resources, especially in light of the ongoing climate change challenges.
These irrigation schemes are set to evolve into Irrigation Scheme Business Units (ISBUs), which will enhance production and profitability for communal irrigation initiatives nationwide.
The Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) is taking the lead by providing essential technical support, ensuring that these schemes operate as self-sustaining enterprises while reducing dependency on Government funding.
The initiative also encompasses the establishment of 35 000 Village Business Units (VBUs) across various villages, 4 800 Youth Business Units (YBUs), and 9 600 School Business Units (SBUs).
These units are designed to generate income at the community level, significantly enhancing food security and providing job opportunities.
As of now, 19 264ha of the total equipped area are operational, with 15 859ha fully functional.
This significant progress demonstrates the broad reach and effectiveness of the irrigation schemes.
Statistics from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development indicate that Manicaland has 9 257 farmers benefiting from 67 schemes covering 5 683ha, Mashonaland West has 2 287 farmers across 50 schemes utilising 1 553ha, and Matabeleland North has 1 250 farmers involved in 33 schemes over 1 161ha.
Mashonaland East hosts 1 594 farmers on 56 schemes managing 2 933ha, Midlands has 3 719 farmers on 56 schemes with 1 821ha under irrigation, Masvingo has 8 172 farmers benefiting from 73 schemes irrigating 4 168ha while Mashonaland Central has 2 594 farmers on 49 schemes covering 5 218ha and Matabeleland South has 6 712 farmers utilising 74 schemes over 2 945ha.
Government is also making significant strides in enhancing food security through the construction of major dams.
