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Victor Maphosa
Mashonaland East Bureau
Agriculture remains one of the critical pillars of the country’s economy and must therefore be supported by deliberate measures as a way of promoting sustainable crop production, Special Advisor to the President on Monitoring Implementation of Government Programmes Dr Joram Gumbo has said.

Dr Gumbo made the remarks during his tour of Saparanyambuya Dam and Irrigation Scheme in Mutawatawa, Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe District on Wednesday.
Saparanyambuya Irrigation Scheme was established by Government last year and is the first irrigation scheme to benefit about 200 families.
Dr Gumbo visited the irrigation scheme to have an appreciation of agricultural activities taking place there and to learn about some of the challenges faced by beneficiaries.
Speaking to farmers soon after his tour, Dr Gumbo reiterated Government’s commitment to support farmers across the country as well as development of irrigation systems to ensure food security.
“The National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1 ) centres irrigation development as key to climate proofing our agriculture sector with a view towards food security and nutrition for all,” he said.
“I am sure you are all aware that agriculture plays a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s economy, with significant potential to drive economic growth, boost household incomes and secure food supplies.
“However, the country has not been immune to the global impacts of climate change, including shifting weather patterns linked to global warming. Rural communities, especially those in areas like Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe (UMP) are particularly vulnerable to these unpredictable weather patterns.

“Despite these challenges, Zimbabwe possesses abundant water resources with the capacity to irrigate over 2 million hectares of agricultural land. To ensure food security and position Zimbabwe as a net grain exporter, at least 350 000 ha of irrigated land are needed. Recognising this, Government is intensifying efforts to build and rehabilitate irrigation infrastructure nationwide. Dams constructed under the NDS1 are generating tangible economic benefits for rural communities.”
He said the Saparanyambuya Irrigation Scheme is one of successful interventions established by Government to ensure food security.
He called on beneficiaries to use water from the dam sparingly and continue working hard on the fields to ensure food security at household level.