Chronicle Editor
Judith Phiri, Farming Reporter
A COMMUNAL farmer in Insiza District, Mr Patrick Ndlovu (77) is anticipating a bumper harvest this season on his five-hectare plot following the successful planting of his crops grown under the Government’s Intwasa/Pfumvudza programme.
Government introduced the Intwasa/Pfumvudza programme in March last year with the aim of maximising productivity per unit area, even during drought periods, to ensure household and national food and nutritional security. In an interview last week, Mr Ndlovu, of Shamba Village, Ward 19 has been one of the best farmers in the area for more than 50 years, having settled in the area in the 1970s.
He noted that good harvests have always been something he is well-known for in the area and with the Government programme, he was looking forward to a much better bumper harvest which will generate more income for him and his family.
“This programme has made me realise my dream of becoming a successful commercial farmer here in Insiza, over the years I have been managing to grow crops which when I sold, I managed to feed my family but this time around from my five hectares of land, I am likely to get over 30 tonnes of maize. Usually, in a year, we consume about 10 tonnes which means for the surplus I will sell to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB),” he said.
Mr Ndlovu who stays with his wife and five grandchildren who attend primary and secondary schools while his nine children are working, added that he was anticipating a bumper harvest of other produce such as groundnuts, sorghum and sunflower. He said his secret success in farming all the years had been utilising and taking advantage of the early rains and not being lazy in the fields.
“I take advantage of all rains, even though others would be saying it’s not yet time to plant I tell them that the rains are a sign from God that it is time for us to take action in our farms. That’s what makes me triumph over others here and this has been my method since the 1970s when I settled here. Even when there are field days in Insiza they come to look at my farm because I am a well-versed farmer.”
He also said that he does not laze around when it comes to farming and he always gives it full attention. Mr Ndlovu said when the rains start, he goes into the fields with draught power, draw the lines and put fertiliser after mixing it with cow dung. Mr Ndlovu said most of the farmers in the area rarely get as much as he does because the area was more prone to drought.
“My secret weapon is hard work, I also never lose sight of the Agritex extension officers and I make sure I follow every guideline they give me. For every little thing that might be a challenge to me, I ask for their help.”
Last year he was awarded a maize grinding mill and over the years he has also received various tools such as hoes, wheelbarrows, garden rack and shovels among others. Intwasa involves the utilisation of small pieces of land and applying the correct agronomic practices for higher returns. The concept promotes climate-proofing agriculture by adopting conservation farming techniques.
The approach can be used in marginal areas and still give high yields. According to agriculture experts, Intwasa ensures food self-sufficiency. An average family of four to six requires a bucket of maize every week and with Intwasa they can produce food to last them a whole year on a small piece of land.
Online Reporter