Govt in bid to improve irrigation infrastructure

01 Mar, 2015 - 01:03 0 Views

The Sunday News

Dumisani Nsingo Senior Farming Reporter
THE Government will channel most of the 88 million euros to be allocated to the agricultural sector by the European Union towards development and resuscitation of irrigation infrastructure. Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Deputy Minister Cde Davison Marapira said the ministry was working on reviving and developing 20 large irrigation schemes around the country as part of its efforts to improve food security.

Zimbabwe and the European Union signed a co-operation agreement for the release of 234 euros ($270 million) in development assistance marking the first time since 2002 that the European bloc has channelled funds through Treasury.

“Teams from the ministry are busy working on 20 large irrigation schemes dotted around the country. We are also seeing rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure through a $98 million Brazilian loan scheme meant to boost irrigation.

“The Swiss Agency for Development and Co-operation is working at reviving irrigation schemes in Masvingo through its $6,3 million fund. We are also going to channel the bigger chunk of the 88 million euros that will be allocated to the agriculture sector towards rehabilitating and developing irrigation infrastructure,” Cde Marapira said.

The $98 million Brazil loan facility was availed to Zimbabwe late last year under the South American country’s “More Food Africa” programme and is expected to assist 36 irrigation schemes across the country covering 3 060 hectares while the Swiss fund would assist eight irrigation schemes in Masvingo covering 700 hectares.

Cde Marapira said most of the country’s irrigation schemes have managed to sustain the livelihoods of people in their communities and as such the Government was working towards ensuring rehabilitating and developing them in light of the effects of climate change, which have resulted in erratic rains.

“Most irrigation schemes have managed to sustain most people in their communities through improving their household food security and nutritional levels but the only challenge is that of inputs.

“If only we could get a fund to give to the farmers at the irrigation schemes then we will be assured of increased production. We intend to set up and rehabilitate as many irrigation schemes as possible so as to mitigate against the drought,” he said.

Irrigation is seen as the buffer to low yields that some parts of the country experience due to erratic rains.

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