Makonde Agritex officer, Mrs Chiwawa (left) points to one of the five different plots under Pfumvudza/Intwasa that will benefit the communities. Looking on is Deputy Minister Paradza (partly obscured, right), Minister Mliswa-Chikoka and other officials at the launch

Mashonaland West Bureau
THE enhanced 2021-22 summer cropping season Pfumvudza Agriculture Scheme for Makonde district was launched yesterday amid calls for farmers to embrace the programme to support the agricultural sector’s turnaround plan.

The Government has augmented the scheme, which rolls into the second phase, to support at least 50 000 farmers this season with extra attention being put on two more supplementary maize plots, a cotton plot and a  legumes plot.

In addition, the government is also keen to roll out the scheme to livestock pastures, horticulture and fruits production while tick grease application has also improved the herd for many farmers.

The launch of Pfumvudza Agriculture Scheme phase two in Makonde was held at Chief Nemakonde’s Upper Romes Farm in Ward 8 of the district.

The event also coincided with the launch of the Zunde raMambo programme.

Launching the programme, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland West, Mary Mliswa-Chikoka called on farmers to rally behind the programme aimed at making Zimbabwe food secure.

“The scheme is going to help us meet President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030. Phase two is important to us as we will double what we realised last season.

“Families should embrace the concept which promotes and maximises yields and complement Government’s efforts to eradicate hunger,” she said.

“Village heads should champion the programme to lead by example for people to embrace Government programmes as shown by Chief Nemakonde.

“Under Pfumvudza, farmers use small pieces of land and less labour but are bound to record more yield hence adding to Vision 2030 and National Development Strategy 1 (NDS-1).”

Minister Mliswa-Chikoka, who challenged farmers to unite in the fight against hunger, also outlined the growing cases of veld fires and urged farmers to create fire guards to save lives, grain and property.

“Those with disabilities and the elderly should be helped so that they also become food secure,” she added.

Chief Nemakonde applauded President Mnangagwa for introducing the scheme that has made most families in his area food secure.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Deputy Minister and Makonde constituency legislator, Cde Kindness Paradza, castigated some rogue Agritex officers who were demanding bribes from farmers to be listed as beneficiaries under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa Programme.

“We have a challenge with village heads who are illegally selling land and Agritex officers who are requesting bribes. The long arm of the law is going to catch up with them,” he said.

Provincial Agritex chief training officer, Mr Bongani Makwena said the Mashonaland West had an average of 6,1 tonnes per hectare under Pfumvudza plots adding that inputs were already in stock at Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depots with Agritex waiting for farmers to complete holing.

Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Resettlement Minister, Dr Anxious Masuka has said distribution of inputs is going to be done earlier for farmers to record bumper harvests.