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Elton Manguwo
THE Government has urged farmers countrywide to use diverse water resources at their disposal to streamline and expand their participation in various agricultural sub-sectors.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister, Dr Anxious Masuka made the call at the recent Irrigation Conference 2024 saying dams were an economy that could spearhead development in the country.
“By tapping into the potential of the country’s various water bodies, the Government aims to empower farmers to diversify their operations and explore new avenues of growth and productivity within the agriculture landscape,” said Dr Masuka.
In the 2024 National Budget, Government earmarked ZiG88 million to drive the development of critical infrastructure projects. These initiatives also focus on expanding irrigation systems, bolstering the country’s fisheries sector and enhancing water conveyancing capabilities.
“The overarching goal of these interventions is to ensure the optimal utilisation of the nation’s idle water bodies, such as the Tugwi Mukosi, Marovanyati and Muchekeranwa dams,” said Dr Masuka.
After establishing the 12 high impact dams, Government is seeking to facilitate the expansion of aquaculture and related fishing activities.
This strategic approach aims to empower farmers to diversify their agricultural operations, while simultaneously bolstering the overall productivity and sustainability of the fisheries industry.
The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development is looking to grow the number of commercial fish farmers through the Commercial Cage Fisheries programme, which involves the use of cages to grow fish in dams through granted permits to utilise the country’s various water bodies.
Online Reporter