Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Matabeleland South Bureau
THE distribution of farming inputs in Matabeleland South Province under the climate-proofed Presidential Inputs Scheme, Pfumvudza/Intwasa, is in full swing, raising hopes among farmers for a successful 2025/2026 cropping season.
During a recent inputs distribution event at Guyu Business Centre in Gwanda District, farmers said timely delivery of inputs would enable them to plant early and take full advantage of the first rains.
Zimbabwe has set an ambitious target of planting 1,8 million hectares of maize in the forthcoming summer cropping season as part of efforts to boost national food security.
To ensure farmers are adequately prepared, the Government is distributing maize seed, fertiliser, herbicides and pesticides under the Presidential Inputs Scheme.
More than three million rural households are expected to benefit, with the programme aimed at boosting food security and strengthening resilience in the face of climate change. Authorities have also assured farmers that the country has adequate stocks of seed and fertiliser, while farmers are already busy with land preparation.
Ms Portia Ncube of Sengezane Village said she was grateful to receive her inputs early.
“We are delighted that we have received inputs on time and I’m going to plant since we have started receiving rain. These inputs from the Government bring us great relief as villagers. Unlike in the past, we used to receive inputs late but lately they have been arriving on time,” she said.
Another farmer, Ms Patricia Nalishua, said she was optimistic about a good harvest after the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) forecast of normal to above-normal rainfall for the southern parts of the country.
“Receiving inputs on time is a major boost. We are grateful for the Government’s continued support, and the guidance we get from extension officers is very important for our production,” she said.
Mr Rhodes Nyathi said farmers were still recovering from the effects of the El Niño-induced drought but were hopeful of a turnaround.
“This year, we expect a decent harvest. Farming is our source of food and livelihood and the timely inputs from the Government give us confidence,” he said.
Sengezane village head, Mr Dumisani Moyo, said many farmers had embraced the Pfumvudza/Intwasa conservation farming model to guarantee household food security.
He commended the Government for ensuring that rural communities are not left behind under the Presidential Inputs Scheme.
Input distribution is being coordinated at the ward level by committees chaired by councillors and supported by chiefs and agricultural extension officers. Priority is being given to farmers who delivered at least 10kg of grain to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) last season, in line with Government policy to reward producers who contribute to national grain reserves.
This year’s roll-out will prioritise agro-ecological zoning, ensuring that crop varieties are matched to regional climatic conditions. Maize will dominate in the wetter Regions 1 and 2, while sorghum and millet will be promoted in the drier Regions 4 and 5, as well as parts of Region 3, to enhance drought resilience.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, recently said the Presidential Inputs Scheme is being complemented by several financing initiatives to support farmers throughout the season.
The overall outlook remains favourable, with the MSD forecasting normal to above-normal rainfall for the south and normal to below-normal rainfall in the north. —@DubeMatutu
