Water charges reduced by 31percent for farmers

Water charges reduced by 31percent for farmers

Nevanji Munyaradzi Chiondegwa

In a move to curb the devastating effects of El Nino phenomenon, the Government has effected a 31percent reduction in water charges for farmers to cut costs of irrigation and increase production of grain crops, a Government Minister has said.

This was said by Dr. Jenfan Muswere in a post-Cabinet Media briefing at Munhumutapa Offices in Harare this evening.

Dr Muswere said, “The nation is informed that a total of 3 027 559 hectares was planted to crops during the 2023/2024 Summer Season, out of the targeted 3 674 000 hectares.

Of the total planted area, 1,676,274 hectares were planted to maize, 362 541 hectares to sorghum, 141 169 hectares to pearl millet, and 271 823 hectares to groundnuts. A cumulative 2 283 272 metric tonnes of maize and 271 623 metric tonnes of traditional grains is expected from the planted area.”

A total of 11 932 505 plots which are equivalent to 744 588 hectares had been prepared under the Climate-Proofed Presidential Pfumvudza/Intwasa Programme by 20 November 2023, compared to the 5 867 292 plots equivalent to 366 706 hectares that had been prepared by 21 November 2022 and 4 602 209 plots equivalent to 287 640 hectares by 19 November 2021.

This is a reflection that farmers are adopting the recommended climate-proofing interventions, especially during the El Nino condition.

He further said, “The nation is further being assured that there is adequate water for irrigation, with the national dam storage level at 84.8percent as of 1 February 2024.

The cabinet also wishes to advise the public that the 31percent reduction in water charges for farmers has since been effected as directed.”