Online Reporter
Nyasha Simbisai
Agriculture correspondent
Farmers should adopt structured business models, secure markets before production and work with advisors to boost earnings and improve viability.
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This came out at the recent Zadzamatura Field Day at Siyalima Irrigation Scheme in Guruve.
Siyalima Irrigation Scheme, which currently sustains 56 households through year-round crop production, is a testimony of a shift from subsistence farming to fully commercial, business-oriented agriculture.
The project demonstrates how rural communities can transform livelihoods, boost food security and generate income in line with the National Development Strategy 2.
Addressing farmers on behalf of the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, director for the Department of Rural Development, Mr Leonard Munamati, said irrigation schemes should work with dedicated business managers, agricultural advisors and key partners, including financial institutions.
“Professionalising irrigation schemes through company registration improves market access and financing opportunities.
“Clear cropping programmes, work plans and productivity targets are essential. Diversifying into high-value and export-oriented crops will enhance profitability and make these schemes viable agricultural enterprises,” he said.
Guruve North Member of Parliament, Mr Tendekai Pinduka, said the irrigation scheme was a testimony that rural development was alive and thriving.
He said the Siyalima Irrigation Scheme aligned with the President’s call to leave no one and no place behind, establishing Village Business Units (VBUs) that generate income, improve households and contribute to the district’s GDP.
“Guruve has over 16 dams ready for irrigation expansion, yet only two are functional. Activating the idle 14 and replicating this model across constituencies will unlock rural food security and development,” he said.
Siyalima Irrigation Scheme vice chairman Mr Brighton Mafurutsa said the scheme had made a huge impact on the community.
“Our lives have been transformed. This year, we are moving from small-scale farming to commercial production.
“We aim to become self-sustaining, using proceeds from this harvest to buy our own inputs.
“The scheme is really transforming lives, enabling families to invest in education and property. Hosting the summer crop field day is a big milestone, showing progress in action,” he said.
The irrigation scheme secretary, Ms Liziwe Kondo, said she was using proceeds from the project to fund her children’s tertiary education.
“Early marriages and domestic violence have reduced because our community is financially stable and productively engaged. Employment has increased, and we are able to pay workers on time.
“We have diversified into poultry and fishery projects under the Presidential initiative and acquired assets, including a maize sheller, a 10-tonne truck, and a boom sprayer.
“We are fully prepared for the winter wheat season, with inputs already secured thanks to partnerships with AFC and the Grain Marketing Board (GMB),” she said.
Siyalima Irrigation Scheme has 45 hectares planted to maize and five hectares with sugar beans.
