OVER 250 000 hectares will be put under irrigation by the end of this year as part of Government’s bold plan to switch from rain-fed agriculture and climate-proof the sector, especially at a time when climate change is threatening global food security.
The ultimate target is to put 350 000ha under irrigation by 2025 to achieve food self-sufficiency and become a net grain exporter.
Currently, 193 000ha are covered, but the Government, which has since roped in the private sector, is confident the hectarage would increase to 420 000ha by the end of next year.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Deputy Minister Vangelis Haritatos told The Sunday Mail that the Government is willing to work with the private sector to make agriculture a year-round business.
“As we march towards Vision 2030 agriculturally, the sector is aiming to prioritise modernising operations and develop a robust irrigation system on all our present 10 000 water bodies,” he said.
“The ministry is encouraging crowding in the private sector in irrigation development under the auspices of the Irrigation Development Alliance (IDA). This includes our developmental partners like the United Nations Development Programme and Food and Agriculture Organisation (of the United Nations).”
The country has more than 10 000 dams. The dams have the potential to irrigate two million hectares.
Deputy Minister Haritatos said Zimbabwe needs to move away from rain-fed agriculture.
“Smart and efficient irrigation is required so that we do not waste water from our resources. Unsolicited offers are being accepted from private sector players who would like to finance irrigation development.
‘‘The IDA offers a platform for risk sharing among Government, banks, private companies and farmers,” he added.
In 2020, Government reviewed the mandate of the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) to include developing irrigation infrastructure.
International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics country representative Dr Martin Moyo said roping in the private players would guarantee successful irrigation development.
“Creating synergies as key stakeholders within the sector is important, and (the) private sector should be able to assist in monitoring moisture within the irrigation schemes, which is very vital, especially in the face of climate change,” he said.
“We need the private sector for investments in terms of infrastructure and human capacity, so we have to work hand in glove as the private sector and Government.”
Head of group projects and advisory for AFC Holdings Ms Alice Mapfiza said Government, the private sector, non-governmental organisations and banks should “form a fund with clearly defined terms of reference for the success of a widespread irrigation development programme”. – Sunday Mail
