Pfumvudza surpasses target, sets stage for good harvest

Theseus Shambare

ZIMBABWE is poised for a good harvest in the 2024-25 summer cropping season, with over nine million plots having been prepared for grain production under the climate-proofed Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme.

Under the programme, the Government provides inputs and extension services support to smallholder farmers with the aim of boosting yields and increasing resilience to the negative impacts of climate change.

The Meteorological Services Department has forecast normal to above-normal rains for the season.

In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Agricultural Advisory and Rural Development Services acting chief director Mr Leonard Munamati said: “We are pleased to announce that 9 529 727 plots have been prepared, surpassing our initial target of 9,5 million. A total of 3 045 938 farmers have taken up this initiative, demonstrating a strong commitment to food security.

“More farmers are expected to join the programme as we seek to achieve food security everywhere and every day and leaving no one behind.”

He said the National Enhanced Agricultural Productivity Scheme, a partnership between the Government and commercial banks to fund production, was also progressing well.

“We have contracted over 120 323 hectares of land for maize, soya bean, sunflower and traditional grains, exceeding our initial target of 52 500 hectares,” added Mr Munamati.

“Over 94 000 hectares of land have been contracted for both cropping and livestock production, out of a targeted 95 000 hectares,” he said.

The Agricultural Rural Development Authority has also made substantial progress, contracting over 55 000 hectares for maize and traditional grains, against a target of 150 000 hectares.

“These positive developments signal a promising agricultural season for Zimbabwe, with various stakeholders working together to ensure food security and economic growth,” Mr Munamati said.

Farmers who spoke to The Sunday Mail were optimistic about the 2024-25 season.

“I am almost done with land preparations after having completed digging planting holes for my three plots.  I have also gathered mulch during the dry season in order to reduce effects of moisture loss due to sun exposure,” said Mrs Elizabeth Mpofu, a farmer from Shashe village in Masvingo.