Sikondo farm manager warns budget cuts threaten production targets

SIKONDO, 02 JUN (NAMPA) – Sikondo Green Scheme acting farm manager Maxwell Nghidinwa has warned that sharp budget cuts at the Sikondo Green Scheme are undermining plans to use the full 512 hectares and reach financial sustainability.
Presenting to President Netumbo Nandi‑Ndaitwah during her visit to the Sikondo Green Scheme Irrigation Project on Monday, Nghidinwa said the farm’s engineering budget was reduced from about N.dollars 31 million to N.dollars 6.9 million, a cut of nearly 80 per cent.
He said the 2026 allocation of N.dollars 4.35 million for new tractors and implements is not enough to put the farm on full production.
One MF 7S.210 tractor alone costs about N.dollars 3.37 million excluding VAT, while Sikondo needs at least two new tractors with full implements to operate efficiently.
“The farm needs at least two new tractors plus the right equipment if we are to utilise the entire 512 hectares,” he said. “The budget cut from N.dollars 31 million to N.dollars 6.9 million means the actual need and what was allocated are very far apart.”
Nghidinwa said Sikondo can reach financial sustainability if key investments are restored and protected from political changes.
He said green scheme plans “have repeatedly changed with the alteration of ministers and executive directors” and called for a stable, long‑term plan.
Under a full‑production projection, Sikondo plans to plant 350 hectares of maize, 200 hectares of wheat and 20 hectares of potatoes. At conservative yields and current prices, this could bring in about N.dollars 22.5 million in crop revenue per season.
“Financial sustainability can be achieved if we produce at full capacity for at least two consecutive seasons, secure markets and reduce input costs,” Nghidinwa added.
He asked the Presidency and the ministry to restore the equipment budget to at least N.dollars 12 million so the farm can procure two tractors and implements, and to fast‑track approval for a grid‑tied solar plant to cut annual electricity costs from about N.dollars 5.38 million.
He also called for stable funding for green scheme farms, a clear long‑term strategy that survives leadership changes, and support for diversification into livestock and fruit production to broaden income sources.
(NAMPA)
JLN/PS/AS