The ManicaPost
Cashel Valley Irrigation Scheme secretary, Mr Tapiwa Meki
Samuel Kadungure : Farming Reporter
FARMERS at Cashel Valley Irrigation Scheme in Chimanimani are racing against time with land preparations to plant their second crop of the year.The farmers at the scheme, which is divided into six blocks – namely Svinurai, Mandima, Maraisi, Quaggas, Nyambeya and Mutambara – have just finished harvesting their first bean crop.
The scheme was revived last year after receiving agricultural machinery and construction material from the First Lady, Amai Dr Grace Mugabe last year.
Dr Mugabe handed over farming equipment such as tractors and planters, as well as fuel to farmers, while giant food processing company, Cairns Foods chipped in to ensure that the project sails through smoothly.
Cairns Foods contracted the farmers to produce Michigan beans under its once popular brand, Cashel Valley.
The scheme is one of the many irrigation schemes which were underutilised as vast tracts of land have been lying idle due to poor infrastructure development, condemning thousands of beans and tomato farmers into abject poverty.
Last week, farmers were busy with tillage with the intention to plant the second crop before the end of the month.
Mr Tapiwa Meki, the secretary of the seven-member committee which runs the affairs of the scheme, said more than 3 000 households were benefiting from the rehabilitated irrigation scheme.
“The farmers are busy with land preparations and more than 50ha will be ready by end of the week. We plant twice, in February and August, so we are racing against time so that planting commences before the end of this month.
“The tractors that we received last year are in perfect condition. Farmers pay $100 to till a hectare and $66 to disc the same,” said Mr Meki.
Mr Meki said though the flow of water had greatly improved since the repairs of canals last year, there was need to scoop the weir dam to increase overnight water storage.
“The weir dam is heavily silted and needs to be scooped to increase the volume of overnight water storage. This is one area that requires urgent intervention,” said Mr Meki.
Farmers use the flood irrigation system which uses a lot of water.
Mr Meki added that Cashel Valley farmers have successfully diversified into off season high-value horticulture crop, though they were facing market challenges for produces like tomatoes.
This has enabled them to raise enough money for their different needs.
“We planted beans, wheat and tomatoes, while Michigan beans has a ready buyer. That is not the case with tomatoes which are rotting in the fields due to lack of markets,” said Mr Meki.
Tomatoes have flooded the market resulting in farmers selling huge volumes for a song.
Liquidity constraints on the back of cash shortages have worsened the situation as buyers dictate the prices.
The farmers can, however, fight food wastages through commercial drying of perishable produce.
Tomatoes, vegetables and mangoes among other crops can be dried using solar dryers and local supermarkets are interested in buying dried products.
This initiative is also connected to technological advancement as farmers are required to adhere to certain hygienic operations. Preserving food through dehydration is not popular in Mutambara.
“There is knowledge about drying our products, but we lack the equipment and the special skills. I think the dryers will go a long way minimising food waste,” said Mr Meki.
Drying any food requires a high level of hygiene for it to be commercial.
Companies like Cains Foods and Reapers (Pvt) Ltd have so far benefited from the irrigation scheme as they are getting both fresh and dried products throughout the year under contract farming.
