Power cuts leave farmers counting losses

Plot-holders at Mabvute and Nyatare irrigation schemes, which cover over 120 hectares are counting their losses after their winter wheat and maize crop was severely affected by power outages.

Recurrent power cuts are being blamed for projected poor winter wheat and maize harvests this year at two of the biggest irrigation schemes in Zaka district.

Some of the plot holders at the two schemes have already raised their concerns with the district Agritex office amid fears of very poor harvests.

Zaka District Agritex officer Mr Kennedy Pedzisai said recurrent power cuts hindered crop irrigation at Nyatare.

He said there was widespread concern amongst the farmers of poor yields at the two schemes.

“Farmers at Nyatare and Mabvute irrigation schemes have expressed concern over the sudden increase in load shedding which they say is now taking place on a daily basis and this is affecting their irrigation cycles,” he said.

Mr Pedzisai said the wheat crop at the two schemes was close to maturing and required a lot of water together with the recently planted maize crop.

The plot holders were unhappy with ZESA blaming the power utility for allowing the outages which were threatening livelihoods of thousands of families in the drought-stricken district.

A survey by The Herald at the two schemes recently showed that crops such as wheat, maize and sugar beans were suffering from severe moisture stress owing to recurrent power cuts that scuttled irrigation.

Zaka District Administrator Mr Ndeya Nyede confirmed the adverse effects of power cuts at the two schemes and said he will engage ZESA in search of a speedy solution to the problem.

“We are going to meet officials from ZESA to make sure the problem of continuous power cuts is addressed,” he said. “Agricultural activities in irrigation schemes are very important and in line with the Government’s Command Agriculture initiative.”