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Chinhoyi Bureau
Farmers in Mhangura, who received irrigation equipment under the Brazil More Food for Africa programme, have commended the initiative as it has helped to boost production.

Through the programme, which is supported by the Brazilian government, Zimbabwe receives tractors, centre pivots, irrigation kits, spreaders and other equipment.

Most farmers have formed joint ventures in order to get the maximum possible benefit from the equipment.

In Mhangura, under Makonde District, there is the Binge Irrigation Scheme in Ward 11 (Emily Park Village), while the Chipfundi and Muni farm irrigation schemes are in Ward 5.

Emily Park Village head Mr Nesbert Masiambiri said the irrigation scheme had helped guarantee food security.

“The group has 17 members and all these members have contributed to the food and financial security of their families,” he said.

Headman Masiambiri said other farmers in Ward 5 were busy forming groups to register under the project.

Farmers, however, still want more equipment such as tractors in order to consolidate the gains they have made so far.

“We are lacking enough machinery like tractors so that the legacy is consolidated while production is increased further,” Emily Park irrigation scheme chairman Mr Tembani Stewart Maunganidze said.

Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement Minister Chief Air Marshal Perrance Shiri (Retired) encouraged beneficiaries to take advantage of the programme.

Minister Shiri, who toured the projects last week, said such projects enhance food security across Zimbabwe.

“You should, however, be very vigilant and hard working so that we will be able to repay the loan to Brazil for us to get more equipment to benefit other groups,” he said.

Minister Shiri added: “Let there be a noticeable difference between you and those without irrigation equipment.”