shloboe boe
Precious Manomano, Harare Bureau
Timely distribution of agricultural inputs under the Pfumvudza programme has reached more than 2,8 million maize farmers across Zimbabwe, with another 1 231 000 in drier areas receiving sorghum seed, surpassing initial targets and setting the stage for a promising harvest.
With favourable rainfall across the country, the distribution of these critical resources is crucial for ensuring good harvests.
Statistics from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development reveal that 2 833 800 farmers have received maize seed, surpassing the initial target of 1 584 800.
This achievement underscores the resilience of farmers and the effectiveness of the Pfumvudza programme.
In Manicaland, 424 800 beneficiaries received maize seed, exceeding their target of 222 800; Mashonaland Central has 544 600 Pfumvudza maize farmers, and Mashonaland East 511 000, both well above their targets.
The distribution of fertilisers has also been significant, with 2 579 320 farmers receiving basal fertiliser and 1 390 160 receiving top dressing fertiliser, although both figures fall short of the target of 3 205 000.
Farmers prepared an impressive 11 427 531 Pfumvudza plots this year, a marked increase from the 9 817 408 plots prepared last season.
Altogether, farmers across the country have planted 1 613 114ha of maize, achieving 90 percent of the target and another 370 768ha of traditional grains.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said the Pfumvudza programme was key to ensuring food security as well as giving small-scale farmers a source of income as they transition from subsistence to commercial farming.
“We want to ensure that the country is food secure. This programme is very critical as it will not only help us mitigate the risks posed by erratic rainfall patterns, but also empower smallholder farmers, who are essential to the agricultural sector.”
His words highlight the commitment of the Government to not only increase agricultural productivity, but also to enhance the livelihoods of farmers.
In addition to physical preparations, over 2 million farmers have received training in conservation agriculture, which promotes sustainable practices that are vital for enhancing food security.
Farmers are also encouraged to recycle their plots from previous seasons, reducing labour and promoting efficient resource use.
Zimbabwe Farmers’ Union secretary general, Mr Paul Zakariya, said the Pfumvudza programme has had a positive impact on national food security.
“Farmers should take up the programme as it ensures maximum productivity and guarantees food security.”
The success of Pfumvudza has not only improved local food security, but has also caught the attention of other nations, prompting discussions about its replication across Africa.
With favourable rainfall predicted by the Meteorological Services Department and the ongoing roll-out of the input programme, Zimbabwe is on a promising path towards enhancing its food self-sufficiency while supporting the livelihoods of its farmers and communities.
This aligns with the broader goal of fostering resilience against climate change, ensuring that all households have access to sufficient food.
Online Reporter