malvernmugadzikwa
Theseus Shambare
SMALLHOLDER FARMERS have collected around 3 860 tonnes of maize seed and about 4 300 tonnes of top-dressing fertiliser from Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depots countrywide for the Pfumvudza/Intwasa conservation agriculture programme, as preparations for the 2024/2025 summer cropping season intensify.
Farmers have also collected over 21 000 tonnes of basal fertilisers and 296 tonnes of sorghum seed ahead of commencement of planting.
The accelerated distribution of inputs reflects the urgency to capitalise on early rainfall and ensure a successful planting season, amid intensified efforts to enhance food security.
So far, farmers have prepared over 9,7 million Pfumvudza/Intwasa plots in preparation for planting, surpassing the Government’s target of 9,5 million plots.
This represents a threefold increase in the number of plots prepared for the conservation agriculture programme since its inception during the 2020/2021 summer cropping season.
Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development acting chief director responsible for the Agricultural Advisory and Rural Development Services (AARDS) directorate Mr Leonard Munamati said planting had commenced.
“Preparations for the 2024/2025 summer season are going on very well,” he said.
“In fact, farmers have started planting since we have now received effective rainfall in most parts of the country.
“Under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, for example, we now have more than 9,7 million plots that have been prepared and these are ready for planting.”
He said efforts were underway to move inputs to ward centres efficiently, with district committees coordinating the logistics to address transportation challenges.
“So, what we have done to expedite the movement of inputs from GMB depots to the wards is to encourage district inputs distribution committees to be innovative and ensure they collect the inputs,” added Mr Munamati.
“Yes, we know that GMB may be a bit overwhelmed in terms of transportation of the inputs to the wards, but most district and ward distribution committees have already made their own plans with the beneficiaries to make sure that they collect inputs at various depots.”
The inputs, he said, should not remain at GMB depots for long.
“We encourage that they be distributed as soon as they arrive. So, what we are encouraging farmers right now is that the rainy season is upon us, the planting season has already begun and we encourage our farmers to plant.
“Please make sure that as soon as you receive about 20 millimetres in three consecutive days, then you know the rains are enough for you to plant,” he said.
Mr Munamati said pre-emergence herbicides and basal fertilisers were recommended to ensure crops established strong roots and competed effectively against weeds.
Additionally, extension officers are encouraging mulching as a key conservation practice to retain soil moisture during anticipated sun breaks.
“We also encourage our farmers to plant with basal dressing fertiliser, because basal dressing fertiliser has got nutrients which help plants develop good root establishment,” he said.
“Good root establishment is very good for uptake of the nutrients. But what is also key is the issue of mulching.”
Mr Munamati said, while the country was set to receive good rains, sun breaks were expected.
“Mulching is a very key principle of the Pfumvudza programme. In addition, we warn farmers to watch out for fall armyworm during the early stages of crop development, so that they don’t lose out,” he said.
Online Reporter