The ManicaPost
Samuel Kadungure
Senior Reporter
PREPERATIONS for the 2021/22 agricultural season are on course, with smallholder farmers adopting efficient and sustainable Pfumvudza techniques that enable them to achieve high yields using less land, water and chemicals with guaranteed profitability for farmers.
This year’s Pfumvudza programme has been up scaled to five plots per each of the 329 000 households targeted in Manicaland, a move that seeks to solidify the gains made last season by doubling the output and earnings of the farmers.
A survey by The Manica Post in Manicaland has established that farmers have already started preparations — with tillage, pot-holing, mulching, acquisition of inputs such as seed maize, fertilisers and chemicals – in full throttle.
On the other hand seed, fertilisers and chemical companies have assured the nation that they have enough stocks to meet increased national demand.
This comes against the backdrop of a highly successful 2020/21 season where almost everything fell into place from the abundant rains, to the availability of inputs and timely extension services.
Pfumvudza was formulated to enhance and commercialise agricultural productivity in communal rain-fed areas by focusing on integrated farming, moisture conservation efficiency, soil health management and synergise resource conservation.
The programme is targeting 329 000 households, up from 250 000 registered last year.
Manicaland is targeting at least 220 000 hectares of maize, of which 20 000ha will be under Command Agriculture.
Small grains target has been set at 100 000ha.
Of the five plots being established by smallholder farmers – three will be under cereals and two under oilseeds.
The programme, sponsored by Government, has come to the rescue of thousands of smallholder farmers whose cattle – used for draught power – succumbed to theilirolisis, among other diseases, that decimated cattle in Manicaland.
Between January 2019 and March 2021, the province lost cattle with an estimated value of US$700 000 – with smallholder farmers accruing huge losses that compromised their tillage capacity.
However, with this Government programme, those who lack draught power can still plant and produce enough to feed their families and sale the surplus.
“In the midst of the livestock death shocks came the Pfumvudza programme, where one can produce and have a decent meal without the use of drought power. They can be food secure by embracing the initiative seriously.
“The thrust of Pfumvudza is to ensure food security, so if they execute it religiously, in-field they should be food secure. Pfumvudza will ensure communal farmers have household food security,” said Professor Joseph Kamuzhanje, a rural development expert.
Manicaland Agritex Officer, Mrs Phillipa Rwambiwa, this week, said each household will have five plots, each measuring 39x16m.
The farmers are expected to produce a least a tonne per each plot.
“All our extension officers have been trained and our target for the 2021/22 season has been revised upwards to 329 000 households.
“The programme has also been up-scaled to five plots which speaks to an increase in the hectarage, output and resultantly, earnings that will trickle into the farmers’ pockets.”
