HARARE, March 5 (Xinhua) -- Most of Zimbabwe's rain-fed summer crops have wilted and are a complete write-off due to the El Nino-induced drought, a cabinet minister said on Tuesday.
According to Jenfan Muswere, Zimbabwe's Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, the El Nino-induced drought, characterized by the delayed start of rains and prolonged dry spells, had taken a toll on planted crops, which had resulted in most crops being a write-off despite climate-proofing measures implemented by most farmers.
Addressing a post-cabinet media briefing, Muswere said that in light of the drought, Zimbabwe will this year hold an investment conference on irrigation financing to attract investors to help accelerate irrigation rehabilitation and development to ensure food security.
He said it is expected that the conference will assist in harnessing diaspora investment in irrigation development to foster the modernization and industrialization of rural areas.
"The major outcome expected from the conference is that investments will enable the country's 10,600 dams to be utilized for irrigation. Existing boreholes under various schemes are being assessed, and those suitable will be equipped for irrigation and livestock programs," he said.
He said finance will be mobilized to accelerate the establishment of the targeted 350,000 hectares for summer irrigation.
"A robust 2024 winter cropping plan covering wheat, barley, sorghum and maize is being prepared for implementation and will be announced soon," he said.
Due to the drought, some 2.7 million people in the country are food insecure and will receive food aid from the government and donors between January and March this year. ■
