Moffat Mungazi
Samuel Kadungure
News Editor
MANICALAND has made significant strides in maize production, surpassing its summer target despite the late onset of the rain season.
The province has planted 270 000 hectares of maize against a set target of 265 000ha, with the Pfumvudza Programme playing a crucial role in the crop’s success.
Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development Minister, Dr John Masuka highlighted the importance of smallholder farmers and commercial joint ventures in achieving food security during his provincial crop assessment tour in Makoni and Buhera districts today.
He emphasized that these partnerships are vital in eradicating hunger and ensuring the country’s food security.
During his visit to Tiny Farm in Nyazura, a joint venture between Mr Fungai Makoni and Mr Joseph Mujati and Mandeya, Minister Masuka commended the farm’s contribution to the province’s maize production. The farm’s success demonstrates the potential for commercial joint ventures to drive agricultural growth and improve food security in the country.
The farm has 280 hectares of maize at late vegetative stage.
Minister Masuka emphasised the importance of smallholder farmers adapting to climate shocks during his tour of Pfumvudza plots in Ward 5 in Buhera.
He stressed that farmers must grow the right crop varieties for their agro-ecological zones, optimise planting dates, and explore techniques like more-crop-per-drop and mulching to conserve water and control weeds and pests.
“Manicaland has made significant strides in maize production, surpassing its summer target of 265,000 hectares and reaching 270,000 hectares. We are pleased with the performance. We are looking at food security at two levels – national and household levels. We visited this joint venture undertaken by the youthful (Mr) Fungai Makoni, which showcases the potential for farming as a business. With 1 550 hectares under various crops, this farm demonstrates how investing in farming can provide incentives for additional investments. Farming can indeed be a business, and this approach is crucial for achieving food security and economic growth,” said Minister Masuka.
Minister Masuka also toured Pfumvudza plots in Ward 5 Buhera, where he said smallholder farmers must adapt to climate shocks by growing the right crop varieties for their agro ecological zones, optimize planting dates, explore techniques like more-crop-per-drop, grow ultra-short season varieties, focus on mulching to conserve water and control weeds and pests.
“This maize crop is good by any standard, and the agronomy team here estimates yields of over 10 tonnes per hectare. If all goes well, the crop will be bountiful, and this is what we want to see more farmers replicate, making farming a viable business. The President’s initiative to provide title deeds to farmers will undoubtedly enhance investment in land and pave the way for a prosperous agricultural future,” he said.
Minister Masuka also noted a significant improvement in livestock condition following the recent wet period.
“Compared to the drought-stricken conditions three months ago, there is a massive improvement. Water availability and pastures have improved, and we have resumed weekly dipping to control tick-borne diseases. Over 2 000 bales of barley were bailed here and distributed free to farmers in communal areas to support cattle, demonstrating this farmer’s commitment to corporate social responsibility,” he added.
