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Precious Manomano Herald Reporter
Harare farmers have started to access farming inputs under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa scheme and the majority in Hopley area have prepared their plots.
The programme was launched yesterday by the Minister of State for Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution Charles Tavengwa in Hopley.
This season 3,5 million households are expected to benefit and distribution of inputs is currently underway in all provinces.
The programme aims to assist vulnerable households in maize, sunflower, small grains and soyabean production and has extended the initiative to urban areas.
Hopley farmers could not hide their joy praising the Second Republic for introducing the scheme that is benefiting the communities saying it will go a long way in alleviating hunger and poverty.
Mr Alex Muperi is grateful to the Government saying he is now diverting the funds which he was supposed to purchase to pay school fees for his children.
“We are grateful because we are now diverting funds to other crucial needs. This will also help to increase food security. This is a positive step which is greatly appreciated. Pfumvudza is the way to go,’’ he said.
Mrs Chipo Madiro thanked the Government for timeous distribution of Pfumvudza inputs adding that this has benefited vulnerable groups who struggled to make ends meet.
“We are happy to receive inputs at a crucial time like this. There is no segregation when selecting beneficiaries. Last year, I got five bags from a small piece of land so this year I will do better than last year. We can sustain our families through this but l recommend more people in urban areas to join this as a way of eradicating poverty,’’ she said.
Mrs Esnath Kanhukamwe said Pfumvudza is the noble initiative which will go a long way in sustaining families.
We are grateful for this support. Getting inputs on time will mean a good harvest ahead of us,” she said.
Government’s commitment need to be appreciated as it symbolises great hope in the next season. This is a commendable effort made by the Government, we are proud that we have a Government which is committed to the welfare of its people,’’ she said.
Pfumvudza, the climate-proofed Presidential Input Scheme, introduced in President Mnangagwa’s Second Republic has been hailed as an inclusive game changer benefiting vulnerable households in communal, A1, small scale commercial farming and old resettlement sectors in producing cereals, oil seeds and legumes. Government has rescued many households.
ZANU PF Harare South constituency Cde Trymore Kanopula’s secretary Luke Biason said the initiative will enhance food self-sufficiency and alleviate poverty.
“This programme will cascade to other wards. Distribution is taking place in wards. Ward 35 has received 30 tonnes of Pfumvudza inputs which includes fertilisers and maize seeds. Ward 12 will also get the same. Residents are now using inputs wisely because they now know the importance of Pfumvudza concept and majority are getting good results,’’ he said.
Government has targeted over one million hectares of crops under Pfumvudza to ensure optimum production and guarantee food security to mitigate effects of climate change.
The statistics also indicate that maize will be under 400 000ha, soyabeans 6 230ha, sunflower 100 000ha, sorghum 250 000ha, Pearl millet 126 577ha and cotton 180 000ha.
Online Reporter