Farmers trained in proper agronomic practices
Story by Mercy Bofu
AS the 2023/24 summer cropping season approaches, the government is focusing on training rural farmers on proper agronomic practices that help boost productivity in the face of predicted normal to below-normal rains.
Mr Mugove Matindike Vhudzijena of the Shonganiso area in Masvingo is one of the communal farmers who has already planted his three plots of maize under the climate-proof Pfumvudza/ Intwasa concept.
As he awaits the rains, he is irrigating his crops and looking forward to a bumper harvest given the technical support from Agritex officers.
“I have already planted maize on my 3 plots using the Pfumvudza concept. I will do the other 2 after rain to make them 5. I have realised that using the Pfumvudza method definitely, I harvests more. So far, we are irrigating as we wait for the rains, the amount of water required is very minimal,” he said.
Other communal farmers in Shonganiso area are also receiving training from the government under the Farmer Field Schools programme.
“We want to thank the government for this training and retraining programme. We have benefited as farmers given that we are heading for the cropping season. They are teaching us the importance of climate proofing given predicted normal to below normal rains,” said one of the farmers.
Another added, “We are having practical lessons here and it is going to be easier on our fields. Despite El Nino threats, we are looking forward to better yields.”
Training of farmers is an important aspect, that will contribute to high yields.
“Our current focus is on training farmers to apply good agronomic practices in terms of planting and application of fertilisers. We are encouraging them to do Pfumvudza and plant short-term varieties this season,” said Agritex supervisor, Mr Ephraim Matemera.
The distribution of inputs under the Pfumvudza /Intwasa programme is underway.
The strategic objective of the 2023/24 summer programme is to ensure sustainable production despite a lean summer cropping season.
