Farmers have welcomed the government’s decision to reduce water charges by more than 30 percent as announced in the post Cabinet media briefing this Tuesday.
With the country’s economy anchored on agriculture which contributes around 18 percent to Zimbabwe’s gross domestic product, stakeholders in the sector are convinced the move to reduce water charges by 31 percent will increase hectarage under irrigation.
“This is a good initiative by our government, and we want to thank our President for the vision meant to empower us farmers. This means that we are going to increase our profit as well as we are going to increase our hectarage. Now other sectors should also follow,” said one of the farmers, Mr Mhlanga.
Farmer and agronomist Mr Ivan Craig said, “It’s a welcome development, all farmers are happy with the initiative. If you look at our agriculture, we rely mostly on irrigation, and considering that we are now going for winter it’s a welcome where 31 percent is going to play a critical role in reducing costs but translated into profit.”
In the post Cabinet media briefing this Tuesday, Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere announced the government has effected a 31 percent reduction in water charges for farmers while assuring the nation of adequate water for irrigation.
The nation is further being assured that there is adequate water for irrigation, with the national dam storage level at 84.8 percent as at 1 February 2024.
Cabinet also wishes to advise the public that the 31 percent reduction in water charges for farmers has since been effected as directed,” said Dr Muswere.
Government is working towards ensuring the nation is food secure through rolling out several initiatives which include the distribution of Pfumvudza/ Intwasa and the Presidential borehole drilling programme along with improved power supplies in farming areas to save crops under irrigation.
SOURCE : ZBC
