Online Reporter
Patience Maturure, Agriculture Reporter
THE Government has introduced a pilot card system for use by Pfumvudza/Intwasa beneficiaries to access inputs under the Presidential Inputs Scheme, as part of efforts to curb misuse of the State-sponsored farming inputs.
The Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme was designed to assist vulnerable households by supplying them with agricultural inputs to bolster national food security.
Besides the introduction of the pilot card system, strict beneficiary selection and establishment of ward-level distribution committees that include local leaders and stakeholders have also been put in place to ensure the intended beneficiaries get the inputs.
Addressing participants during a launch of the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme in Murewa on Wednesday, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri, said the committees, led by councillors and appointees from chiefs, will oversee the distribution of inputs and beneficiaries would be required to swipe cards linked to a central database.
“The Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme is the President’s initiative. Those who abuse inputs are stealing from the President.
“We strongly warn anyone considering such actions to cease immediately. Our vulnerable community members need support from their President to engage in agriculture as economic participants. Government’s objective is to prevent input abuse while ensuring transparency throughout the distribution process,” he said.
Prof Jiri said the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme had commenced in Murewa, signalling the start of summer cropping preparations.
“This initiative aims to enhance household food security by providing farmers with essential inputs such as seeds, fertilisers and planting materials.
“It is not merely a free input scheme, but a climate response initiative aimed at empowering vulnerable communities.
“This year’s programme targets three million rural beneficiaries, each receiving two kilogrammes of seeds, 25 kilogrammes of basal dressing fertiliser, 25 kilogrammes of top dressing fertiliser and chemicals,” he said.
Prof Jiri said that distribution of the inputs was underway from Grain Marketing Board depots for further delivery to beneficiaries, with some areas already receiving supplies.
“The programme is focused on rural beneficiaries, while those in urban areas will be assisted through alternative means,” he said.
Initiated as part of a climate-proofing agenda, the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme promotes conservation agriculture techniques in response to the impacts of climate change on rainfall and temperatures in the country.
“The programme encourages households to cultivate at least three plots of Pfumvudza — each measuring 39 metres by 16 metres, with 1 256 planting stations — using techniques such as mulching, crop rotation and timely farming practices.
“The goal is to establish permanent plots that can be worked year after year to conserve moisture and improve agricultural productivity,” he said.
The Government is urging farmers without irrigation equipment to adopt the Pfumvudza programme as a proactive response to climate change, promoting sustainable farming practices and food security.
Prof Jiri said that while the rains received this month, referred to as trace rains, were not yet suitable for widespread planting, they could assist in land preparation.
“Farmers in localised areas receiving adequate rainfall of 20mm over three consecutive days can begin preparing their land, but widespread planting is not yet advisable.
“The rains help mitigate the harsh October sun, creating a more favourable environment for agricultural activities,” he said.
