Nyanga receives major boost

Tanaka Mahanya

THE Nyanga community has received a major boost following the commissioning of the Charamba Irrigation Project.

The project will see the setting up of a potato processing plant in Nyanga town.

The United States African Development Foundation (USADF), working with the Government and Nyanga communities, established 11 storage dams.

In a speech at the commissioning of the project, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement permanent secretary, Dr John Basera, said climate change was already affecting agricultural systems.

“Climate change is already affecting our agricultural systems, food production, local diet, livelihoods, national economy and way of life.

“The project is an excellent example of what can be achieved when the different spheres of Government collaborate with development partners, the private sector and producer groups in developing our communities,” he said.

He said 500 farmers now have access to irrigation water for their plots, therefore, improving water security and enhanced market access opportunities.

“Irrigation allows for production beyond the rainy season, thereby improving land productivity.

“It also allows the production of quality products as the amount of water to the crops is controlled according to requirements,” he said.

Dr Basera urged farmers to start working with their children, as a succession strategy, and as a way of keeping them occupied.

This could prevent them from falling into the drug and substance abuse trap.