Moffat Mungazi
Samuel Kadungure in CHIENDAMBUYA
THE recent rains have brought hope for a bountiful harvest, and farmers in Manicaland, particularly in Chipinge, must be vigilant to detect and control the fall armyworm pest early to ensure significant yields.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, made these remarks this afternoon during a Pfumvudza Field Day hosted at Mrs Mary Mudiwa’s homestead in Ward 5, Chiendambuya, Makoni North Constituency, showcasing the success of the concept in promoting crop yields and food security at household level.
The field day was a conformation that the Pfumvudza Presidential Input Scheme has been a game-changer, promoting climate-smart agriculture and supporting communal farming communities, and beneficiaries are encouraged to deliver at least 50kg of maize to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB).
“The recent rains have brought us hope for a bumper harvest this season, and we eagerly anticipate the positive impact of these practices on crop yields. It is important to address the recent outbreaks of the African Armyworm reported in Manicaland, particularly in Chipinge and other provinces in the country. Farmers are encouraged to scout their fields and pastures frequently for early detection and control of this pest.
“As an appreciation to His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa on the Pfumvudza Presidential Input Scheme, we encourage all beneficiaries of the programme to deliver at least a bag (50kg) of maize grain to GMB where they shall be paid at the prevailing GMB market price. The Pfumvudza Programme exemplifies our perseverance to climate-smart agriculture and the welfare of farming communities,” said Professor Jiri.
Mrs Mudiwa is a dedicated student of the Chiedza Farmer Field School, who fully embraced and adopted the Pfumvudza concept.
“Her commitment to improving crop yields, enhancing farm resilience, and contributing to national food security is commendable. The four plots cultivated by the Mudiwa family serve as a model for food and nutrition security in Manicaland.
“I have no doubt that these plots will produce enough food for the family and have surplus for sale.
She has proved beyond any reasonable doubt that she is a hard worker, organized and dedicated to the cause. Thank you very much for the stunning job,” he said, commending the Chiedza Farmer Field School for equipping farmers with essential knowledge and skills to optimize their farming practices.
“This is a flagship programme being rolled out by Government across all the 35 000 villages, one in each village, with a goal to enhancing extension services and revolutionalise agriculture production.
The FFS concept is participatory in nature and farmer centric and focus on demand driven solutions faced by farmers,’ he said.
Mrs Mary Mudiwa beamed with pride as she showcased one of her thriving Pfumvunza maize plots at her homestead, a testament to the family’s hard work and dedication.
She took the opportunity to express her heartfelt gratitude to the Government and the private sector for providing Pfumvudza inputs and extension services right at their doorstep.
With the support they received, Mrs Mudiwa is optimistic about reaping a bountiful harvest, hoping to produce an impressive two tonnes per plot.
The couple’s success story serves as a shining example of the positive impact of the Pfumvudza programme in empowering farmers and promoting food security.
Online Reporter