Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba
Zimpapers Writer
GOVERNMENT has accelerated the distribution of Pfumvudza/Intwasa inputs to boost yields and ensure the attainment of food and nutrition security.
The inputs are being distributed under the Presidential Input Support Scheme where farmers receive seed and fertilisers, which will enable them to take advantage of the early rains to start planting.
Most parts of the country have received rains, marking the start of the summer cropping season amid projections of normal to above normal rains.
Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Owen Ncube, who launched the Midlands Provincial Pfumvudza/Intwasa Presidential Input Programme at Mr Max Dumiso Siwela’s homestead in Sayijeni Village, Ward 23, Silobela, on Tuesday, said the exercise was being expedited to ensure all farmers were covered.
He said increasing yields was critical in transforming the livelihoods of farming communities.
“Today’s event follows the recent national launch by President Mnangagwa, on November 7 at Kombo Village in Insiza District, Matabeleland South, demonstrating the New Dispensation’s bold and inclusive, people-centric strategy towards household food self-sufficiency and security, and the desire to reclaim the country’s breadbasket status as the nation gathers momentum towards realisation of the now evidently achievable prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society by 2030,” he said.
Despite negative effects of the illegal economic sanctions and climate change, characterised by persistent droughts, prolonged mid-season dry spells, very high temperatures, and early cessation of rains, Minister Ncube said Zimbabwe is now one of only two countries in Africa that attained wheat self-sufficiency.
This is underpinned by robust agriculture policy and institutional support systems that include adoption of the climate-smart Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, mechanisation, irrigation development, Presidential input support, and re-configuration of the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development and its agencies.
Midlands is currently experiencing a wet spell that has enabled farmers to prepare their fields for early planting.
“I, therefore, implore expeditious distribution of inputs by all those tasked with the responsibility. The inputs distribution committees are strongly advised to adhere to President Mnangagwa’s directive on fair and equitable distribution by ensuring all non-labour-constrained beneficiaries prepare their plots, and assist vulnerable households that include the elderly, the sick, child-headed families, and people with disabilities, to ensure distribution is fair and equitable,” he said.
Minister Ncube said abuse of inputs will not be tolerated. Those caught diverting inputs for other purposes will face the law without fear or favour.
He said agricultural extension workers and agricultural supervisors across the province must advise farmers to accelerate potholing of their Pfumvudza/Intwasa plots and gathering the needed mulch.
Farmers have also been urged to diversify crop and livestock mixes, stagger plantings, and grow small grains, which are drought-tolerant.
“Farmers must also identify early-maturing varieties of food crops that can speed recovery and reduce hunger following a crop failure, and enhance nutrition for households,” he said.
The Presidential inputs are not paid for and anyone caught soliciting payments must be reported to law-enforcement agencies and corrective action will be taken, he said.
