Conrad Mupesa-Mashonaland West Bureau

FARMERS should use proceeds generated from the sale of harvested Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme crops to buy inputs as a way of complementing the Government’s efforts to turn around the agricultural sector.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Deputy Minister Kindness Paradza said while the Government had continued to support the agricultural sector through various schemes with farmers in some cases receiving free inputs, farmers were also supposed to play their part.

“His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa is saying farmers should not squander money realised from the sale of Pfumvudza crops, but buy inputs to prepare for the 2021-2022 summer cropping season,” he said.

Addressing farmers at the weekend in Makonde, where he is the local legislator, Deputy Minister Paradza while Pfumvudza inputs were available, it was prudent for farmers to be personally prepared before the onset of rains.

“The nation cannot progress with farmers waiting for freebies from the Government all the time. Since most farmers have reaped more this year through Pfumvudza and generous rains, they should purchase fertilisers and seed as they wait for the Government’s allocation.”

He urged village heads to spearhead early land preparations and save grass from veld fires which was needed for mulching.

Availability of inputs under the climate-proofed Pfumvudza agricultural scheme had been faced with various challenges including transport and logistics.

Cde Paradza said Government was going to invest in irrigation systems across the country, taking advantage of abundant water bodies to improve food security.

“The Government has plans to help A1 farmers with already existing irrigation pipes underneath including this community which is close to the Biri Dam. 

“The land will not be taken from you but your farms will be part of the irrigation drive that the Government seeks to achieve,” he said.

He castigated some village heads and land officers who were illegally parcelling out land for money.

Illegal land allocations and farms invasions were rampant in Makonde and Zvimba districts.

Mhangura legislator, Precious Chinhamo-Masango bemoaned the actions by some village heads particularly in wards 11 and 13 where fights over land had ensued.

Makonde district development coordinator, Mr Benjamin Zivanai confirmed the illegal land allocation and called for action against the culprits.