Moffat Mungazi
Samuel Kadungure
News Editor
AFTER grappling with the devastating effects of the fall armyworm, Government is promoting research to develop seed varieties with an inherent resistance to the pernicious pest aimed at enabling farmers to grow crops with reduced susceptibility to infestation and minimise yield losses while ensuring stable food supply.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, revealed this during a Pfumvudza Green Field Day hosted at Mrs Mary Mudiwa’s homestead in Ward Five, Chiendambuya, Makoni North Constituency, last Friday.
Professor Jiri said resistant seed varieties will also reduce reliance on pesticides, reducing the environmental and health risks associated with chemical control methods.
To drive this research forward, collaboration among stakeholders — including Government agencies, research institutions, seed companies, and farmers’ organisations — is essential.
“Zimbabwe can accelerate the development and dissemination of fall armyworm-resistant seed, ultimately bolstering the country’s food security and enhancing the resilience of its agricultural sector. Through concerted efforts, we can turn the tide against this destructive pest and ensure a brighter future for our farmers and citizens,” said Professor Jiri, adding that the recent rains have brought hope for a bountiful harvest, and farmers in Manicaland, particularly in Chipinge, must be vigilant to detect and control the pest early to ensure significant yields.
“The recent rains have brought hope for a bumper harvest this season, and we eagerly anticipate the positive impact of these practices on crop yields. It is important to address the recent outbreaks of the African armyworm reported in Manicaland, particularly in Chipinge and other provinces in the country. Farmers are encouraged to scout their fields and pastures frequently for early detection and control of this pest.
“As an appreciation to His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa on the Pfumvudza Presidential Input Scheme, we encourage all beneficiaries of the programme to deliver at least a bag (50kg) of maize grain to GMB where they will be paid at the prevailing GMB market price. The Pfumvudza Programme exemplifies our perseverance to climate-smart agriculture and the welfare of farming communities,” he said.
Professor Jiri said the objective of Pfumvudza is to ensure food security at the household, village, and community levels, which in turn contributes to national food security.
“Each village requires approximately 33 tonnes of maize annually, and Pfumvudza plays a vital role in meeting this demand. Manicaland, with its diverse agro-ecological zones and hardworking people, stands to benefit significantly from the Pfumvudza programme. The national target area for 2023/2024 maize production was set at 1,8 million hectares and 1,79 million hectares was achieved.
“Through implementation of the devolution agenda, we set provincial targets for each province which contributes to the national target. In this regard, Manicaland targeted 265 000 hectares, and surpassed the planned target, recording 273 031 hectares area planted under cereals. This was a 103 percent increase. In addition, a total of 1 409 149 Pfumvudza plots were prepared, equivalent to 87 931 hectares against a target of 1 356 000 plots,” he said.
He commended Mrs Mudiwa, a student of Chiedza Farmer Field School, for fully embracing and adopting the Pfumvudza concept, improving crop yields, enhancing farm resilience and contributing to national food security.
“The four plots planted by the Mudiwa family serve as a model for food and nutrition security in Manicaland. I have no doubt that these plots will produce enough food for the family and have surplus for sale. You have proved beyond any reasonable doubt that you are a hard worker and an organised farmer who is dedicated to the cause.
“I would like to commend the CFFS for equipping farmers with essential knowledge and skills to optimise their farming practices. This is a flagship programme being rolled out by Government across all the 35 000 villages, one in each village, with a goal to enhancing extension services and revolutionalise agriculture production. The FFS concept is participatory in nature and farmer-centric, and focuses on demand-driven solutions faced by farmers,” he said.
Professor Jiri commended Mrs Mudiwa for adopting organic solutions, specifically Relict P, produced by Genesis Global Fertiliser Solutions, a Russian company.
By diligently adhering to all the principles of Pfumvudza, including potholing, liming, mulching, infiltration pits, tied ridges, and the use of organic solutions, Mrs Mudiwa has managed to achieve impressive yields on her plot.
Her dedication to these principles has not only improved her crop productivity, but also enhanced the overall health of her soil.
“I attribute my success entirely to my adherence to all the Pfumvudza principles. By following the guidelines meticulously, from potholing to the use of organic solutions like Relict P, I have been able to achieve remarkable results. The Pfumvudza concept has truly transformed my farming experience, and I encourage all farmers to embrace these principles for improved productivity and sustainability,” said Mrs Mudiwa
She took the opportunity to express her heartfelt gratitude to Government and the private sector for providing Pfumvudza inputs and extension services right at their doorsteps.
With the support received, Mrs Mudiwa is optimistic about a bountiful harvest, hoping to produce an impressive two tonnes per plot.
Her success story serves as a shining example of the positive impact of the Pfumvudza programme in empowering communal farmers and promoting food security.
Online Reporter