The Sunday News
Shepias Dube Business Reporter
AT least 20 irrigation schemes from Matabeleland North have been identified to benefit from the first phase of $38,6 million Brazil food for Africa mechanisation programme.
A list availed to Sunday Farming shows that the schemes were identified from seven districts in the province.
In Binga irrigation schemes that were identified include Nabusenga, Lungwalala and Bulawayo kraal.
In Bubi district schemes identified are Diglis Farm, Pollard, Nkosikazi and Hawuke projects while in Umguza, those identified include Redwood, Alicedale and Phaphamani.
Also expected to benefit is the Lukosi project and Tshongogwe irrigation scheme from Hwange and Lupane respectively.
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union president Mr Winstone Babbage said verification was still in progress for Tsholotsho and Nkayi districts.
However, he indicated that two irrigation schemes from each district would benefit.
Under the programme each irrigation scheme is expected to get a tractor, one disc plough, a disc harrow, one planter, one hose reel and about 14 knapsack sprays.
Meanwhile, Mr Babbage has urged intended beneficiaries to prove that they were capable not only to feed the nation but to pay back the loan facility to Government.
“The onus is now on farmers to prove that they are capable of fully utilising the equipment for the betterment of the country. However, what is more important is for farmers to be able to pay back the loan so that other farmers will benefit in future,” said Mr Babbage.
Deputy Minister Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development responsible for cropping Cde Davis Marapira said officials from his ministry would remain on the ground assisting farmers to make their projects viable.
“Officials from the departments of mechanisation and irrigation who have been helping in the identification of irrigation schemes will remain on the ground assisting farmers so that the whole exercise becomes a success,” he said.
He said the loan facility would be administered by the Agricultural Bank of Zimbabwe (Agribank) which will be receiving payments from farmers and remitting them to the government of Brazil.
