Chronicle Editor
Patrick Chitumba, Feature
LOCATED some 45 kilometres east of Chachacha Growth Point in Shurugwi District is Zinanda Irrigation Scheme, an enterprise popular for horticulture, maize and wheat production.
The scheme is now well known for producing nutritious horticultural produce for plot owners and the surrounding community.
It also provides employment to many who are engaged for weeding, spraying and harvesting.
For some, Zinanda is a source of produce for resale at Chachacha Growth Point among other markets.
The farmer-managed scheme was established in Mushaninga Village under Chief Nhema in 1988.
The 15,9-hectare irrigation scheme benefits 57 farmers (40 males and 17 females).
Members of the irrigation scheme boast of food and nutrition security at household level, while others are able to send their children to school using proceeds from the enterprise.
One of the beneficiaries of the irrigation scheme is Mr Fredman Magadzire of Ward 7, a father of five who is enjoying the fruits of his hard work from the field.
He said he managed to build a four-roomed house and fully furnished it, in addition to acquiring 11 sheep, 23 head of cattle and a number of chickens.
“I joined this irrigation scheme in 2006 and my life has been a bed of roses because farming pays I tell you,” said the joyful farmer.
“I managed to construct a four-roomed house which is fully furnished and in terms of livestock, I have eleven sheep and 23 cattle.”
Mr Magadzire said his children who go to school have never been sent away from school for non-payment of fees as he always pays their fees on time.
“This irrigation scheme is my source of livelihood. I’m who I am today because of this irrigation scheme. I have five children of which the first born is doing Form 4, the second born is in Form 1 and they are attending school at Gare High School. The third and fourth born are attending school at Pachinho Primary School,” he said.
Mr Magadzire said the irrigation scheme has created employment, generates income, supplies water throughout the year and has enabled the acquisition of assets such as scotch carts and livestock by farmers.
He said they grow peas, tomatoes, wheat, soya beans, ground nuts, maize and other crops which they also sell to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB).
“After harvesting tomatoes for example, we take them to markets like Chachacha Growth Point. If it’s wheat or maize, we take it to GMB and we then share the proceeds. Every farmer gets a share and we’ve been doing very well,” said Mr Magadzire.
He said the Government’s move to rope in smallholder farmers in the production of winter wheat this season is paying dividends as they are set for a good harvest thanks to the Presidential Input Scheme.
“On winter wheat, we’re expecting an average of five tonnes per hectare on the six hectare plot we put under wheat this season. President Mnangagwa has proven to be a President of the people. We anticipate taking our wheat to GMB and get enough funding to help us in our day to day lives,” said Mr Magadzire.
He said their vision is to set up their own bakery with proceeds from the winter wheat.
“We want to set up a bakery at this irrigation scheme so that we contribute to the value chain as we want to treat farming as a business,” said Mr Magadzire.
Another farmer, Ms Martha Sibanda said she is looking forward to building a new house at her homestead using her earnings from the irrigation scheme.
“I’m a widow and I was facing a number of challenges with regards to the upkeep of my children. But this irrigation scheme changed my fortunes and now I’m looking forward to great returns from the wheat we planted this season,” said Ms Sibanda.
Agricultural Advisory and Rural Development Services (AARDS) director Midlands Province, Mrs Madeline Magwenzi said Zinanda is one of the most successful irrigation schemes in the district.
“This is one of the most successful irrigation schemes in Shurugwi District. Today we’re celebrating with them as they’re now farming throughout the year and the results are there for all to see.
Farmers are buying livestock, constructing houses and sending children to school which are major milestones,” she said.
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