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Precious Manomano Herald Reporter
As preparations for the summer cropping season accelerate, over 2,3 million farmers across the country have so far been trained on conservation agriculture popularly known as the Pfumvudza/ Intwasa concept.
The number represents a considerable jump from the 1,5 million trained by the same period last year.
Land preparations for the 2022-23 season are under way in most parts of the country, with the communal sector overwhelmingly embracing Pfumvudza, which is being promoted strongly by the Government to ensure household and national food self-sufficiency.
Many farmers are going through the training and preparing land, and the Government still expects 3,5 million farmers to participate in the scheme.
A lot of the farmers can recycle their plots from the last two seasons, and therefore do not have much work reforming their holes.
All small-scale farmers are entitled to join Pfumvudza, but to show their commitment, they have to undergo the compulsory training and prepare their plots, digging the seed holes and gathering the mulch, before receiving their free inputs under the Presidential Inputs Scheme. The Pfumvudza concept has considerably helped farmers who do not draught power, after losing their cattle to Theileriosis, popularly known as January disease.
Statistics from the Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services show that over 1,3 million women participated in the programme compared to one million men, with Mashonaland Central province leading, followed by Mashonaland East.
Statistics also show that to date, 201 000 hectares have been prepared. In an interview, Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU) economist Ms Nyasha Taderera said the Pfumvudza programme had become a solution for farmers in dry regions, adding it was important for more women to take up the training to sustain their families.
“Women’s participation in this programme is crucial. I appreciate the involvement of women in such programmes. This will lead to economic growth. If we equip women, they can save their families.
“I recommend more women to take up these programmes. Its massive uptake has improved yields and enhanced household food security for the majority of smallholder farmers,” she said.
ZFU secretary-general Mr Paul Zakariya said farmers taking up Pfumvudza were doing the right thing.
“This is the way to go. It (Pfumvudza) is more effective and farmers have guaranteed of good yields. Large-scale farmers can also take up this programme. Water and moisture is also guaranteed,” he said.
A number of farmers say they have finished land preparations especially digging holes and were now waiting for the distribution of inputs so they can plant early to boost harvests.
Ms Marble Maruza of Zvimba said: “I cleared my field and dug holes in preparation for Pfumvudza about two weeks ago and I am now waiting for the supply of inputs so that I can start planting them.”
Another farmer, Mr Taurai Marecha also of Zvimba, said he had cleared his field although he is yet to dig holes.
“Our soils are hard, but we will be digging the holes so that we stand ready to plant as soon as we receive the inputs,” he said.
Climate change threatens to overwhelm the ability of people to cope and adapt, especially if the root causes of poverty and vulnerability are not addressed. The Pfumvudza programme, coupled with good conservation farming techniques and correct agronomic practices, could be the answer to the real threat that comes with climate change.
Online Reporter