Takawira Dapi
HWEDZA farmers have commended President Mnangagwa for introducing the Presidential Pfumvudza/Intwasa Programme, saying the climate-smart farming model will help households remain food secure amid forecasts of an El Niño-induced drought.
The 2026/27 agricultural season programme for the district was launched in Pfende Village last week, with farmers from across the district pledging to adopt conservation farming practices to improve yields and protect their livelihoods.
Mrs Gladis Ndlebe hosted the event at her home, which serves as a Farmer Field School with eight demonstration plots, including infiltration pits.
AFC Commercial Bank manager and farmer Mr Kufa Kufakunesu was the guest of honour.
Mr Kufakunesu said the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme was designed to maximise production from small pieces of land.
“It is about climate proofing; Pfumvudza is quite similar to intensive farming,” he said. “You have a small plot, but it is going to give you a higher output similar to that of a very large plot
“The main objective of the Pfumvudza/Intwasa Programme is simple: to ensure every household produces enough food for itself throughout the year, even with climate change.”
Mr Kufakunesu said every family must have at least three Pfumvudza plots measuring 16m x 39m to produce enough maize, sorghum, and millet to feed itself for a year.
He urged farmers to adhere to agronomic principles and prepare early.
“One wise farmer said if you want to be a prosperous farmer, just be a slave to the rules and regulations of agriculture,” he said.
“Let’s not burn grass because grass is like a diamond. We are using it for mulching. And when you mulch, that mulching is going to end up being manure.”
Hwedza Grain Marketing Board depot manager, Mrs Mupakwe urged farmers to ensure they deliver a portion of their grain and any surplus production to GMB to support the nation’s strategic grain reserves.
“I urge every farmer to donate to the State granary. This will be donated to those in need in future,” she said.
District agricultural business advisory officer, Mrs Tetiwe Mupakwe said Pfumvudza is the answer to climate change as it ensures farmers produce more.
“Our target in Hwedza District is for every household to have at least three Pfumvudza plots of maize plus one plot of small grains – sorghum, pearl millet or finger millet. That is food security at household level,” she said.
“We are here at Mrs Ndlebe’s farm so that every farmer can see that it is possible. If Mrs Ndlebe can do it, every one of us can do it,” she said.
She applauded government’s whole-of-government approach and urged farmers to start pegging, digging holes, and mulching now, instead of waiting for the rains.
Village Lead Farmer, Mrs Lynah Chifamba said she is sustaining her family through Pfumvudza.
“I started cutting and preparing this mulching grass in June. Veld grass is gold; we must use it for mulching rather than burn it,” she said.
