Presidential inputs benefit 350 000 in Midlands

THE distribution of Pfumvudza/Intwasa inputs for 350 000 beneficiaries who prepared at least three plots and are implementing liming and organic matter placement is underway in the Midlands province.

Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Owen Ncube, said this on Monday while addressing communal farmers and Government officials who witnessed the launch of the Shurugwi District 2024/2025 Presidential Pfumvudza and Zunde RaMambo/Isiphala Senkosi inputs distribution at Totonga Primary school under Chief Sogwala, Lower Gweru.

“In the Midlands Province, a total of 350 000 beneficiaries who prepared at least three plots, implement liming and organic matter placement, and collect mulch for at least one plot are set to receive Pfumvudza/Intwasa inputs,” he said.

Minister Ncube noted the start of the new farming season saying some areas have recently received significant rains that enabled them to prepare their fields for early planting. “Today’s launch follows the recent National launch by the President Mnangagwa in Buhera District, Manicaland Province. I have since scheduled inputs distribution launches to cover all districts of the Midlands Province in line with the Second Republic’s philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind,” he said. “We expect a bumper harvest due to the La-Nina weather forecasts associated with normal to above normal rainfall, which supports our desire to reclaim the bread basket status of the region.”

Minister Ncube said the Climate-Proofed Presidential Input Support Scheme targets farmers in communal areas, A1, old resettlement, small-scale commercial and peri-urban areas.

“Production targets are set-based on the number of households and agro-climatic conditions. So, Gweru, Chirumanzu, and Kwekwe form the green belt of the Province, and our expectations are that these districts contribute more to cereal and livestock production under rain-fed agriculture,” he said.

Minister Ncube reminded the gathering of President Mnangagwa’s message emphasizing the need for beneficiaries to prepare Pfumvudza/Intwasa plots under the supervision of the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, and Resettlement.

However, he said the elderly, the sick, child-headed families, and people with disabilities will be considered under a different criterion, as community leaders are urged to ensure all labour-constrained households are assisted by the community.

“As Midlands province, we are ready for the 2024/25 summer season. In this regard, I am glad to advise you that GMB Gweru, Mataga, Zhombe, and Kwekwe depots have received early their full consignment of inputs that include seed, fertilisers, and herbicides,” he said.

“Today, a total of 382 farmers will receive inputs. Each beneficiary drawn from Shurugwi North and South Constituencies will receive 1x 50kg bag of compound, 1x 50kg bag of ammonium nitrate-AN, 1x 5kg bag of maize seed, herbicides, pesticides, grain protectant, vegetable combo.”

Minister Ncube said in recognition of the leadership role played by traditional leaders, chiefs will also receive their packs of inputs to sustain the Zunde Ramambo/Isiphala Senkosi identified as a key component of national food security and self-sufficiency matrix.

“I am glad to advise you that transportation costs for Pfumvudza/Intwasa inputs are fully paid for by Government,” he said.

“I, therefore, urge the lead ministry and transporters to be transparent and accountable. Selling of these inputs is illegal and will not be tolerated. Law enforcement agencies are on the ground and will deal with all those found diverting national resources for other purposes.”