The Eastern Cape Provincial Government has launched a R19.5 million irrigation scheme revival programme aimed at fighting poverty, creating jobs and improving food security across the province. The programme was officially unveiled by Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe at the Zanyokhwe Irrigation Scheme in Keiskammahoek this week.
The initiative focuses on restoring irrigation infrastructure to support the production of vegetables, grains and fodder. New farming equipment and machinery will be rolled out to cover more than 1 500 hectares of land, with government planning to revive a total of 10 000 hectares of irrigation schemes across various district municipalities over the next five years.
MEC Kontsiwe said the programme is a strategic intervention to reduce poverty and unemployment while strengthening the economic position of emerging and smallholder farmers. We have already seen positive results from irrigation schemes that were operational, with some farmers accessing markets beyond the Eastern Cape. Moreover, collaboration with other government departments and partnerships with the private sector would be crucial to ensuring the success and sustainability of the initiative” she stated.
Zanyokhwe Irrigation Scheme board chairperson Dr Litha Matiwane welcomed the launch, saying farmers were excited about the revitalisation programme. He said government support had included the installation of centre pivots and sprinkler irrigation systems, as well as the provision of tractors and farming implements. He added that the scheme plans to expand into citrus production on 300 hectares of land, with water rights already secured.
The importance of private sector participation was echoed by Old Mutual regional director Noxolo Qika, who said business had a role to play in supporting government development programmes. The programme includes targeted investments in Amathole, Chris Hani and OR Tambo districts, while the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency will assist with commercialisation, market access and production finance to help farmers grow their operations.
