Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Chronicle Reporter
CHIEFS in Matabeleland South Province have hailed the Intwasa/Pfumvudza farming model for assisting their communities to enhance food security at household level after consecutive years of poor harvest due to low rainfalls.
The Government adopted Intwasa/Pfumvudza to address low farm production linked to climate change induced drought conditions.
The concept promotes climate-proofing agriculture by adopting conservation farming techniques that involves the utilisation of small pieces of land and application of the correct agronomic practices for higher returns.
In an interview Chief Sangulube from Mangwe District said the Intwasa/Pfumvudza programme was ideal for communities that receive low rains. He commended Agritex for training farmers, which made the programme a success.
“People have responded well to Intwasa. By September people in my area had started preparing their land,” he said.
“The villagers were working in groups and they were assisting one another in digging the holes. This has helped them to cover much ground within a short space of time.
“In addition, the farmers got their inputs on time and as I speak most of the people in my area have finished planting.
“The Intwasa programme has gone a long way in ensuring food security within households.”
Chief Bidi from Matobo District said most farmers were able to prepare their land on time with the assistance of Agritex officers. He, however, said the price of seed has been a hindrance.
“Intwasa is a good programme indeed because it guarantees people harvest even when rains are low,” he said.
“People are getting inputs for free, which means everyone can manage to work their fields. The price of seed has been a major challenge for many.”
Chief Tshitaudze from Beitbridge said in his area most of the people had received inputs and were busy planting. He said last year they were able to record high yields because of the Intwasa/Pfumvudza programme.
“Beitbridge is very hot and for many years people have been recording poor yields but the Intwasa/Pfumvudza programme has brought hope to many,” he said.
“People have accepted the programme and they are working with so much vigour and zeal as they can see that the programme has benefits.”
The chief however said the elderly needed assistance, adding that some people in his area were yet to get inputs.
Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Abedinico Ncube launched the provincial Intwasa/Pfumvudza climate-proofed Presidential Input Scheme at Ntshamathe Village in Umzingwane recently where 131 farmers received inputs.
Beneficiaries received a package comprising 50kg Ammonium Nitrate and compound D fertilisers, 10kgs maize seed, 2kgs sunflower, vegetables seeds, 2,5kgs fodder seed and 5kgs cowpeas.
Last week, Cabinet revealed that subscription for the Intwasa/ Pfumvudza programme has been overwhelming, with 2,4 million households countrywide already rolling out the programme compared to the 1,5 million which were on the programme last year.
This year Government has set the target of 2,8 million hectares of maize and traditional grains .
The Government is targeting 540 000 households to put 103 630 hectares under sorghum to produce 487 296 tonnes.
For soya beans, Government is targeting 560 000 households to plant 20 000 hectares and produce 30 000 tonnes while 500 000 households are expected to plant 32 000 hectares of groundnuts and produce 32 000 tonnes. About 260 000 households are expected to put 49 9920 hectares under pearl millet and produce 124 800 tonnes. — @DubeMatutu
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