The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube
Post Correspondent
FARMERS in Mutasa have started preparing for this year’s summer cropping season and are confident that the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme will play a crucial role in eradicating poverty and enhancing food security.
Small-holder farmers recently received fertilisers, insecticides and knapsacks last week during the Mutasa District Pfumvudza/lntwasa lnputs Scheme launch in Hamudikuwanda Village A.
Mr Abisha Mutenha was the host farmer.
Pfumvudza is based on conservation agriculture and promotes the minimum disturbance of soil by potholing plots rather than ploughing them, as well as usage of mulch to conserve moisture.
Conservation agriculture increases resilience against climate change and improves yields to ensure food security.
Addressing villagers at the launch in Honde Valley, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri urged communities to fully utilise their land and maximise production.
He urged Agritex officers to be hardworking, efficient and professional in the discharge of their duties.
He also told Agritex officers and beneficiaries to desist from abusing Pfumvudza inputs.
Prof Jiri said those caught offside will face the full wrath of the law.
“We are happy that communities are exuding enthusiasm over the impending farming season. We are on a crusade, moving around every district and very ward preaching the gospel of utilising the land and the benefits that come with adopting the Pfumvudza Programme.
“Every farmer should be serious and harvest a surplus, even in the event of less rainfall. We don’t want excuses when it comes to Pfumvudza.
“To Agritex officers, we urge you to follow procedures and distribution modalities. We will not tolerate abuse of the inputs. It will be a disgrace to hear that there are people abusing the inputs because the programme is for a worthy cause,” he said.
Farmers interviewed said they will fully utilise the inputs and play a collective role in fighting hunger.
Small-holder farmers said they are ready to up their game on crop production, poultry production, horticulture and cattle raring as they are getting adequate support from Government.
Mr Mutenha said before they adopted Pfumvudza, many households were food insecure.
