By Rutendo Mapfumo in Binga
In a recent tour of the Bhulaayo Irrigation Scheme, Minister of Lands, Water, Fisheries, and Rural Development, Dr. Anxious Jongwe Masuka, affirmed the President’s commitment to preventing starvation amidst the El Nino-induced drought. After 12 years of inactivity due to pivot malfunctions, agronomy issues, and water challenges, the second republic is now prioritizing the revival of Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector by reestablishing irrigation schemes, particularly in rural communities, to guarantee food security.
Once fully operational, the Bhulaayo Irrigation Scheme is expected to significantly improve the livelihoods of the Binga people, particularly in the Simatelele Ward under Chief Binga, thereby advancing the Vision 2030 outlined in the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
Minister Masuka acknowledged the past challenges faced by the scheme, explaining that despite the non-functioning pivots installed ten years ago, recent progress marks the first successful full irrigation from this scheme.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that the people of Binga are not left behind, adding that the upcoming crop will reach full maturity in a month. It is projected to yield at least 150 tonnes of small grain, which will directly contribute to the social welfare requirements of the community. This is just one of the many center pivots in operation.
The four pivots of the Bhulaayo Kraal are set to be fully operational by mid-June, utilizing the 200 hectares of land and contributing to the production of strategic grains, thereby enhancing food security in the community.
“The pivots were put 10 years ago and were not fully functional, however due to the progress we have made, this is the first full irrigation that we have seen from this scheme, in the past year we have made progress and this is the advent of the second republic, we have seen the commitment of the government to make sure that the people of Binga are not left behind,”said Minister Masuka
However, the Minister stressed the need for community members to prioritize the security of the irrigation scheme, as reports of cattle trespassing and feeding on the sorghum crop have been received.
Protecting this community project is crucial.
“We have heard about cattle trespassing and feeding on this sorghum, this is their community program and therefore must jealously guard this project”, said Minister Masuka
Winter farming at Bhulaayo Kraal primarily focuses on cultivating red sorghum and limited wheat farming.
Tinotenda Mhiko, the Chief Executive Officer of the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA), expressed optimism regarding the expected yield of 3 tonnes per hectare, which will significantly contribute to food security. For the winter cereal, a target of at least a thousand tonnes from the established 200 hectares has been set. Watch Video Click Here
“We are expecting to yield at most 3 tonnes per ha, but for the winter cereal we are targeting at least a thousand tonnes from the 200 ha we have established,” he said.
Taitos Munkuli, Chairman of Bhulaayo Kraal Irrigation Kraal, expressed appreciation for the government’s efforts in revitalizing the irrigation scheme, assuring the community that the yields from this project will directly benefit the people under Chief Binga. Watch Video: Click Here
“We are happy that the government revamped our irrigation, the Minister assured us that the yields from this irrigation will directly feed the people under Chief Binga.
Vwelenga Mugande, Binga Zanu PF Chairman, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the revival of the irrigation schemes was long overdue. However, he also emphasized the need for public education on the importance of irrigation.
The Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) has taken over the rehabilitation of the Bhulaayo Irrigation Scheme from the Department of Irrigation, highlighting the government’s commitment to ensuring its success.
