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Writes Thomas Faranando
Following intermittent droughts in Southern Africa, the Parliament, and Zimbabwe Agricultural Society have reiterated the importance of investing in irrigation systems to boost food and nutrition security.
On Friday, 9 August 2024, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, and Rural Development embarked on a fact-finding mission to large-scale irrigation systems in Kadoma.
The committee’s objectives were to assess the current conditions and functionality of large-scale irrigation systems, evaluate water management practices, and identify areas for improvement.
They also engaged irrigation scheme operators and farmers to understand their challenges and opportunities and provide recommendations for upgrading and optimizing large irrigation schemes.
The committee visited the wheat fields at Ambuya Nehanda Estates ARDA Doreen, where they observed the challenges faced by farmers. The main challenge highlighted was frequent power cuts, which severely impacted irrigation systems and wheat production.
Farmers expressed their concerns about the power cuts, citing them as a significant obstacle to their operations. The committee assured farmers that they would engage with relevant authorities to address the power supply challenges.
Based on their findings, there must be urgent attention to addressing power supply challenges, installation of backup power generation systems, improved water management practices, and increased support for farmers, including access to funding and technical expertise.
The Portfolio Committee’s visit to large-scale irrigation systems in Kadoma highlighted the challenges faced by farmers, particularly concerning power supply. By addressing these challenges, Zimbabwe can enhance agricultural productivity and food security.
The Zimbabwe Agricultural Society emphasizes the importance of irrigation in agriculture.
There are several benefits of irrigation.
“Irrigation ensures consistent water supply, leading to higher yields and better quality crops. A reliable water supply enables farmers to produce food consistently, reducing dependence on rainfall. Irrigation also allows farmers to grow a wider range of crops, including high-value crops. It also supports agricultural growth, creating jobs and stimulating local economies.
“Efficient irrigation systems minimize water waste, conserving this vital resource. It helps farmers adapt to climate change by providing a reliable water supply and reducing soil erosion, preserving fertile land for future generations. Irrigation enables farmers to produce high-value crops, increasing their incomes, and thereby contributing to poverty reduction by increasing agricultural productivity and incomes. Irrigation supports Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector, contributing to national economic growth,” said Dr. Andrew Matibiri, the Chief Executive Officer of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society.
The Zimbabwe Agricultural Society promotes irrigation as a critical component of sustainable agriculture, encouraging farmers to adopt efficient irrigation systems and practices.