leeroy mupariri
Herald Reporters
FOLLOWING the launch of the Presidential Pfumvudza/Intwasa small-scale farming scheme by President Mnangagwa in Buhera last week, the distribution of inputs has started in some provinces with farmers collecting the inputs at their nearest Grain Marketing Board depots, while the Meteorological Services Department has forecast heavy rains next week.
Farmers have high expectations of a good season following predictions of normal to above normal rainfall, at least after a hesitant start, and Government has set a conducive environment for a successful season through early distribution of inputs to farmers.
Following the El Nino-induced drought which ravaged most places in the country, farmers have a chance to grow more for ordinary needs and to rebuild reserves run down during the drought. Pfumvudza inputs vary according to agro-ecological zones to ensure optimised production.
Land preparation is in full throttle with farmers so far having prepared about 70 percent of the targeted Pfumvudza plots which are ready for planting.
Mashonaland West Ardas provincial director Mrs Evelyn Ndoro said 1 049 032 plots, covering 65 459,6ha hectares had been prepared in the province by Thursday last week.
Ardas Mashonaland West director Mrs Medlinah Magwenzi said the province had a target of 360 000 hectares to be put under maize.
“We have commenced the distribution of seeds and fertiliser under Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme across the province. This is to make sure that we meet and or surpass our target as the region is expecting normal to above normal rains this summer,” she said.
Inputs are distributed according to ecological regions with those in Kariba and Sanyati, the province’s hottest areas that also receive minimum rainfall, receiving traditional grains.
The Chegutu district distribution launch was scheduled for yesterday at Railway 28 Farm in Warf 14 with Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Marian Chombo expected to officiate.
This year’s overall production volumes of the major crops are expected to increase to over 4 million tonnes.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Obert Jiri said movement of inputs has improved with 33 percent of targeted seed, 27 percent of top dressing fertilisers and 45 percent of the targeted basal dressing fertiliser having been delivered to GMB depots to ensure that farmers access them on time before the rainy season starts.
“Inputs distribution is in full swing. We are geared for the summer season. Inputs distribution has started to pave the way for a successful summer cropping season. All provinces and districts push inputs distribution in their areas. We look forward to a successful season,” he said.
Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Owen Ncube said all farmers could approach their nearest GMB depots to access the inputs. This year the scheme will support over 350 000 households in the Midlands in the province.
In Matabeleland South, authorities are targeting at least 200 000 farmers.
Provincial agricultural extension officer Mr Mkhunjulelwa Ndlovu said each of the beneficiaries would receive sorghum seed, oils, pearl millet, compound, and ammonium nitrate top dressing fertilisers.
Mashonaland Central launched the provincial Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme in Guruve on Saturday, following the national launch by President Mnangagwa last week.
Mashonaland Central provincial Agritex director Mrs Phillipa Rwambiwa said the Pfumvudza/Intwasa launch is being extended to all districts until the end of this month.
She said the province seeks to establish 1.6 million Pfumvudza/Intwasa plots, adding that 80 percent of the target had been achieved.
Some farmers with irrigation facilities and inputs had already started dry planting.
Mrs Rwambiwa noted an overwhelming response to the programme this year, particularly as the province emerges from an El Nino-induced drought.
Additionally, chiefs and village heads are being prioritised to sustain their Zunde raMambo programme.
This season, Government is targeting 9,5 million plots to combat drought and ensure enhanced food security through increased production and empowerment of small holder farmers.
About 3,5 million households will benefit from the scheme this year.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East, Aplonia Munzverengwi, on Tuesday launched the 2024/ 2025 season of the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme in Goromonzi district.
Minister Munzverengwi was represented by director Finance, Administration and Human Resources for Mashonaland East, Mr Douglas Dzukwa.
The launch was held at Mr Brighton Chibamu’s homestead in Ward 16 and was attended by senior Government officials as well as farmers from the province.
She called on farmers to put more effort in the fields to ensure food security, since the nation is emerging from an El Nino-induced drought.
“The strategy is anchored on the Agriculture, Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy. The Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme has been adopted by our Government since the 2020/2021 season as a measure to ensure household food security while adopting smart interventions in the face of climate change,” she said.
“These climate change impacts are characterised by poor rainfall seasons, prolonged mid-season dry spells, very high temperatures during the growing period and early cessation of rains.
“The Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme has proven to be a contributor to household food security. Its replication across Africa is very impressive.”
Minister Munzverengwi said the lesson learnt from the 2023/2024 season’s drought is the need for further consolidation of climate-proofing of local agriculture, both at household and national level.
Said the Minister: “I am pleased to note that all the agricultural extension workers and extension supervisors across the province have been trained on the Pfumvudza concept. The inclusion of our traditional leaders in agricultural production is of paramount importance.”
