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Yoliswa Dube-Moyo
Matabeleland South Bureau Chief
THE Government through its partners is set to revive Tuli-Shumba irrigation scheme in Gwanda District, which was last operational in 1979.
Consultations are being done on the selection of the irrigation typology, crops to be grown and the general irrigation management options.
About 50 farmers are set to benefit from the project whose system is envisaged to be modernised from surface to drip, which is more efficient.
Government, working with various partners, is rehabilitating irrigation schemes that have been lying idle and establishing new ones to improve food security and nutrition to ensure the attainment of Vision 2030.
There is a target to rehabilitate and develop 350 000 hectares of land by 2025 to safeguard the country against the negative effects of climate change and ensure food security.
The Second Republic is prioritising the revival of the agricultural sector.
Gwanda District Development Coordinator Mr Thulani Moyo confirmed the development saying about 50 farmers would benefit from Tuli-Shumba irrigation scheme.
“We’re in the process of carrying out consultation meetings with the community. We’ve been on the ground engaging the farmers and they seem to be very positive and are ready to start,” said Mr Moyo.
He said data was being collected to enable Government partners to fund the project.
“We’re looking at assisting about 40 to 50 farmers. Once we’re done with the consultation stage, it’ll be clear when the project will resume,” said Mr Moyo.
Matabeleland South acting Provincial Agricultural Director (rural development services) Mr Mkhunjulelwa Ndlovu said irrigation schemes are critical for food security. “In terms of irrigation schemes, we have two in Bulilima, Gwanda has nine, Umzingwane has three and we have four in Matobo. Most of these are above 60 percent in terms of utilisation. This is critical for food security,” said Mr Ndlovu.
He said there was a need to revive the remaining irrigation schemes that are not functioning.
“Irrigation schemes are fast developing in the province following intervention from Government and various partners. At the pace that we are moving in terms of establishment of new irrigation schemes and rehabilitation of old schemes, the province will soon become a major food producer and supplier even to neighbouring provinces,” said Mr Ndlovu.
A number of irrigation schemes that have been lying idle in the province have been revived while some that were being underutilised have been capacitated and expanded.
Government is also rolling out various agricultural schemes meant to transform subsistence agriculture at household level into commercial agriculture.
Managers have also been deployed to irrigation schemes across the country to maximise production thereby ensuring food security and nutrition.
Online Reporter