By Decide Nhendo
The province’s dams have sufficient water to support this year’s winter wheat irrigation which is about to start, Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) recently revealed.
Speaking at a Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Masvingo Provincial Agricultural Advisory and Rural Development Services (ARDAS) stakeholders meeting, ZINWA representative Stanislous Mubika said the province’s dams had sufficient water to support winter wheat irrigation for production.
He however said a few farmers will be affected especially those getting water from Manjirenji Dam in Zaka saying they had to plant half of the intended hectares.
“Most irrigation schemes have adequate water for this year’s winter wheat except for a few like those getting water from Manjirenji Dam.
“Manjirenji has 40 percent capacity, which means irrigation schemes depending on it must plant half their intended hectares,” said Mubika.
He also said all wheat farmers who were not registered need to visit their offices and contact Agricultural Advisory and Rural Development Services so that they can access enough water from Zinwa.
“All individuals who are not registered must come to our Zinwa offices, and see ARDAS so they visit, access their hectares, and register them to have adequate water to irrigate their wheat,” said Mubika.
Speaking at the same meeting, Masvingo Provincial Irrigation Engineer Justice Musadaidzwa said it was important for farmers to maintain their farming equipment including irrigation equipment to make sure it was in good shape before planting.
“I encourage all wheat farmers to make sure their equipment is maintained before the cropping season to make sure that it is working to avoid delays from servicing them when it’s too late,” said Musadaidzwa.
He said at Nyahombe’s 50-hectare irrigation scheme, the pivot needed maintenance but farmers were saying they do not have money to pay for a crane and technicians to straighten the pivot system for water to flow through.
He also said extension workers must try to do follow-ups and training every two weeks or month to educate people in schemes not to use wasteful methods like the case in the Tokwane-Ngundu irrigation scheme.
”As the winter wheat season approaches, farmers intending to produce the cereal must evaluate and establish their irrigation capabilities before commencing any production activities,” he said.
Early preparations for the 2024/2025 summer season and the 2024 winter wheat will enable consultations with key stakeholders in the agriculture sector, to improve coordination and planning for the season.
