Agricultural Marketing Authority irrigation projects expand in Mashonaland Central

The Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) is implementing several irrigation projects in Mashonaland Central to enhance agricultural productivity and food security. These initiatives aim to provide farmers with reliable water access for year-round crop production, mitigating the impact of erratic rainfall and El Niño-induced drought conditions.

Several projects have reached significant milestones. The 45-hectare Dotito Irrigation Scheme is complete, with a potential maize output of 225 tonnes per cycle. The 52.5-hectare Chimhanda Irrigation Project is also fully operational, capable of producing approximately 262.5 tonnes of wheat per cycle.

Other ongoing developments include the 120-hectare Maparo Irrigation Project, which is 75 percent complete and expected to yield 600 tonnes of wheat. Work is also advancing on the 360-hectare Negomo Phase 1 project, which could support up to 1,800 tonnes of maize or wheat. Additionally, the 66-hectare Mudotwe and 22-hectare Rukunguwo community projects are moving forward to boost local maize production.