Traditional leaders hail Pfumvudza

Kwekwe district traditional leaders have applauded government’s support through Pfumvudza which was introduced last year to improve the agricultural output throughout the country.

Speaking to H-Metro, Chief Malisa of Silobela said this farming season is going to be better as compared to other seasons because of the Pfumvudza concept and the heavy rains.

“This year we are anticipating a better harvest because of Pfumvudza that was introduced last year by our government and also for the fact that we have good rains this season, “he said.

Chief Wait Gwesela of Zhombe also applauded the concept and he expressed his optimism over this year’s output.

“We are expecting a good harvest this year, Pfumvudza crops are doing well and we have more than enough rainfall in Zhombe.

“It has been long since we witnessed this in Zhombe, but this year is going to be different,” he said.

However, the traditional leaders expressed concern over the delays in getting some farming inputs which was experienced in their areas.

To date some farmers are yet to receive AN fertiliser which is more crucial considering the heavy rains in the district.

“My main concern is over the delays in getting the farming inputs.

“Some farmers dug their holes on time, but they got the seeds late whilst others are yet to receive the top fertiliser.

“Those who can afford the fertiliser have already used their own money to buy the fertiliser, but for those who cannot afford, their crops are being affected by too much rainfall.

“It is my wish that next time the government gives us inputs on time,” said Chief Malisa.

Chief Gwesela said there were, “some areas where fertiliser was really needed because the rains are too much and the crops cannot cope so we hope that the government will intervene soon.”

Pfumvudza was introduced last year by the Government to boost production by smallholder farmers so families could grow enough for their own needs and sell a surplus. Agritex trained more than 50 000 farmers in Kwekwe district to adopt the concept.

In addition, Sable Chemicals also chipped in to help farmers by providing a facility to test their soils before they start growing their crops.

MORE than 40 Johannesburg motorists have been arrested for suspected drunk driving in the same week the government eased restrictions on the sale of alcohol.

Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson Wayne Minnaar said 42 people, suspected off driving under the influence of alcohol, had been arrested since February 1.

“This is more than double the amount of those arrested since January.

“Motorists are urged not to drive after consuming alcohol.

“Drunken drivers will get arrested and more drunken driving operations will be conducted.

“The drunken drivers will be taken for blood samples and they will have to be detained at police stations,” said Minnaar.

JMPD posted a picture on its Twitter account on Sunday showing a motorist who was “arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol with a reading of 0.98 mg/l per 1,000ml”.

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday lifted the ban on the sale and distribution of alcohol, reopened beaches and relaxed curfew times as SA’s Covid-19 infection rate slowed. — TimesLIVE.