The Commercial Farmers Union of Zimbabwe has reported that farmers in the Beitbridge area have embraced drip irrigation in the hopes of minimising the effects of water shortages and boosting horticulture in the country.
According to the union, drip irrigation will allow farmers to save water and nutrients by allowing water to slowly reach the roots of plants, either from above the soil surface or buried below the surface.
“Under this type of irrigation water is placed directly into the root zone of plants and minimises evaporation,” the union said.
The Zimbabwe National Water Authority recently reported that the country’s agriculture sector was facing a significant risk as high temperatures and low rainfall had caused the country’s dam levels to drop.
“However, with the help of drip irrigation crops are expected to grow well despite the drop in dam levels,” the union said.
Most plots in the Beitbridge district are used to grow tomatoes, onions, green peppers and cabbages. – Zoë van Rooyen