Chronicle Editor
Michael Magoronga, [email protected]
MIDLANDS Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Owen Ncube has issued a stern warning to anyone tempted to sell or misuse Pfumvudza/Intwasa inputs, stating that those caught will face the full force of the law.
Minister Ncube made the remarks while officially handing over Pfumvudza/Intwasa and Zunde raMambo/Isiphala seNkosi inputs to chiefs, headmen, village heads, and farmers in Silobela on Tuesday.
All seven chiefs from Kwekwe district, along with their headmen, village heads, and approximately 400 farmers, received fertilisers, maize, sunflower, vegetable and sorghum seeds courtesy of the Second Republic, in preparation for the upcoming 2024/25 summer cropping season.
Kwekwe district aims to plant around 4 800 hectares, with predictions of normal to above-normal rainfall for the forthcoming farming season. Minister Ncube emphasised that those found misusing the inputs would be dealt with severely.
“I wish to warn those tempted to sell Pfumvudza inputs that it is illegal and will not be tolerated. Law enforcement agencies are on the ground and will deal with all those found diverting national resources for other purposes. These inputs are given for free and no cost is attached to receiving them. Where transport challenges arise, we have mobilised support from Government departments and the private sector to assist,” said Minister Ncube.
He acknowledged the leadership role played by traditional leaders in championing rural development, noting that Zunde raMambo/Isiphala seNkosi has been identified as a key component of the food security and self-sufficiency matrix.
Minister Ncube stated that a criterion would be used to benefit the elderly, the sick, child-headed families, and people living with disabilities, urging community leaders to ensure all labour-constrained households are assisted by the community.
He praised the Second Republic for its people-centric gesture of releasing the inputs timeously, saying this goes a long way in the quest to reclaim the country’s breadbasket status.
“Pfumvudza farming techniques have proven to be drought-resilient, ensuring that practising farmers achieve better harvests compared to other methods.
“Reclaiming our food basket status in the region is achievable, and we commend the new dispensation for releasing Pfumvudza inputs ahead of the rain season predicted to receive normal to above-normal rains,” he said.
The Midlands Province will see a total of 350 000 farmers who prepare at least three plots, implement liming and organic matter placement, and collect mulch for at least one plot.
The Presidential Input Support Scheme targets farmers in communal A1, 1D resettlement, small-scale commercial, and peri-urban areas.
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