Zimpapers Logo

Minister Cain Mathema

Pamela Shumba Senior Reporter
MATABELELAND North province has started working on the Bulawayo Kraal Irrigation Scheme in Binga in preparation for the command agriculture scheme, with funding expected to be availed soon.

The Binga irrigation scheme was incorporated into the recently launched programme that is aimed at enhancing grain production in the country.

The $500 million programme is expected to produce two million tonnes of maize on 400 000 hectares of land countrywide.

The Minister of State for Matabeleland North provincial affairs Cain Mathema yesterday said the province was more than prepared for the project.

“This is like an on-going project because we’ve been working on the Bulawayo Kraal Irrigation scheme that will go a long way in alleviating hunger in the province.

“We’re excited that the irrigation scheme was incorporated into the command agriculture programme. Funding will be coming soon from the Government and we’re more than prepared to increase agricultural production in the province,” said Minister Mathema without specifying how much and when the funds would be released.

He said farmers had already been mobilised to make sure that all the land that needs to be utilised does not remain idle.

“We’ve a target of 15 000 hectares of land under the programme and different farming activities will be carried out by farmers. We’re already working with stakeholders such as Zinwa to provide water where there’s no irrigated land and Agritex to advise our farmers so that that we reach our targets every farming season.

“While we’re waiting for the funding of the project, we’ve farmers that are already working at the irrigation scheme, in preparation for the farming season,” said Minister Mathema.

He commended the Government for launching the command agriculture programme, adding that it will go a long way in eradicating hunger in the province.

He urged farmers to be part of the programme as they were vital in making it a success.

“The land is available and the inputs will be provided by the Government. All we need is labour and knowledge from the farmers to do the work so that we feed our families and the whole province. It’s also our aim to feed the nation,” said Minister Mathema

The Deputy Minister of Agriculture Mechanisation and Irrigation Development, Davis Marapira yesterday said 400 000 farmers have so far registered for the command agriculture scheme countrywide.

“Registration is still going on and so far 400 000 farmers have registered for the programme,” said Deputy Minister Marapira.

He said under the programme, 2 000 farmers would be given inputs, irrigation and mechanised equipment but will be required to give five tonnes per hectare to the Government as repayment.

The roping in of Bulawayo Kraal comes a year after the First Lady, Dr Grace Mugabe spearheaded efforts to resuscitate it after it had been dormant since 2004.

Bulawayo kraal project has great potential given the abundant water from the nearby Zambezi River. — @pamelashumba1.