Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo
FARMERS from all communities have to benefit from agricultural inputs that are being distributed under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa scheme, President Mnangagwa has said, as he issued a stern warning against Agricultural, Technical and Extension Services (Agritex) officers who are withholding inputs from targeted beneficiaries.
In his address at the ZANU PF National Consultative Assembly meeting held at the ruling party’s headquarters in Harare on Friday, the President directed the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development to ensure that the officers remain impartial in the distribution of inputs.
“We heard that there were Agritex officers who are withholding inputs from people. The Ministry of Agriculture should fix this. Inputs should be distributed to the generality of the people of Zimbabwe. I reiterate that all inputs must reach our farmers and benefit all our communities,” President Mnangagwa said.
The distribution of maize seed, fertiliser, herbicides and pesticides under the climate-proofed Presidential inputs scheme is already in full swing.
The President rallied the ruling party’s membership and leadership, farmer organisations, Government ministries and departments to strengthen their cooperation and work in unity towards a successful summer cropping season.
“Investments in dam construction, irrigation development, as well as the establishment of green belts, through the expansion of land under irrigation, among other agriculture initiatives, remain ongoing,” he said.
As of last month, smallholder farmers had already prepared over 14 million Pfumvudza/Intwasa plots for the 2025/2026 summer cropping season, showing strong adoption of the conservation agriculture model that has become central to Zimbabwe’s food security.
Smallholder farmers, who contribute up to 70 percent of the country’s food production, have been the primary focus of Government support over the past five years through the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme.
This initiative has evolved from a drought-relief input scheme into a comprehensive farming method.
The roll-out of inputs will this year prioritises agro-ecological zoning, ensuring that crop varieties are matched to regional climatic conditions.
Maize will dominate in the wetter Regions 1 and 2, while sorghum and millet will be promoted in the drier Regions 4 and 5, as well as parts of Region 3, to strengthen drought resilience.
The Meteorological Services Department has since predicted normal to above-normal rainfall in the south and normal to below-normal rains in the north.
President Mnangagwa said the success, modernisation and industrialisation of the country, including the realisation of Vision 2030, lay in the full utilisation of the land and water resources.
“So far, our collective efforts are yielding fruit, with the agriculture sector realising record-breaking harvests in strategic crops such as maize, wheat and tobacco,” added the President.
“We must carry on being able to feed ourselves, at both household and national levels, as well as providing the necessary raw materials to our growing industrial sector.
“Those in the rural areas should aim for bountiful harvest and work towards national food security.”
President Mnangagwa said measures being implemented by the Government to strengthen discipline in the economy and promote a stable currency continue to bear fruit.
“Let us, however, remain vigilant against those who may attempt to undermine our country’s progress, economy and national image,” said the President.
He also urged Zimbabweans to be wary of sideshows, misinformation and falsehoods peddled by detractors bent on derailing the country’s pursuit of an empowered, modern and prosperous country by 2030.
Going into the New Year, the ruling party’s First Secretary added, it was important for the ZANU PF membership to promote the politics of economic development.
“We, the party’s membership, should never let our guard down, but remain alert, vigilant and focused on organising and mobilising more people to join our colossal, revolutionary mass party, ZANU PF,” he said.
“Let us be wary of sideshows, misinformation and falsehoods peddled by detractors, bent on distracting our party from our core objective of realising Vision 2030. We are united and we will forever remain united.
“Going into the year ahead, it is critically important that we promote the politics of economic development, especially among our youth, as we build, modernise and industrialise our country. We do not want lazy cadres and those who abuse drugs and substances.”
ZANU PF’s party constitution and ideology, coupled with discipline, patriotism and loyalty, said the President, remained paramount.
“In our mobilisation activities, these values should never be sacrificed on the altar of expediency.
“Those who join ZANU PF must accept who we are, our constitution, ideology, values, aims and objectives.
“Equally, every member has duties and responsibilities, clearly stipulated in our constitution, which must be adhered to at all times.
“We are a procedural party, with a rich liberation history and strong organisational structures, upon which we are obligated to build the party.
“That solid foundation must not be tampered with,” he said.
The President also said comprehensive feedback from communities was critical in ensuring that no one and no place is left behind.
