Chronicle Editor
Canditar Chapanduka, Chronicle Reporter
BULAWAYO urban farmers have intensified land preparation for the 2022/23 farming season under the Climate-Proofed Presidential Inputs Scheme popularly known as Intwasa/Pfumvudza.
Ms Janet Dube from Richmond suburb said she started preparing land for planting last week when the city received the first rains.
She said she is planning to put a greater portion of her plot under maize this summer cropping season.
“We are yet to start planting because we have not yet received adequate rains though indications are that we might receive rains early this year. What we are doing now is just to prepare the land for planting so that once we have adequate moisture we start planting,” she said.
Mrs Dube said apart from preparing the land, she was also busy mobilising inputs such as seed and fertilizer. She said like other farmers under Intwasa/Pfumvudza programme, she expects to receive some of the inputs from Government.
Another urban farmer, Mr Prince Dube from North End suburb said he has finished preparing land for planting.
He said he was happy that Government has once again promised to assist urban farmers with inputs such as seed and fertiliser.
Mr Dube said he also planting maize this season.
“The inputs prices are high compared to the previous season hence we are grateful to Government for coming to our rescue through this Presidential Input Scheme. Most farmers cannot afford the prices and will therefore rely on inputs from Government,” he said.
Mr Dube said what is comforting is that indications are pointing to a good season as evidenced by the early rains received in different parts of the country last week and yesterday.
Another farmer Gogo MaDawu said she has also prepared her the land and is ready planting.
“I have already planted groundnuts. I appeal to Government to distribute the inputs early so that we also plant early,” she said.
Bulawayo and Matabeleland North acting provincial director for agricultural rural development services Mr Dumisani Nyoni said farmers will be provided with seed and fertilizer but only those that have prepared land as advised will benefit.
He said the inputs were already at different collection points and will be distributed early to enable farmers to plant with the first rains.
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