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Debra Matabvu and Sharon Masocha
THE Government has mobilised more than 5 000 tonnes of agricultural inputs, including seed and fertiliser, set to be distributed to farmers under the climate-proofed Presidential Inputs Scheme in preparation for the 2024/2025 summer cropping season.
The inputs have since been delivered to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depots countrywide, with distribution expected to begin soon.
The development follows weather forecasts predicting a La Niña-affected summer season, which is normally associated with normal to above-normal rainfall.
As part of the preparations, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development is currently conducting refresher training courses for agricultural extension officers who will be deployed to assist farmers during the season.
A total of 882 extension officers have already received training aimed at equipping them to effectively support farmers in their respective wards. An additional 822 officers from three provinces were also receiving training.
The Government has set an ambitious target of increasing cereal production by 340 percent through the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, which is expected to support 3,5 million households. A minimum of 400 000 hectares (ha) are targeted for the programme, with 12 427 plots having already been prepared a fortnight ago.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Professor Obert Jiri (pictured) said the authorities were going all out to ensure a successful season.
“We have already started distributing Pfumvudza/Intwasa inputs to holding centres, mainly GMB depots, aiming for timely planting this coming summer season,” he said.
“We are targeting that by the time the rainy season begins, we will be ready, with all inputs in place. About 5 000 tonnes of fertiliser and seed have been distributed to depots across the country, while lime is already at GMB depots and farmers can pick this up.”
According to the 2024/2025 summer crop plan approved by Cabinet recently, cereal production is expected to surpass the national requirements for food and feed by at least 10 percent.
“The ultimate plan is to produce at least 1,089 million tonnes of the summer and winter cereals by 2026 from the 800 000 tonnes expected from the 2024/2025 winter and summer production, being 300 000 tonnes of wheat and 708 900 tonnes of maize and traditional grains.”
According to the recent Agriculture and Rural Development Advisory Services report, more than 12 000 plots have already been prepared under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme.
“Preparations for the Pfumvudza/Intwasa plots have started in all provinces. The national target is to do a minimum of 400 000ha.
“To date, 12 427 plots have been prepared, equivalent to 838ha, while refresher training of Agritex officers is in progress at Foundations of Farming, with 882 having been trained.
“These, in turn, train the farmers in their wards,” reads part of the report.
In Mashonaland East province, 4 011 plots covering 250,29ha have been prepared; while in Midlands province, 2 030 plots have been prepared, accounting for about 126,88ha.
Farmers in Mashonaland West have prepared 452 plots, covering about 28ha; while their counterparts in Matabeleland North have prepared 201, which cover 12ha.
In Masvingo province, 76 plots covering 4,74ha have been prepared; while 51 plots have been prepared in Mashonaland Central.
Online Reporter