Mozambique: African Development Bank supports irrigation projects in Zambezia province
[ 2008-08-04
]
Maputo, Mozambique, 4 Aug – The African Development Bank is supporting the rehabilitation and construction of ten small irrigation schemes in the Mopeia region of Mozambique’s Zambezia province to re-launch rice and vegetable production over a 674 hectare area, the Noticias newspaper has reported.
The ADB has granted US$ 2 million to fund the irrigation projects, said Natalino Fernando, local director for economic activities, and work on the schemes began in July.
The irrigation projects were delayed due to floods and are being carried out by CETA, responsible for accesses, and Hidroafrica, building water storage facilities and pumping systems.
It is forecast that the irrigated farmland will produce around 2 tons of rice per hectare. Some 360 families will benefit from the venture and private sector firms will develop the irrigated areas to maximize production.
Natalino Fernando said Mozambique’s private sector rarely supports farming projects, viewed as high risk undertakings, despite a range of incentives offered by the authorities.
The Mopeia district has cultivatable land of 200,000 hectares but only 30,000 hectares is currently in arable of cattle-rearing use. (macauhub)
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