The Sunday Mail
Mukudzei Chingwere in NYAKOMBA
GOVERNMENT will help rural communities that are involved in export-oriented crop production to revamp and industrialise their projects, Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has said.
The VP, who chairs the Cabinet committee on food security and nutrition, said this when he toured Nyakomba Irrigation Scheme in Nyanga yesterday.
“The thrust of the Second Republic in its quest to achieve food security is hinged upon exploring new irrigation technologies, expansion and rehabilitation of existing irrigation facilities, drilling of boreholes and construction of dams.
“The rehabilitation of Nyakomba Irrigation Scheme is one such initiative with financial support from the government of Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA),” he said.
“The scope of the work included the rehabilitation of pump stations on the banks of Gairezi River, upgrading of old transformers, installation of new transformers and installation of new overhead power lines, construction of flood protection walls, construction of pump houses, headcare and infield works.
“Nyakomba is one of the most essential irrigation schemes in the country, whose modernisation and expansion can spur production and productivity in Nyanga District,” he said.
The scheme produces maize, beans, wheat and tabasco chillies, among other crops.
“I am reliably informed that the foreign market for tabasco chillies is readily available.
“I therefore urge farmers to increase the hectarage put under this crop to maximise profits. Let me take this opportunity to applaud Klein Karoo Reapers for the win-win contractual agreements with farmers,” added VP Chiwenga.
Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement Dr Anxious Masuka said:
“Zimbabwe has 450 irrigation schemes on 26 000 hectares – all vibrant, relevant to the President’s vision – and is in the process of transforming them for the upliftment of rural life.”
Nyanga North Member of Parliament Chido Sanyatwe commended Government for undertaking various infrastructure development projects in her constituency.
