Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
GWANDA farmer Margaret Siziba (76) says embracing the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme has helped her overcome hunger and achieve good yields in recent years, enabling her to provide for her grandchildren who are under her care.
Gogo Siziba, from Nhlamba Village in Ward 14, says her age has not deterred her, as she prepares her plots with the assistance of a farm worker. She revealed that the method has consistently helped her secure successful harvests over the years.
The Pfumvudza/Intwasa model is a holistic approach to farming that shifts away from traditional rain-fed, large-scale ploughing to a more precise, intensive and conservation-based method. It has been widely credited with helping Zimbabwe avert food shortages during recent droughts and is a cornerstone of the country’s national food security strategy.
“I’m busy preparing my plots and applying mulch, with a target of completing four plots. I want to finish preparing before the rains arrive so I’m ready to start planting. I’ve used grass as mulch to improve soil fertility. Farming the Gatshompo (Intwasa) way has really worked for me. I’ve followed this method for several years and it has enabled me to support my grandchildren,” she said.
Gogo Siziba said with forecasts predicting normal to above-normal rainfall this year, she is optimistic about the upcoming farming season and intends to maximise production. She plans to grow traditional grains, maize and African peas.
She added that she has adopted various soil and water conservation techniques, including in-field water harvesting, which have helped retain water within the field and ensure maximum rainfall infiltration, thereby reducing runoff.
“We were advised that as farmers, we must ensure every raindrop is harvested rather than lost to runoff. Even during the dry season, the water table remains high, reducing moisture stress for crops. Applying these water harvesting methods and farming the Intwasa way will help me achieve good yields,” she said.
Matabeleland South Provincial Agriculture Advisory and Rural Development Services Director, Mrs Shupikai Sibanda, said over 200 000 plots have been prepared in the province so far, out of a target of 500 000. She noted that agricultural business advisors are working closely with farmers to accelerate land preparation.
Farmers are being encouraged to prepare five plots — two for cereal, one for oilseed and two for fodder.
“We urge farmers to get ready, as the rains are expected soon. Timely preparation will benefit them. This year’s farming season is expected to be better in terms of rainfall and farmers should take full advantage,” said Mrs Sibanda.
She expressed satisfaction that more farmers are adopting the Pfumvudza/Intwasa model, which is vital for ensuring food security in the province.
Across the country, farmers have intensified preparations for the summer cropping season, supported by the Government amid indications of a favourable rainy season. With predictions of normal to above-normal rainfall, there is a growing sense of readiness among agricultural stakeholders, who are keen to maximise productivity and strengthen national food security.
The Government is set to distribute essential agricultural inputs under the Presidential Input Support Programme to assist farmers in their preparations. The Presidential Input Support Programme, which underpins the Pfumvudza/Intwasa model, is expected to benefit three million households nationwide, with each household encouraged to prepare at least two to three plots.
Last year, farmers prepared 11.9 million plots. Authorities now expect 15 million plots to be prepared this season if the current momentum continues.
