Online Reporter
Fungai Lupande
Mashonaland Central Bureau
Centre pivots have started arriving to support the irrigation development programme in the country, as the Government moves to delink agricultural production from weather conditions.
This follows commitments of up to US$464 million made at a recent irrigation investment conference.
Permanent Secretary for Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, said this when he toured Avonda Farm, on the outskirts of Bindura.
“Irrigation development is crucial, and all farmers in need of irrigation should approach the Ministry and banks in their respective districts for suitable programmes available to them,” he said.
“We must not rely on rain-fed agriculture because irrigation is the most reliable way to make our agriculture resilient to climate change.”
Prof Jiri added that his ministry is working on a comprehensive programme to award title deeds to 2 500 farmers by March. Most of the A2 farmers are expected to receive their title deeds by mid-year, while the remainder of the surveyed farmers will benefit by mid-2026.
Prof Jiri expressed his satisfaction with the successful joint venture agreement at Avonda Farm, noting that such partnerships were game-changers in the drive to improve agricultural productivity.
Production levels at the farm demonstrate the effectiveness of joint ventures, he added.
“Combined with the land tenure programme, we should see a significant increase in production.
“The current rainfall is critical for the country, and farmers must plant crops such as sweet potatoes, sunflowers, sugar beans, and traditional grains.
“In the low-veld areas and natural regions 4 and 5, traditional grains should be prioritised. This rainfall has the potential to turn a drought year into a bumper harvest,” said Prof Jiri.
Inamo Agri is collaborating with Mrs Ester Muzariri and Debra Marufu at Avonda Farm.
Mr Edward Rupiya, the farm manager for Inamo Agri, said their target was to cultivate 400 hectares for maize and 250 hectares for soyabeans.
They have planted 240 hectares of maize, 110 hectares of soyabeans, 40 hectares of sorghum, and 60 hectares of sunflowers.
“We had to reduce our target due to a false start to the rainy season, as well as the impact of electricity blackouts and water shortages.
However, we began planting under irrigation in early November,” he explained.
“We included sorghum among our crops because of its early-maturing characteristics.”
Mrs Phillipa Rwambiwa, the provincial Agritex director, noted that significant rains began in November last year and the quality of crop is good.
She added that the rains received in January were well-distributed across the province.
“Farmers are concluding their planting, and we have met our target for maize. This year, we aim to cultivate 235 000 hectares, which is higher than last year’s target of 225 000 hectares,” she said.
“Of our target this year, 5 000 hectares are under irrigation, and 26 percent is part of the Presidential scheme. The recent rainfall has greatly improved the outlook for the crops.”
Mrs Rwambiwa said the provincial tobacco target has been set at 38 000 hectares, with farmers managing to plant 34 000 hectares.
The livestock situation in the province is also improving, thanks to rejuvenated pastures and water sources.
Mashonaland Central province has established 26 village business units and school business units, which are aimed at boosting nutrition and generating revenue for schools, together with food for learners.
daglous masveta
daniel chigunwe
