(SUNDAY MAIL ZW) New irrigation technology draws attention at agricultural show
Sunday, 01 September 2013 04:35
Emilia Zindi

A new irrigation system that allows farmers to use less labour as well as affordable equipment proved popular at the Harare Agricultural Show. Farmers who thronged the Zeriv Rain Systems stand expressed their interest in the cost-saving initiative.

Theft of irrigation equipment on the farms, especially aluminium pipes, sprinklers and taps, is a serious problem facing farmers.

The aluminium pipes have been commonly used in making aluminium kitchen utensils.

The new technology that uses “spray guns” is so efficient that the guns vary in the radius they cover per minute.

The aluminium pipes have been commonly used in making aluminium kitchen utensils.

Explaining how this system works the company’s chief executive, Mr Lovejoy Gumbochuma, said the 100-metre radius guns can irrigate four hectares per hour compared to the current system where more than 60 pipes and 52 sprinklers are required.

“In 48 hours one would have covered 50 hectares,’’ said Mr Gumbochuma.
He said the new system also required less manpower with only one person needed to move the “gun” from one point to the other unlike the use of pipes where more than three people are required to carry the pipes.

Farmers interviewed yesterday appreciated the new system, saying this would save money as well as reduce electricity bills as more ground would be covered in a short time.