Traditional leaders to lead in food production
TRADITIONAL leaders across the country are expected to lead by example in the production of food crops as the Zunde raMambo/ Isiphala seNkosi has been extended to all headmen and village heads.
Initially, the programme was limited to chiefs, but all traditional leaders have now been roped in to ensure accelerated growth in the production of maize and small grains. Government will fund the programme. This was announced by the Deputy Director in charge of Horticulture and Land Use Planning in the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and Rural Development, Mr Kundai Makuku at the Makoni Agricultural Show recently.
“Government has extended the Zunde raMambo/Isiphala seNkosi concept to headmen and village heads. The programme is targeting 290 chiefs, 500 headmen and 36 000 village heads.
“The programme will target 9 587 hectares of maize and 5 487ha of sorghum.
“The scheme will support 1ha for chiefs, 0,75ha for headmen and 0,5ha for village heads.
“The inputs package will see chiefs receiving 25kgs of maize seed, five bags of Compound D and five bags of top dressing bags. Each chief will get a one tonne metal silo for grain storage.
“Headmen will get 20kg of seed maize, four bags of Compound D and four bags of top dressing. Village heads will get 10kg of maize seed, two bags of Compound D and two bags of top dressing,” said Mr Makuku.
He also hailed farmers and extension workers in Makoni District for taking a leading role in implementing the Pfumvudza Programme.
“I am happy to learn that Makoni District is arguably the best district in Manicaland in terms of Pfumvudza adaptation and implementation as evidenced by the Chiendambuya farmer who scooped the national first prize during the 2020/21 season.
“The host extension officer was ranked the second best during the same season. I urge you to keep up the good work and continue to adopt the best agricultural practices, said Mr Makuku.
Three framers who came up tops during the Makoni Agricultural Show went home smiling after winning ploughs, wheelbarrows, knapsacks, lime and other prizes.