Staff Reporter
Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, has commended the Government’s efforts in driving agricultural success through the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme.
The province has exceeded its initial target of 84,000 hectares under the scheme, with a provincial maize target of 265,000 hectares expected to be reached this week.
Advocate Mugadza attributed the success to timely distribution of inputs and the adoption of resilient farming methods.
“The Meteorological Department guided us on rainfall patterns, and we are proud to have surpassed the 84,000-hectare Pfumvudza target, reaching 100,000 hectares. Farmers are still planting, and we expect to exceed the overall provincial target soon. We encourage farmers to focus on ultra-short season varieties, beans, and small grains to mitigate risks,” he said.
Commercial farmers and agricultural experts are equally optimistic. Commercial farmer, Admire Dziritwe, shared his progress.
“We planted 10 hectares of maize and expect six to seven tonnes per hectare. We also planted seven hectares of maize for silage, supported by Government inputs,” said Dziritwe.
Mutasa District Agriculture Officer, Bessy Christina Masvanhise, credited the success to strategic planning.
“We surpassed our targets because the Government distributed inputs early. Farmers staggered their planting to cushion against dry spells, and we are seeing great results,” she said.
Despite a challenging start to the rainy season and intermittent dry spells, the recent wet spell has reignited optimism among farmers. In Mutasa District, many crops planted under the Pfumvudza programme are thriving, thanks to its moisture-retention benefits.
One smallholder farmer expressed gratitude for the initiative, saying, “The Pfumvudza programme has been a great relief. I do not have cattle, so I used to plant late. Now, I can dig up to 15 plots. Despite the earlier dry spell, the current rains have brought hope for a good harvest.”
Another farmer highlighted the advantages of the system: “My field retained moisture for a long time during the dry spell. I planted on December 28, and the recent rains have made my crop healthier. We are grateful for the Government’s support.”
Manicaland’s success reflects the potential of the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme to transform agriculture and secure food security. With farmers and Government officials working hand in hand, the province is on track for a productive season and a brighter future for Zimbabwe’s agriculture.
