By Derick Tsimba
Government has said households supported under the Pfumvudza programme have increased to 2.2 million.
In the 43rd post cabinet press briefing yesterday Government said,” Cabinet was informed that households supported under the Programme had increased from 1.8 million to 2.2 million. All the 2.2 million families enrolled had been automatically entered in the Pfumvudza competition for all the crops. A total of 2 139 275 households had been trained on Pfumvudza. Additionally, the Zunde raMambo concept had been revived and inputs are now being distributed to 286 chiefs.
“On National Enhanced Crop Productivity Programme, the nation is advised that 285 440 hectares of the targeted 290 000 hectares had been registered by 11 829 farmers, and 43 067 hectares had been registered for soya bean out of the targeted 60 000 hectares by 932 farmers. The farmers had received the following inputs: maize seed; soya beans seed; basal fertilizer; soya blend; and top dressing fertilizer,” said the Cabinet.
Cabinet also said cotton Pfumvudza pack had been reduced from 20kg to 6kg to match fertilizers provided.
“Pertaining to the Presidential Cotton Programme, Cabinet approved cotton ”Pfumvudza” pack comprising 6kg seed, 80kg basal fertiliser, 40kg top dressing and the prerequisite herbicides and chemicals reducing the seed allocation from 20kg seed to match fertilizers provided.
“Concerning preparedness for the 2020/2021 season in the tobacco sector, Cabinet noted that a total area of 28 292 hectares had been planted as at 25 November 2020, compared to 27 181 hectares planted in the previous season. Furthermore, 127 231 growers had registered for 2020/2021 season, compared to 139 606 growers during the previous season.
“Under the Livestock Growth Plan the following Programmes were launched on 20 November 2020: Presidential Blitz Tick Grease Scheme; Dip tank rehabilitation; genetic improvement; and borehole drilling. During the launch 34 bulls were distributed to 34 Chiefs in Matabeleland South. The distribution of the targeted one million one kilogram packs for the one million cattle-owning households has commenced,” said Cabinet.
The Harare Post has learnt of the 474 tractors expected under the Belarus facility, 450 tractors have now been received for distribution to farmers through designated banks.
