Revival of irrigation schemes a priority: Cde Chinamasa

19 Mar, 2021 - 00:03 0 Views
Revival of irrigation schemes a priority: Cde Chinamasa Cde Chinamasa

The ManicaPost

Lovemore Kadzura

Rusape Correspondent

THE Government has been rolling out massive investments in the agricultural sector, focusing on rehabilitating abandoned irrigation schemes and training centres.

The move is aimed at empowering young and emerging farmers.

There has been high demand for agricultural land, especially by youths.

Addressing Makoni South party leaders in Nyazura last weekend, Zanu PF national secretary for finance, Cde Patrick Chinamasa, said in Makoni, the prime targets are Wenseldale Training Centre in Headlands and Nzvimbe Irrigation Scheme in Makoni South.

Wenseldale Training Centre was opened in 1995 by the then President Robert Mugabe, but has since been closed.

“The party views youths as the future of the nation, hence we are coming up with tangible projects to empower them. The party is working closely with the Government to ensure that youths are not left behind in economic empowerment programmes.

“In Headlands, the party is spearheading the revival of Wenseldale Training Centre. Once it is restored to its former state, our youths will be equipped with the right farming skills. Farming is a business, so farmers must possess knowledge to operate profitably. The training centre is of importance to the district and we cannot fold our hands while it is being run down,” said Cde Chinamasa.

Turning to the Nzvimbe Irrigation Scheme, Cde Chinamasa said the Government is engaging experts to look at how the 26km canal can be modified and developed into an irrigation scheme.

“Nzvimbe is generally a hot and arid area, but irrigation is suitable for that place. There is a 26km canal that draws water from Macheke River which will be rehabilitated to set up an irrigation scheme there. Some of these projects do not require a lot of money, but simple expertise,” said Cde Chinamasa.

The country has several irrigation schemes that are lying idle.

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