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Fungai Lupande-Mash Central Bureau
Pfumvudza/Intwasa inputs will this year be distributed early and in line with agro-ecological zones to maximise production, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister, Dr Anxious Masuka, has said.
Further, the Government is constructing grain silos for each chief to strengthen the Zunde raMambo programme, which is a safety net for rural communities during drought.
Minister Masuka said due to climate change, conservation farming will boost agriculture productivity by optimising land and water, hence, input distribution would be different from the previous years and not determined by what the farmer wants.
“Inputs distribution will be according to agro-ecological regions. What is grown in different regions will not be determined by what the Government wants but by the requirements of the region,” he said.
“This means that regions with low rainfall patterns will grow drought resistant crops and traditional grains while regions with high rainfall patterns will maximise on maize.”
Dr Masuka said this would ensure Zimbabwe achieves food self-sufficiency.
With inputs expected early, training of farmers on Pfumvudza/Intwasa is expected to start before the end of this month.
A number of farmers, especially in rural areas, have embraced Pfumvudza/Intwasa which has proven to be critical in terms of boosting yields since the farming concept conserves moisture for a long time.
Turning to Zunde raMambo, Dr Masuka said the Government will construct a grain silo at each chief’s homestead this year.
Zimbabwe has around 1 900 Chiefs.
The Zunde raMambo programme will be extended to 35 000 village heads this year.
“Traditionally, Zunde raMambo was for chiefs only but this ensures that the community has somewhere to turn to in times of drought,” he said.
“Each chief will have a grain silo constructed at his homestead this year.”
Dr Masuka said the Government was importing 3 000 tractors which are expected to arrive before the end of August.
Already, 300 tractors are already in the country and will be leased through AFC Holdings.
Dr Masuka said President Mnangagwa was aware that communities lost their cattle to January disease and 600 two wheeled tractors will be available to villages this year.
“Eventually these tractors will cover all the villages. Next month, the President will launch a poultry programme for women while men will have their goat project launched by the end of year.”
Minister Masuka said no village and household would be left behind as Zimbabwe journeys towards Vision 2030 of an empowered upper middle income society.
Online Reporter