Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Farmers across the nation have made significant strides by completing 86 percent of land preparations under the government’s Pfumvudza/Intwasa farming programme, with optimistic projections to exceed the target of 9.5 million plots this planting season. To date, a total of 8,175,023 Pfumvudza plots have been prepared and are ready for planting.
The Pfumvudza farming model, introduced by the Second Republic, aims to address the long-standing issues of low agricultural productivity while significantly transforming the lives and livelihoods of farmers. This initiative has been instrumental in empowering households to enhance their farming capabilities and improve food production.
In his weekly report, Mr. Leonard Munamati, the acting chief director of the Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS), provided encouraging statistics. “Eighty percent of households, or 2,807,263, have prepared at least one Pfumvudza plot, while 65 percent, equating to 1,824,720 households, have prepared three or more plots,” he highlighted.
This widespread participation underscores the programme’s success in mobilizing the agricultural community.
Training initiatives have also seen substantial engagement, with 2,536,376 farmers having completed the Pfumvudza training, which includes a significant representation of women: 1,515,147 females participated in the programme. This focus on inclusivity is a vital aspect of the Pfumvudza initiative, ensuring that both men and women can equally benefit from improved agricultural practices.
The logistical aspects of the farming season are improving as well, with nearly half (45 percent) of the targeted basal dressing fertilizer successfully delivered to various Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depots nationwide. This timely provision of essential inputs is crucial for the upcoming planting season.
Additionally, the government is actively engaging with farmers through various contracting schemes, including the National Enhanced Agricultural Productivity Scheme (NEAPS), the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA), and the Food Crop Contractors Association (FCCA). These collaborations are designed to further bolster agricultural output and support farmers in their endeavors.
As farmers prepare to sow their seeds, the government remains committed to supporting this transformative initiative, hopeful that the Pfumvudza programme will continue to foster sustainable agricultural practices and enhance food security throughout the nation.