By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
A thriving agricultural project in the heart of Gwanda is making headlines, with 45 hectares of potatoes and 12 hectares of tomatoes under cultivation at Magwamazi Irrigation Scheme in Makado Range.
The farm, managed by Elanie Watson, hosted a high-profile tour today led by Mr. Leonard Munamati, Chief Director of Agricultural Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) within the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.
Watson, addressing attendees during the tour, highlighted the success and ongoing expansion of horticultural winter cropping at the scheme.
Using innovative pothole irrigation methods powered by diesel pumps, her farm not only produces quality crops but also promotes sustainable farming practices in the region.
Despite the success, Watson noted a few challenges.
“The market is currently flooded, and prices are unfortunately low. We urgently need a central market in the city to sell our produce directly and reduce the burden of transportation,” she noted.
Currently, the farm’s potatoes are transported as far as Mbare in Harare, Bulawayo, and even Beitbridge for resale. To reduce wastage, reject tomatoes are fed to livestock, while crop rotation with sorghum done in collaboration with local traditional leaders has proven beneficial for both soil health and community support.
In his remarks, Mr. Munamati praised the high standards of production at the farm.
“The farmer here is producing up to 65 tonnes of potatoes per hectare. This is an impressive yield and contributes meaningfully to our national winter cropping target,” he said.
The national target stands at 8,750 hectares under potatoes, with 4,727 hectares already planted across the country.
Munamati urged more farmers to take advantage of available water bodies for potato farming, especially as Zimbabwe has halted potato imports to reduce competition posed by imports to boost local production.
In addition to food security, Watson’s farm plays a vital socio-economic role in the region.
“Over 80 people are employed daily during peak harvesting periods,” she said, emphasizing the farm’s contribution to local employment and development.
Watson also called on young people to embrace agriculture, urging them to remain resilient and avoid drugs.
“Farming is not just a job it’s a way to build a future and give back to the community,” she said.
Munamati’s tour also included visits to other local operations such as Toppick Investment and Aluwani VBU, as part of an ongoing assessment of agricultural activities in Matabeleland South Province.
The visit showcased the region’s growing agricultural capacity, while also underscoring the need for better market structures to sustain and scale these efforts.