Zimbabwe News Update
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6 min read
Precious Manomano-Herald ReporterTHE Pfumvudza/Intwasa farming programme has made progress, with over 8 million plots prepared, achieving 75 percent of the Government’s target for the season.The initiative, introduced by the Second Republic to tackle low productivity, is poised to transform the lives of many farmers countrywide.Government is optimistic that if each farmer cultivates two to three plots, they can reach a total of 15 million plots this season.Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development permanent secretary Professor Obert Jiri, highlighted that preparations for the summer farming season were well underway.“We are deep in preparations for summer.
Farmers have expedited the preparation of Pfumvudza plots, which is critical.”Currently, 8 million plots have been set up nationwide, and with the recent rains, land preparations have accelerated significantly.Government is providing support to 3 million beneficiaries, offering input packages that include seeds, basal dressing fertiliser, top dressing fertiliser and technical agronomic practices.The distribution of Pfumvudza inputs has already commenced, with supplies being delivered to various Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depots throughout the country.Additionally, contracting of farmers under various schemes, such as the National Enhanced Agricultural Productivity (NEAPS), is actively taking place.Funding for this season’s farming efforts is a collaborative venture, with contributions from both the Government and the private sector, alongside support from development partners.Looking ahead, the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme is set to extend to 3 million households for the 2025/2026 summer cropping season, ensuring that farmers can sustain their livelihoods while producing adequate food for the nation.The Government plans to distribute agricultural inputs tailored to specific agro-ecological regions to optimise production and enhance food security.The Pfumvudza initiative is recognised as a conservation agriculture programme aimed at improving yields, particularly for communal and smallholder farmers who have no access to irrigation.Farmer organisations have welcomed the early distribution of inputs, saying it will lead to enhanced productivity.Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union,president Dr Shadreck Makombe said Pfumvudza has yielded good results.“Pfumvudza results are improving every year.
We are expecting another bumper harvest this coming season,”he said.Zimbabwe Indigenous Women Farmers Association Trust president Mrs Depinah Nkomo emphasised that the programme significantly increases yields and incomes, ultimately reducing the need for grain imports.Statistics show that nearly 3 million farmers nationwide have received training in conservation agriculture.
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