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Elton Manguwo
THE Government is moving to expand the area under irrigation by 50 000 hectares to protect smallholder farmers from problems caused by climate change and ensure a more resilient and sustainable future for agriculture.
This will see the Government allocating US$70 million towards the Presidential Rural Development Programme to expedite progress of the initiative that seeks to foster growth and improve livelihoods of rural communities.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said once fully implemented, the programme would add 50 000 hectares of solar-powered drip irrigation systems.
“Our goal is to strengthen agricultural resilience especially for vulnerable communities through tested, successful climate smart initiatives,” said Prof Jiri.
The Presidential Rural Development Scheme, is an integral part of the Rural Development 8.0 initiative, which aims to enhance rural economies by establishing various village business units anchored on solar powered boreholes.
This programme will not only enhance water efficiency but also promote sustainable agricultural practices through the use of renewable energy sources.
“The integration of solar-powered technology in irrigation systems will reduce dependency on fossil fuels, lower operational costs for farmers and minimise environmental impacts,” observed Prof Jiri.
Through the initiative, the Government aims to implement advanced irrigation technologies such as drip and sprinkler systems, which optimise water usage and increase crop yields.
“This initiative aims to empower local farmers by providing them with access to advanced irrigation methods that can significantly boost crop yields and improve food security,” said Prof Jiri.
Empowering smallholder farmers with access to irrigation and sustainable farming practices is crucial because they are the backbone of the country’s agriculture sector, Prof Jiri explained.
“These farmers are instrumental in driving economic growth and are essential for maintaining food security and improving nutrition in our communities,” he said, adding that providing them with modern irrigation systems and training in sustainable agriculture methods would enhance productivity and resilience to climate-related challenges.
The Government has been actively advocating for partnerships with the private sector to leverage expertise, innovation and resources of private enterprises to accelerate the development of irrigation systems across the country.
The US$51 million Pedstock Facility designed to support the development of irrigation on 12 500 hectares alongside the Valley Facility, which has a budget of US$100 million for the development of 25 000 hectares under the Irrigation Development Alliance are anticipated to be functional this year.
Moreso, the Government has also come up with a budget of US$20 million under the Smallholder Irrigation Infrastructure Development Fund (SIIDF) for the expansion of irrigation infrastructure across the country, as climate change continues to affect agricultural production.
“By encouraging collaboration between the public and private sectors, we can drive the development of innovative solutions and technologies that enhance irrigation efficiency,” said Prof Jiri.
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