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Smallholder farmers are increasing crop production with solar power.
- The custom irrigation system presents a cost-effective option for farmers.
A solar-powered centre pivot has been installed at Edgon Farm in Mazowe. The solar-powered centre pivot is part of an irrigation programme sponsored by the Tobacco Industry Marketing Board to enable smallholder farmers to become self-sufficient. This set-up is suitable for smallholder farmers as the centre pivot is custom-made and adjustable to fit the height of different crops. In addition, the fact that it runs on solar power makes it more cost-effective.
The irrigation system has power storage and can convert direct current to alternating current and can be used interchangeably with electricity from a generator. The Minister of State in the Office of the President and Cabinet in charge of Monitoring the Implementation of Special Agricultural and related programmes, Mr Davis Marapira, noted that the Government plans to equip small scale farmers to face the effects of climate change. “We are living in a global world, and we want to move with technology, and I am impressed that our youths are setting this system up,” he added.
The government also urged tertiary institutions to devise innovations and technologies that address the irrigation needs of smallholder farmers.