Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter
THE country’s national dams have sufficient water to irrigate more than 140 000 hectares of winter wheat, more than the targeted 120 000 hectares, the Government has assured farmers.
In a statement on Wednesday, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister, Dr Anxious Masuka said the national dam average stood at 77 percent, which surpasses the 71,2 percent expected during this time of the year.
“The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development wishes to advise farmers and all winter cropping stakeholders that the country has sufficient water in the dams to meet the 2024 winter cropping requirements,” Dr Masuka said.
“As of May 6, 2024, the national dam average stood at 77 percent against an average of 71,2 percent expected during this time of the year, with national dams and other sources holding sufficient water to irrigate a total of 141 000 hectares.
“In view of this development and to ensure the effective and sustainable harnessing of the available water resources, all farmers and other entities wishing to irrigate during the season are advised to sign water abstraction agreements with the Zimbabwe National Water Authority.”
Online Reporter