Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
AS the country continues to receive rains, communal farmers in Masvingo under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme are optimistic of a good harvest this year, with continued government support.
Mr Peter Mungwanda and his family of Matende village in Masvingo adopted the Pfumvudza/Intwasa concept of farming since 2018 when it was introduced by government, starting with just one plot.
They have since increased their plots to seven this year, cultivating different crops, including traditional grains.
From their farming enterprise, they have managed to renovate their homestead and started poultry projects.
“When we adopted Pfumvudza programme, we never thought it would transform our lives. We started with just one plot and we realised that the produce was a lot and since then, we haven’t stopped. This year, with the rains we have received, we are looking forward to a bumper harvest, getting more than 15 tonnes per hectare,” Mr Mungwanda said.
Other farmers around the area attributed the success of the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme to government support.
“Yes, our produce has been increasing and we want to thank the government for supporting us through inputs and technical support from Agritex. We are always encouraged to plant early and for those who followed instructions, their crop is now ripe,” a farmer said.
Another added, “This year we are happy with the rains we received and our crop is almost ready. Many farmers in this area are going to harvest much.”
Agricultural And Rural Development Advisory Services Acting Director, Mr Leonard Munamati, who was in Masvingo recently, said the Pfumvudza programme has been a success for the 2024/25 summer cropping season, with the country anticipating a good harvest.
“We have been moving across the country to assess the crop situation and most of the crop is looking good with those who were under the Pfumvudza programme having the best crop. Now we are encouraging farmers to protect their crop and start planning against post-harvest losses,” he said.
This year, Masvingo province exceeded its target of one million plots, an indication that more communal farmers are adopting the climate-proof concept that has seen many communities becoming food secure.
