Govt Boosts Irrigation to Strengthen Horticulture and Food Security

The Zimbabwean government is stepping up efforts to strengthen agriculture by focusing on irrigation-based horticulture, which officials have identified as vital for long-term food security and economic development.

According to Professor Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, irrigation is now a key part of agricultural strategy as the country looks to move away from relying solely on unpredictable rainfall.

“We are making a firm shift from rain-dependent farming because it no longer supports the goals of a modern horticulture sector. Irrigation is a game-changer,” said Professor Jiri during a visit to Ruago Farm in Goromonzi.

He highlighted the importance of the recent Irrigation Investment Conference held on July 5, which was launched by President Mnangagwa. The event attracted solid interest from private investors who are now actively installing irrigation systems in different regions.

“There’s real investment happening. The President’s leadership has inspired action, and we’re seeing results on the ground,” he added.

The government plans to expand the area under irrigation for horticulture from the current 10,000 to 15,000 hectares to 35,000 hectares by the year 2030. This is part of the Accelerator Model, which involves Village Business Units.

Professor Jiri explained that the expansion could triple productivity and help build a horticulture sector worth US$2 billion.

He also pointed out that the country is already seeing strong growth in crops like blueberries, avocados, pecan nuts, tomatoes, and rape crops that are driving the recovery of the horticultural industry.

Government authorities continue to emphasize that irrigation is critical to achieving national food self-sufficiency and boosting foreign currency earnings through horticulture exports.