Farmers welcome timely Pfumvudza inputs distribution

FARMERS have hailed the Government for accelerating Pfumvudza inputs distribution across the country to ensure that they can plant on time.

Most farmers have received inputs as they strengthen the adoption of climate proof agriculture methods such as Pfumvudza/Intwasa to guarantee a good harvest.

Statistics from Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) indicate that so far farmers have established 11,3 million plots of Pfumvudza.

It also indicates that to date around 8 327 tonnes of maize seed was so far distributed to all provinces, 37 369 tonnes of basal fertilisers and 19 343 tonnes of top dressing fertilisers.

Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union secretary-general Mr Paul Zakariya said it was commendable that farmers had started taking delivery of inputs early.

“Distribution of inputs to farmers is in progress throughout the country. All is flowing well. We are grateful that farmers are getting their inputs on time so that they start early.

“This shows readiness for the farming season,” he said.

Mrs Marry Tsuminga said she is waiting for the rains to start planting.

“We are grateful for the support. I am expecting a good harvest this season if we get rains on time. This year’s distribution of inputs was a welcome development to most farmers. We hail the Government’s effort of accelerating distribution of inputs so that farmers receive inputs on time,” she said.

Mr Taurai Magomo of Mutorashanga said the Government’s efforts to sustain families are greatly appreciated.

“We are thankful for the speedy distribution of inputs. We believe most farmers are going to use the inputs well so that we achieve good outputs which are essential for ensuring food security,” he said. The Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme will be extended to 3,5 million households for the 2023/2024 summer cropping season, including the modified and reduced programme for 500 000 urban households

It was agreed that Pfumvudza programme will be replicated in all countries across Africa after fruitful results from Zimbabwe.