Online Reporter
Richard Muponde, Zimpapers Politics Hub
IN a significant stride towards achieving food security and sustainable agriculture, a local innovation company, Aqua Pulse Energy, has embraced President Mnangagwa’s vision to transform the country’s irrigation landscape through the introduction of a water-driven pump for irrigation purposes.
The President’s vision is propelled by the introduction of the innovative water-powered irrigation pump, known as the Papa pump, which harnesses kinetic energy to efficiently irrigate crops without relying on electricity or fuel.
In recent years, Zimbabwe has grappled with the devastating effects of climate change, particularly the El Niño phenomenon, which has exacerbated drought conditions and resulted in widespread food insecurity during the 2023-24 season. In response, the Government has prioritised irrigation as a means to combat these challenges and bolster agricultural productivity. Over the past four seasons, Zimbabwe has experienced unprecedented bumper winter wheat harvests, a testament to the country’s growing commitment to irrigation initiatives.
The Zimbabwe Irrigation Investment Conference held in Harare last year underscored the urgency of innovative funding solutions and public-private partnerships to enhance irrigation practices. President Mnangagwa, addressing the conference, emphasised the critical role of irrigation-driven agriculture in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those targeting poverty eradication and hunger elimination.
Aqua Pulse Energy stands out as a local investor determined to actualise this vision through sustainable partnerships. As the sole licensed distributor of the Papa pump in Sub-Saharan Africa, excluding South Africa, Aqua Pulse Energy has introduced a game-changing technology poised to revolutionise irrigation schemes across the nation.
The Papa pump, which requires minimal maintenance and operates year-round, has already proven its effectiveness in pilot projects. One notable success story is its installation at the Mazowe Prison Farm, where it irrigates a five-hectare maize field. This installation not only showcases the pump’s efficiency but also highlights its cost-effectiveness, with maintenance costs as low as $5 per 25 years. It only needs the replacement of valves every five years.
Aqua Pulse Energy’s general manager, Mr Lancelot Nkomo, shared insights into the pump’s operation this weekend at Mazowe Prison Farm, where they had gone for routine maintenance.
“The Papa pump is an all-around pump. It’s a water-powered pump that doesn’t use electricity but instead uses kinetic energy. It can pump water to heights of up to 150 metres, enabling irrigation in areas previously deemed inaccessible,” he explained.
His remarks captured the innovative nature of the technology and its potential to enhance agricultural productivity sustainably.
The success of the Papa pump at the Harare Prison Farm has prompted further interest from various sectors, including the Government and local communities. Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has engaged Aqua Pulse Energy to explore the feasibility of utilising the pump to provide water for communities such as Murombedzi in Zvimba.
Additionally, Cde Douglas Mahiya, the secretary for war veterans’ affairs in the Politburo, has expressed interest in leveraging the pump’s capabilities for the benefit of the liberation fighters’ welfare initiatives under the War Veterans League and the Presidential War Veterans Fund.
This expanding interest underscores the Government’s recognition of innovative irrigation solutions as a means of diversifying agriculture and reducing reliance on rain-fed systems. As President Mnangagwa stated, “It is imperative for all stakeholders to think outside the box for the purpose of de-risking the nation from the vagaries of climate change.”
The innovative strides made by Aqua Pulse Energy have not gone unnoticed on the international stage. Interest has already been expressed from neighbouring countries, Mozambique and Zambia, as well as from Uganda, eager to learn from Zimbabwe’s experience and potentially adopt similar irrigation technologies. This extension of the technology beyond national borders positions Zimbabwe as a leader in sustainable agricultural practices within the continent.
Last year, Zimbabwe secured over US$227 million in investment deals aimed at enhancing irrigation projects, including a significant agreement with Valley Irrigation for the supply of centre pivot irrigation systems. These investments reflect a growing recognition of the critical role that irrigation plays in achieving food security and economic stability.
Aqua Pulse Energy’s commitment to sustainable partnerships and collaboration aligns seamlessly with President Mnangagwa’s vision for a resilient agricultural sector. The introduction of the Papa pump represents a pivotal moment in Zimbabwe’s journey towards sustainable agriculture, with the potential to transform not only the way irrigation is conducted but also the livelihoods of countless farmers across the nation.
As Mr Nkomo aptly put it, “This pump can pump your water to any distance to wherever you want it to go.”
With innovations like the Papa pump, Zimbabwe is poised to embrace a new era of irrigation that not only addresses immediate agricultural challenges but also lays the groundwork for a more sustainable and food-secure future.
In the face of climate change, Aqua Pulse Energy stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that through visionary leadership and sustainable practices, the challenges of today can be transformed into opportunities for tomorrow.
