GOVERNMENT is targeting to increase hectarage of maize planted under irrigation through expediting the resuscitation of irrigation schemes while increasing hectarage at those currently operating.
With climate change adversely affecting farming activities particularly for those on dry land, irrigation has been touted as the long-term solution to ensuring food security in the country.
The issue was top on the agenda when the Masvingo Zanu Pf provincial leadership met and highlighted the need to push for the revival of all defunct irrigation schemes and increasing farming capacity at those currently operating.
The Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs, Ezra Chadzamira who is also Zanu-PF Masvingo provincial chairperson said while the province has targeted 3 000 hectares under the winter maize programme, it was agreed that since the province has the largest number of water bodies, it should be capacitated to produce more.
“Last week we went to Mushandike irrigation scheme where we were discussing the project to draw water from Muzhwi dam to ensure the irrigation scheme works and also increase hectarage. For now, the government has supplied inputs for 3000 hectares for winter maize working with Tongaat Hullet. We are now going to ensure this is not just a winter project but something we should commit ourselves to achieve this year to ensure we do not have to import maize,” he said.
The meeting also saw, the Minister briefing the provincial leadership on the strides that have been made in ensuring the province is ready to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We updated the party leadership on the pandemic and the isolation centres we have so that they are aware of what is happening on the ground,” he said
Masvingo which has recorded only one case of Covid-19 has set up various isolation and quarantine centres have been established across the province.
