Chongolo orders irrigation works fast-tracked
MUFINDI: MINISTER for Agriculture Mr Daniel Chongolo has directed experts from the National Irrigation Commission (NIRC) to fast-track plans for irrigation infrastructure at Sao Hill Livestock Production Farm in Mafinga, saying the project will help reduce conflicts between livestock keepers and farmers.
The planned water infrastructure is expected to guarantee reliable pasture and watering points for livestock, enabling pastoralists to sustain production without encroaching on crop farms.
Mr Chongolo issued the directive in Mufindi over the weekend after inspecting the farm and water sources alongside the Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Dr Bashiru Ally.
He instructed NIRC experts to work with their counterparts from the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries to assess the area before implementation begins.
“The purpose of establishing water infrastructure at this farm is to ensure livestock keepers have reliable pasture and engage in productive livestock keeping. This will help reduce the tendency to encroach on crop farms and, consequently, reduce conflicts between livestock keepers and farmers,” Mr Chongolo said.
Bashiru said the two ministries had agreed to strengthen cooperation in pasture production by expanding irrigation infrastructure and improving water access for livestock.
He said reliable pasture and water, quality seeds, livestock health services, infrastructure, capital and markets were essential for modern livestock keeping and improving the livelihoods of small-scale livestock keepers.
District Commissioner, Dr Linda Selekwa said Mafinga Town Council and Mufindi District Council had continued prioritising the allocation of 10 per cent of their development funds to empower youth, women and people with disabilities.
She said beneficiaries were being supported in activities such as livestock keeping and vegetable farming to increase household incomes, improve access to proteinrich foods and help address stunting.
According to Dr Selekwa, by this month the government had already disbursed 2bn/- to support youth, women and people with disabilities in Mafinga Town Council and Mufindi District Council.
The irrigation project is expected to strengthen pasture production at Sao Hill Farm, while supporting more sustainable livestock keeping and easing pressure on neighbouring crop-growing areas.
