Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
MASHONALAND WEST has set a target of 171 000 hectares under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme for the 2026/27 summer cropping season, with farmers preparing for an El Niño-induced dry spell.
The province launched the programme at Muchiedza Primary School in Makonde District on Wednesday, with Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Marian Chombo officiating.
Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) acting provincial director Mrs Evelyn Ndoro said the province had already prepared 102 000 hectares, representing significant progress towards the target.
“We have a target of 171 000 hectares to be put under Pfumvudza, and I am happy to report that at least 102 000 hectares have so far been prepared across the province,” she said.
The launch also saw farmers receive agricultural input packs to support climate-proof farming as the country prepares for the summer season.
Mr Justin Mudinga, whose Pfumvudza plots were used as demonstration plots during the launch, encouraged fellow communal and small-scale farmers to embrace the climate-smart farming approach.
Farmers who spoke to Zimpapers said they were ready for the summer cropping season despite the anticipated El Niño conditions.
Minister Chombo urged farmers to contribute to the country’s strategic grain reserve to strengthen national food security.
“As we prepare for this summer cropping season, which is expected to be affected by El Niño, let’s also remember to contribute to the country’s strategic reserve,” she said.
“Our President has availed free inputs to us, and in return, we should contribute at least 10 kg of maize or traditional grains to the reserve for the nation to be self-sufficient.”
The input packs distributed at the launch included two bags of fertiliser, lime, pesticides, herbicides, maize seed and traditional grain seed.
