Negomo Irrigation Scheme lifeblood of Mazowe Central youths

WHEN Mr Chamunorwa Gatsi (24) failed his Ordinary Level examinations in 2018, he thought he would never amount to anything in life.

His peers were proceeding with their education whilst his grades were not permitting him to do the same.

A few months later, he ventured into farming and his life has not been the same.

“My farming journey began in 2018 soon after I received my Ordinary Level results. The grades were not so pleasing but I knew it wasn’t the end of life,” he told this publication recently.

Mr Gatsi became a member of the Negomo Irrigation Scheme in Chief Negomo’s area, Mazowe Central constituency, Mashonaland Central province, where beneficiaries are allocated one-hectare or two-hectare plots.

The scheme, which has been running for several years, is very active. It comprises 296 members who utilise 357 hectares.

Farmers get water from Negomo Dam, with Government providing support in the form of irrigation equipment, inputs and extension services. It also facilitates access to financial assistance from banks and markets.

Some of the crops grown at the scheme are green maize, potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce and onions. Those growing maize are implementing the Pfumvudza/Intwasa scheme.

Mr Gatsi thanked Government for ensuring the irrigation project continued to operate seamlessly over the years.

“Every farmer can testify that inputs are a major challenge, and by providing them, Government is helping us in a big way. I mainly grow cabbages and

Chamunorwa Gatsi shows off a cabbage from his field

green maize, and I make an income of about US$800 a month. This is not bad, as it is much more than the amount earned by the average employee. I am able to support myself and my family.”

Another beneficiary at the irrigation scheme, Mr Martin Muunganirwa, said: “I have two hectares of land at this irrigation scheme and I am able to produce throughout the year. I started working here in 2015 and this is my source of income.

“In August last year, I managed to buy a vehicle out of proceeds from the irrigation scheme. I feel the Government is helping us in ways that no amount of words can express. We use electric engines to pump water and sometimes these engines need maintenance. We also need to renew our equipment, and Government has been taking care of this,” he said.

Mazowe Central Member of Parliament Cde Maxmore Njanji said the irrigation scheme has assisted youths in his constituency in a big way.

“The irrigation scheme is contributing to food security in our area and providing employment to hundreds of people. This project bears testimony of the vision of our President. Many of the beneficiaries at the scheme are youths, who are kept busy, producing for the nation. This is just how it should be. The Negomo Irrigation Scheme has enabled many youths to better their lives and sustain their families.” Cde Njanji has also provided funds to meet some of the farmers’ needs such as clearing some debts that plagued the project.

The legislator has also contributed to the setting up of a piggery project at the scheme.

“We have done our part in terms of empowering the youths. I donated more than 500 pigs and provided technical assistance for them to kick-start the project. I am continuing to work with them to monitor the project to ensure it continues to be a success,” he said.