In Zimbabwe, rainfall cannot meet the water demand during the wheat growth period and supplementary irrigation is necessary to maintain wheat production. Subsequently, irrigation is pivotal in sustaining wheat as a major food crop in Zimbabwe and is increasingly important as an adaptation response to climate change. In the context of agricultural production responding to climate change, improved irrigation management plays a significant role in increasing water productivity (WP) and maintaining the sustainable development of water resources.
Considering that wheat is one of the major crops cultivated in Upper Manyame Sub-catchment, which consumes high amounts of irrigation water, developing wheat irrigation management with high efficiency is urgently required. Both irrigation scheduling and irrigation methods intricately influence wheat physiology, affect plant growth and development, and regulate grain yield and quality.
WHAT FARMERS SHOULD DO!
- Application of water permits
Upper Manyame Sub-Catchment Council advises all its winter wheat farmers to apply for or renew expired surface water and groundwater abstraction permits at our offices (Number 9 Connaught Avenue Newlands Harare) inorder to reserve your water allocations for your precious crop. In the absence of a permit, the Sub-Catchment Council reserves the right to allocate water to other farmers, in particular water from dams.
- Installation of flow meters
Additionally, the Sub-Catchment Council advises all winter farmers to install flow meters at every water abstraction point inorder to monitor abstraction volumes and ensure water is being distributed efficiently in your irrigation distribution system. Flow meter returns should be submitted to Upper Manyame Sub-Catchment Council at least
- Timeous payment of water use levies
In line with the provisions of the Water Act of 1998, CAP (20:24) and supporting Statutory Instruments, farmers should pay stipulated water levies in S.I 291 of 2020 to Upper Manyame Sub-Catchment Council to ensure uninterrupted availability of water for irrigation.
- Use of water-efficient irrigation methods
Upper Manyame Sub-Catchment Council encourages all winter wheat farmers to use water efficient irrigation methods e.g drip irrigation are necessary for water conservation and adapting to water scarcity.
For enquiries and queries please contact Upper Manyame Sub-Catchment Council Public Relations on +263712 317 993 or the Water Resources and Compliance Manager on +263712904993 / cmatsaira@uppermanyame.co.zw
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