Solar powered irrigation schemes change farmers lives in Nsanje
Solar powered irrigation schemes are slowly changing lives of cyclone hit farmers. However, farmers are requesting heavy duty pumps to expand their area of cultivation
CLEAN ENERGY - Solar powered irrigation scheme pumps water in overheads tanks used for irrigation in Nsanje. Such efforts are being encouraged as part of the just energy transition towards net zero carbon emission to contain climate change (Photo - Courtesy of DODMA)
NSANJE, Malawi (Planet Defence) - Farmers hit by the devastating effects of cyclones lately are recollecting the bits and pieces. Thanks to clean energy initiative powered by solar to irrigation schemes and the surrounding catchment areas that are changing lives.
This came to light after the visit by Minister of Agriculture, Sam Kawale who toured Tiyanjane Irrigation Scheme under Magoti Extension Planning Area (EPA), Traditional Authority (T/A) Mbenje, Chimwalambangu Irrigation Scheme in Zunde EPA, T/A Malemia and Nkulowamitete in Ndamera EPA, T/A Ndamera, all in Nsanje district.
Speaking at Nkulowamitete Irrigation Scheme, Kawale said he was impressed with the works in all the schemes having seen the quantities of onions and maize, farmers are harvesting for both household and income generation.
Kawale added that he appreciates efforts farmers are investing and will ensure that the challenges brought to his attention such as limited water pumping system, are addressed with urgency to allow farmers cultivate on the remaining idle land.
"I have seen what farmers are doing and appreciate their efforts in utilising the schemes. I am impressed and commend all involved for a job well done. We will also do everything possible to assist them with fertiliser and a variety of seed by engaging service providers who can assist with financing," said Kawale during the visit.
Kawale in red cap listens to the farmers during the visit (Picture by DoDMA)
One of the beneficiaries from Tiyanjane Scheme, Albert Simbani said they are more than willing to do all year around farming as long as they have heavy duty pumps, ample land and farm inputs.
According to Simbani, he is into onion farming which has already transformed his household, enabling him to own a brand-new motorcycle from the proceeds of his business.
Farmers at Tiyanjane Irrigation Scheme are utilising 7.9 out of the available 30 hectares of land due to limited pumping system which Kawale promised to prioritize. Once with an upgraded the solar powered pumping system farmer can extend area of cultivable land.
Across the globe there is now now a growing movement to shift from the use of fossils fuel to clean energy as part of the just energy transition towards net zero carbon emission.
The irrigation schemes were heavily damaged by the March 2019 Cyclone Idai induced floods and later on rehabilitated under the Post Cyclone Idai Emergency Recovery Project.
Source : Department of Disaster Management Affairs