1 100ha sugar beans under threat

AN estimated 1 100 hectares of sugar beans in Chipinge District is facing severe moisture stress because of the on-going electricity load-shedding.

Manicaland Agritex provincial agronomist, Mr Cephas Mlambo, yesterday confirmed that the crops were under threat.
“Irrigation schemes in Chipinge are affected due to load-shedding and at least 1 100 hectares of sugar beans is at temporary wilting stage,” he said.

“This will greatly affect bean production in the province.”
The Agritex department carried out a participatory rapid rural appraisal exercise in Chipinge together with other agricultural specialists and discovered that the sugar bean crop was the most affected.

Mr Mlambo said Agritex has since engaged ZESA to try and come up with a more flexible load-shedding schedule to save the crop from wilting.