dyton mupawaenda
Thupeyo Muleya-Beitbridge Bureau
At the turn of the millennium, seasons have been changing; water sources dwindling and technology evolving and this has had negative and positive impact on agriculture production across the globe.
Zimbabwe, like any other country, has also had its fair share of climate change related problems in the agriculture sector, prompting Government to promote the adoption of smart farming methods.
In some areas farmers, both commercial and communal, had been relying on rain fed agriculture while others were using traditional methods which include the use of canals or electricity for the national grid to power irrigation.
In Beitbridge the farmers have positively responded to the call and are now embracing drip irrigation to minimise the effects of water shortages and climate change to boost horticulture projects.
Mr Oscar Managa Singo of Langeni area in ward 15 under the Beitbridge Rural District Council area has turned a new leaf through the use of drip irrigation at his communal plot some 35km north of the border town.
The youthful farmer has become a major supplier of fresh vegetables to the Beitbridge town markets eliminating the need to ship the same from South Africa and suppliers from inland Zimbabwe.
Drip irrigation is a type of micro-irrigation system that has the potential to save water and nutrients by allowing water to drip slowly to the roots of plants, either from above the soil surface or buried below the surface.
Under this type of irrigation water is placed directly into the root zone of the plant and minimises evaporation.
In previous years, most farmers were using canals, sprinklers, or flood irrigation to water crops and many have raised the red flag over the depleting water sources for irrigation farming and livestock production induced by climate change.
“Drip irrigation is the best method we are using to get results with the little water available considering that we are in the midst of a devastating drought,” said Mr Singo.
“I use a drip system, it saves water, helps in that, it does not promote weeds and diseases.
“Currently, I am farming on 11 hectares with 6 ha being arable, the other parts are a river and a rocky outcrop. I’m slowly turning it into a citrus area. I have about 50 lemon trees now”.
He said he was working on expanding the project to produce more for the local market, especially schools and other consumers.
Mr Singo said he was using water from a family borehole to turn around lives for many people in Beitbridge East who get fresh vegetables for resale around the area.
He has been growing tomatoes, green pepper, cabbages, okra, maize and watermelons since 2015 with the aid of drip irrigation.
“Considering the glaring effects of climate change, it is important for farmers in the district to embrace drip irrigation, which also maximises production with less labour,” added Mr Singo.
According to agriculture experts Beitbridge requires an average of 400mm of rain water for a successful farming season, but most areas have in the last season received less than 80mm.
“My Journey on farming dates back to 2015, when I started off as a peasant farmer,” he said.
“My biggest motivation to modernise and expand was the desire to sufficiently feed the family. However, when you grow older it becomes a hobby and fortunately it’s a hobby that can take care of me financially.
“For a young farmer if we factor in the issue of capital it’s never easy, especially nowadays with the introduction of modern farming methods, it’s capital intensive. In addition, pests and diseases, they change almost every season. So, one needs to learn, adapt or else perish”.
Mr Singo said currently he permanently employs five youths from his village and more than seasonal workers mainly the women and the youths. He said farming was a lucrative and capital intensive type of business which needs more support from development agents, Government and the banking sector.
The banking system, he said, needs to be reviewed to suit the reality around farming.
“You will note that even if you get a loan from the bank you are expected to make the repayment loan on the first month of disbursement. This scenario must be reviewed.
“Although, I am farming on a small piece of land, I cannot fully exploit my talent and energy that I have. However, in the past three years, I have managed to build other investments as a way of diversification and spreading risks that come with businesses”.
Mr Singo said he also makes time to mentor upcoming farmers on the does and don’ts and how to access resources and turn around their lives. He said he was looking at growing his venture to supply more markets with fresh products including Asian markets.
With the necessary policy and capital support from Government, he said, the youths can increase production in the horticulture sector.
“With a lot of support from bigger industry players, in terms of equipment, like riggers, tractors and planters, I believe the youths including myself can do a lot in exploiting their potential in farming,” said Mr Singo.
“So far, the Second Republic has done its best by allowing the youths to be the bedrock of the economy through availing grants in the mining and farming sectors. At the same time, we generally ask for a downward review on tax laws on small to medium enterprises”.
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