The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa
Chipinge Correspondent
A TOTAL of 674 farmers in Manicaland Province today graduated with master farmer certificates.
Of the 674 graduands, 662 farmers were awarded with ordinary master farmer certificates, while 12 received advanced master farmer certificates.
The master farmer training programme which dates back to the early 1980s is expected to boost productivity in the climate proofed Presidential Input Scheme (Pfumvudza).
Speaking during the re-launch of the master farmer programme at Maunganidze Irrigation Scheme in Chipinge today, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary, Dr John Basera said the programme is aimed at promoting increased production among farmers in the small-scale sector.
Dr Basera said the graduands will be the lead farmers in many agricultural programmes promoted by the ministry and development partners.
“Giving expertise advise to the farmers is the ministry’s main thrust to ensure food and nutrition security and increased incomes at both household and national level.
“The ministry is working tirelessly to contribute immensely to the attainment of the sustainable development goals that target eradication of poverty and ending hunger.
“During the early 1980s, master farmers would be considered for land allocation in the small farming areas (mindamirefu).They would also be considered for discounts when purchasing agricultural inputs. I want to assure all the graduands that such benefits are still there and the ministry is planning to avail more benefits to those who graduate with this certificate,” he said.
Dr Basera added: “Starting this upcoming season, all graduands will receive two packages of inputs instead of one they used to receive under the Presidential Inputs Scheme.”
Dr Basera urged more farmers to enroll for the master farmer programme.
“The number of farmers enrolling for this programme is still low, so there is need for continuous encouragement so that farmers realise the benefits associated with this achievement.
“Efforts are being made to have region-specific master farmer syllabus and also to review the master farmer standards. I challenge all extension officers to have a class of master farmers in their respective wards,” he added.
