One million Pfumvudza plots prepared

CLOSE to one million climate-proofed Pfumvudza/Intwasa plots have been prepared countrywide, as farmers ramp up land preparations ahead of the 2023-2024 summer cropping season.

Meteorological experts forecast El Niño-induced normal to below-normal rains this year.

The Government is targeting 3,5 million smallholder farmers, with at least three million hectares expected to be put under crops to ensure the country is food-secure at household level. To date, 3 350 hectares (ha) have been limed, while 25 891ha have been mulched. Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said land preparations were proceeding smoothly.

“Farmers are currently busy making preparations. Holing and mulching are ongoing countrywide. We have not yet updated our statistics but we believe farmers must have surpassed one million plots now,” he said.

“Our advice is, those farmers who want to benefit from the scheme need to follow the tenets of Pfumvudza/Intwasa methods, thus, gathering mulch, holing out and registering with our extension workers deployed in every ward.”

This year, Prof Jiri said, the main focus is on increased production per unit area in light of possible below-normal rains.

“Good agronomic practices have been our theme for this season as we continue on our Going4Growth trajectory, output-wise. Online registration of farmers under the scheme is still ongoing until the season starts and the last beneficiary of the 3,5 million is registered,” he said. Input distribution is also ongoing. Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka recently said input distribution is being monitored through a digital platform.

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