adminLawrence Chitumba Mash Central bureau
A SENIOR Government official has warned Agritex officials involved in the distribution of inputs under the Pfumvudza agricultural model in Mashonaland Central to desist from corruption and ensure the inputs reach their intended beneficiaries.
The Pfumvudza agriculture model, which was launched recently by Vice President Chiwenga in Guruve, is a key strategy under the agricultural recovery plan.
Vice President said Government was targeting 250 000 households in each of the country’s provinces.
Speaking during the Pfumvudza stakeholders meeting held in Bindura last Thursday, Minister of State for Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs Monica Mavhunga said the province cannot afford to miss its Pfumvudza target after failing to meet the winter wheat target of 18 000 hectares.
“As I am speaking, inputs are already being distributed and communication has been received on inputs that are available. Emphasis has been made on the need for Agritex officers to be efficient and transparent. Let me reiterate that I will not hesitate to deal with any corrupt or irresponsible behaviour in the distribution of inputs,” she said.
“It has also been indicated that only farmers that would have completed pfumvudza plots that is holing out and mulch collection will benefit and receive the inputs.
“We are not just looking towards meeting the target, but we want to eradicate hunger. Let us also encourage the growing of small grains under this model so that we attain food security, it is no longer business as usual as we move together as a country towards agriculture recovery.”
She urged extension workers to ensure that farmers get maximum support to ensure that the programme is a success.
Minister Mavhunga called on the participants to sell the concept to as many people as possible and urged those with large pieces of land to loan it to ensure that they meet their target.
Online Reporter