US$11 million for irrigation development

THE Government intends to inject more than US$11 million into irrigation development as part of efforts to improve agricultural output.

Finance Minister Mr Tendai Biti last week revealed that authorities have already set aside the funds, which are expected to see 63 irrigation schemes rehabilitated. He said the initiative would cover predominantly dry areas in the southern parts of Zimbabwe.

He, however, said the amount was a drop in the ocean as the implementation of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development’s irrigation master plan would cost US$50 billion. “A number of schemes have been feeding our people there and we intend to restore them. It is a long way to go,” he said.-Sunday Mail