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Liberty Dube
Post Correspondent
A TOTAL of 47 farmers from Chipendeke Irrigation Scheme in Mutare South recently got a shot in the arm after receiving sprinklers and irrigation pipes from a local businessman and farmer, Mr Tawanda Dumbarimwe.
The timely boost came at a time farmers are facing a plethora of challenges that include water shortages as well as lack of markets for their produce.
The farmers will now be able to tap water from the perennial Chitora River.
The farmers, who own one hectare each specialise in beans, wheat, maize and groundnuts production on the scheme which started in 1985.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr Richard Mukwaya, who is also the ZANU PF Ward 22A and B district chairman, said: “The scheme which was started in 1985 is facing a lot of challenges, but we have continued soldiering on. This gesture will go a long away in addressing water challenges since Chitora River is a bit far from our plots.”
Mr Dumbarimwe, who hails from the area said: “Farmers should capitalise on the rich soil to produce more. There is also an abundance of water and these irrigation pipes and sprinklers will help to harness the water from a nearby river straight to their plots. We need to produce enough beans, wheat, groundnuts and other produce for export.
“We also have a ready market for these farm produce; so there is really need for local farmers to work hard. I will provide vehicles to transport their produce to markets in Mutare, Harare and Bulawayo and other areas.”
Online Reporter