Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]
THE Pfumvudza/Intwasa Programme is yielding promising results in the Midlands Province, boosting farmers’ hopes for a bountiful harvest despite the challenges posed by climate change.
The innovative concept, introduced by the Government to climate-proof agriculture, has sparked enthusiasm among local farmers, who are now optimistic about delivering their produce to the Grain Marketing Board.
This emerged during a field day event at Nichrut Farm, owned by businessman Mr Nicholas Gara, in the mining town of Shurugwi over the weekend. The field day also provided an opportunity to showcase how viable farming can create employment.
Mr Gara owns a farm at William Resettlement, 25 kilometres west of Shurugwi. He is also the proprietor of Nichrut Lodge and various mines in Shurugwi.
The 38-hectare farm produces crops such as rapoko, beans, groundnuts, maize, and sunflowers. It also creates a considerable amount of employment for the local community.
Mr Gara expects to harvest around 45 tonnes of maize this year and attributes the success to the Pfumvudza/Intwasa farming method.
In an interview, he said he was a shining example of the successful implementation of the Pfumvudza/Intwasa concept following the Government’s calls for climate-smart agriculture.
“I have followed all the Government’s calls for climate-smart agriculture, and Pfumvudza/Intwasa is what has helped me achieve what you see here. I am, however, seeing value in farming, and I intend to expand the hectares under cultivation this year,” he said.
Mr Gara also stated that he aims to transform his farm into a thriving farming empire by making farming a business.
“There is increased enthusiasm among farmers who are optimistic about a good harvest under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa concept introduced by the Government to climate-proof the agricultural sector.
“We cannot be people who are always begging; we should also be able to supply to other countries. We thank the Government for the support, and we are ready to transform our agricultural sector,” he added.
Midlands Provincial Director of Agricultural Rural Development and Advisory Services, Ms Busiso Mavankeni, urged farmers to prioritise increasing crop production.
“As a country, we need to produce enough to meet the nation’s needs, so that next time we can produce a surplus for export. This is why the Government introduced many programmes like Pfumvudza and Command Agriculture.
“We also need women to take leading roles in feeding the nation,” she said.
