Midlands Correspondent
GOVERNMENT has availed US$10 million for rehabilitation of smallholder irrigation schemes around the country as part of the drive to boost agricultural productivity and food security, a senior official has said.
Director for Irrigation Development in the Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Ministry,Dr Conrade Zawe, said the money would be used on 25 smallholder schemes.
He said this in an interview during his tour of Shungudzevhu Irrigation Scheme in Shurugwi.
“The rehabilitation will include the replacement of obsolete pumps and pipes, fencing and levelling fields. We are trying to ensure that we increase productivity by smallholder farmers.
“While people might feel that there is need for the Government to avail more funds, we still can achieve a lot with the available US$10 million if the money is used appropriately. We are going to come up with a well-thought out strategy on how best the funds can be utilised,” he said.
Dr Zawe added: “Our ministry is also working towards increasing smallholder irrigation scheme hectarage to 6 000 from 3 500. We are looking at adding another 2 500 hectares to the available 3 500 hecatres by May this year.
“Our primary target is turning smallholder irrigation schemes into the country’s agricultural hub.
“We are planning on setting up silos at various irrigation schemes to store grain.”
Some of the smallholder irrigation schemes targeted for rehabilitation include Nyanyadzi and Nenhowe in Manicaland (catering for 1 000ha combined), Hama-Mavhaire and Mhende in Chirumanzu district (173ha combined), and Chimwe-Chegato in Mberengwa (95ha).