By Agriculture Reporter

The country is poised for a bumper harvest this year following the success of the Pfumvudza concept, which has seen an increase in maize hectarage during this agricultural season.

A survey conducted by this publication played down insinuations by Norton legislator, Themba Mliswa, who had said that “the alleged success of Pfumvudza is a falsity” as most crops across the country are generally in good condition.

Reigning National Young Champion Farmer, Pardon Mhuri, said people who say that Pfumvudza has failed are talking from an uninformed position.

“Pfumvudza has been a game changer. Many young people have now engaged in farming activities because of the free inputs they received under the Pfumvudza programme. The heavens have also smiled on us and we received favourable rains this year. As you can see, my crops are in good condition and those saying Pfumvudza has failed are speaking from an uninformed position. I urge them to move around the country to see for themselves the success of Pfumvudza,” said Mhuri.

Mashonaland Central’s Chaminuka Training Centre Principal, Mr Alois Musariri, said it’s evident that the Pfumvudza concept has been a success and the country is poised for a bumper harvest.

“It doesn’t need a rocket scientist to see that the country is poised for a bumper harvest due to the success of the Pfumvudza concept. The crops we grew under this concept are in good shape and if the rains continue like this, then we will have more grain to deliver to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB).”said Musariri.

Mt Darwin Agriculture Extension Officer, Philip Chakaoma, also said most crops in the district are doing well despite some isolated cases of leeching reported in some areas.

“Generally this season is a good one. We have received normal rainfall in most parts of this district and our Pfumvudza plots are doing well. Most of our crops are in the late vegetative and reproduction stage and judging by the conditions of the crops, we are expecting a bumper harvest,” said Chakaoma.

Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement Youth Desk Coordinator, Nickros Kajengo, said he had toured most parts of the country and was impressed by the success of the Pfumvudza programme.

He labelled those who despise the Pfumvudza programme as “people who are allergic to success stories”.