It’s all systems go for the distribution of seed

Elton Manguwo

ALL is in place for the distribution of seed for the 2024/25 season’s Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme to begin in September and ensure farmers do not miss the optimum planting window.

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development permanent secretary Professor Obert Jiri said shipment of Pfumvudza/Intwasa agricultural inputs to Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depots across the country was currently underway nationwide.

“By providing farmers with the right inputs at the right time, we aim to boost agricultural productivity, strengthen household food security and enhance the overall resilience of the country’s food systems,” he said.

This targeted approach is designed to ensure good crop yields and guarantee food distribution that will strengthen household resilience and food security.

The Government has been working to streamline distribution logistics to make sure seed reaches all eligible beneficiaries in time for the planting season.

“Farmers should therefore work diligently to mulch their fields, apply soil amendments and set up the moisture conserving planting potholes, which are the hallmark of this conservation agriculture technique,” said Professor Jiri.

The Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme is an agricultural intensification initiative that promotes the use of climate-smart farming practices and provides input support to smallholder farmers. By aligning seed distribution with the agro-ecological regions, the programme aims to optimise the growing conditions for the crops and maximise the productivity of the farmland.

“A farmer’s productivity levels and yields are directly influenced by the alignment between the farming practices and the specific agro-ecological conditions of the region. To leverage this relationship, our agricultural support initiatives are designed to cater for the unique characteristics of each agro-ecological region,” said Professor Jiri.

This agro-ecological matching helps to unlock the full potential of the farmland and maximise crop yields.

More so, the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme encourages farmers to establish three distinct plots on their land.

“This three-plot system enables farmers to diversify their crop choices to encompass cereals, oilseeds and protein crops. This diversification helps farming households become more resilient in the face of climate variabilities and other agricultural challenges,” added Professor Jiri.

Government’s strategic focus on aligning input distribution with agro-ecological regions demonstrates its commitment to supporting smallholder farmers and enhancing national food security.

The Zimbabwe Farmers Union secretary (ZFU) secretary general Mr Paul Zakariya said the nationwide rollout of the input distribution programme and its synchronisation with the planting season demonstrates Government’s commitment to supporting smallholder farmers and strengthening the country’s food systems.

“This proactive approach is crucial for building food security and enhancing the livelihoods of rural communities, particularly in the face of climate change and other environmental stresses,” he said.