Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare in INSIZA
SMALLHOLDER farmers have prepared over 14 million Pfumvudza/Intwasa plots ahead of the 2025/26 summer cropping season, signalling strong adoption of the conservation agriculture model that has become central to the country’s food security.
Speaking on the sidelines of the national Pfumvudza/Intwasa launch in Insiza district, Matabeleland South province, Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) chief director Mrs Medlinah Magwenzi said the response from farmers has exceeded expectations.
“As I speak right now, we are sitting at 14 million plots, and for your own information, the programme is supporting three million farmers this season,” she said.
“This means that with three plots per farmer, we expected nine million plots, but we are now talking about 14 million, which shows that adoption has gone further.”
The high level of participation, she said, reflected that the Pfumvudza/Intwasa concept had evolved from a simple input-support mechanism into a fully fledged farming system embraced across all provinces.
“Pfumvudza/Intwasa is no longer just a way of getting inputs. It is now a way of farming — a farming system that must be taken up by every farmer in Zimbabwe,” she said.
She said the approach was designed to climate-proof agriculture, ensuring resilience amid changing weather patterns.
“We are climate-proofing because climate changes with us. Using Pfumvudza/Intwasa, we apply mulch to preserve moisture and improve soil fertility since we use the same plot year after year,” she said.
“As a result, our yields will continue growing.”
Mrs Magwenzi further emphasised that the programme promotes agro-ecological zoning, encouraging farmers to grow crops best suited to their regions.
“Here we are in Region Four, where we promote traditional grains such as sorghum, millet and mhunga. Maize can grow, but it often fails to mature fully, so we encourage farmers to maximise productivity using crops suited to their area,” she said.
Mrs Magwezi urged farmers to ensure their plots are ready to qualify for Government input support under the scheme.
“Every farmer is assured of inputs if their plots are ready,” she said.
“If you do not have your plots, you don’t have your inputs. Work closely with agricultural business advisors to follow all the guidelines.”
She also stressed the importance of mulch in the conservation agriculture system, noting that with proper practice, farmers can achieve over one tonne per plot, boosting both household and national food security.
