Online Reporter
Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
FARMERS participating in the Presidential Input Support Programme (PIP) are actively contributing to Zimbabwe’s Strategic Grain Reserves (SGR), with significant quantities of maize and traditional grains being delivered to Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depots.
As the Government ramps up efforts to bolster agricultural productivity, the ongoing collection and distribution of grains highlight a commitment to food security and support for local farmers.
Currently, 3 373,8 tonnes of maize and 203,91 tonnes of traditional grains have been successfully delivered to GMB depots.
However, collection points still hold 1 182,75 tonnes of maize grain and 121,9 tonnes of traditional grains, indicating that farmers are continuing to engage in the SGR initiative.
Each beneficiary household under the PIP is expected to contribute 10 kg of grain, reinforcing the collective effort to enhance food reserves.
In addition to grain deliveries, the Government has provided substantial agricultural inputs this season, including 227 tonnes of maize seed, 33 tonnes of sorghum seed, 843 tonnes of compound D fertiliser, and 9,824 tonnes of top-dressing fertiliser.
These resources are crucial as farmers prepare for the summer season. The Pfumvudza/Intwasa farming programme has seen over five million plots prepared, representing 50percent of the Government’s target for the season.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development permanent secretary Professor Obert Jiri, emphasised the importance of community involvement in these preparations.
“We are deep in preparations for summer. Farmers have expedited the preparation of Pfumvudza plots, which is critical,” he said.
“So far, we have five million plots countrywide. As we continue with our climate proofing at the household level, we must see every household doing two or three plots, which will give us 15 million plots.”
The Government’s support extends to three million beneficiaries nationwide, providing input packages that include seeds, basal dressing fertilisers, and technical agronomic practices. The movement of Pfumvudza inputs to farmers has already begun, with distribution facilitated through various GMB depots across the country.
The Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, initiated by President Mnangagwa’s Second Republic, aims to tackle low productivity and improve the livelihoods of farmers across communal, A1, small-scale commercial, and old resettlement sectors.
This initiative not only supports food production but also empowers farmers to achieve higher yields and cultivate appropriate crops.
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers union president Dr Shadreck Makombe welcomed the early distribution of inputs.
“Pfumvudza results are improving every year, so earlier distribution will give farmers more confidence in farming,” he said.
“We are expecting another bumper harvest in this coming season because Pfumvudza has never disappointed since it was introduced.”
Zimbabwe Indigenous Women Farmers Association Trust president, Mrs Depinah Nkomo, expressed optimism about the programme’s impact on yields and income.
“The Pfumvudza programme would ensure another bumper harvest. This will increase yields and incomes, which means we will increase the national hectarage and consequently boost productivity,” she said.
As land preparations continue, the communal sector is responding enthusiastically to conservation farming techniques.
With nearly three million farmers trained in these practices, the Government aims to support each household with three Pfumvudza plots, tailored to specific agro-ecological regions.
The Zunde RaMambo scheme will further enhance community engagement by supporting plots for chiefs, headmen, and village heads, targeting a total of 300 chiefs, 500 headmen, and 36 000 village heads across 9 587 hectares of maize and 5 478 hectares of sorghum.
The participation of farmers in delivering grains to the Strategic Grain Reserve, combined with the Government’s comprehensive support initiatives, signifies a robust commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security in Zimbabwe.
