By John Mhazo

Small scale holder farmers across the country’s eight rural provinces are set to benefit from the Pfumvudza inputs scheme availed by Government through the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement a top government official has said.

Speaking as Chairperson of the Food and Nutrition Committee, Vice President Retired General Constantino Chiwenga, said Government expects to increase food productivity by targeting A1 and A2 farmers.

“A1 and A2 farmers should help propel the country into agricultural surplus. So far, we have set a target that all eight rural farming provinces produce a total of 1.8 million tonnes of cereal and 360 000 tonnes of oil seeds for the 2020/21 agricultural farming season under Pfumvudza,” he said.

Already, some farmers in Gokwe District, in the Midlands Province and Guruve District, in Mashonaland West have reportedly dug holes in preparation for inputs disbursement under Pfumvudza.  

Mr Wellington Marumahoko, a local farmer in Guruve District who spoke to this publication during a local tour could not hide his excitement to be taking part in the Pfumvudza scheme.

Showing off his tilled land, Mr Marumahoko applauded Government for the timely launch of the programme and encouraged other local farms to support Government initiatives.  

“I am happy that Government has recognized the role rural farmers play in the country’s food security. Government has communicated the availability of inputs at GMB and I am encouraging other local farmers to take up this initiative,” he said.

The Meteorological Services Department has predicted average to above average rainfall this 2020/21 farming season a positive boost for the majority of rural farmers who cannot afford irrigation under arid weather conditions.