Story by Tendai Munengwa
THE Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme has become a beacon of hope for household food security as demonstrated by a farmer from Chiendambuya who has a bumper maize harvest, despite the El Nino-induced drought.
Award-winning farmer, Mai Shuwiso Chapu of Chendambuya produced a bumper maize harvest through Pfumvudza and has attracted the attention of many farmers and stakeholders with a local seed house hosting a field day for the farmer.
“I have managed to produce this good maize crop because I followed all best practices of climate-proof, I dug my holes on time, put the mulching and planted on time. So every year despite drought the Pfumvudza concept can produce enough food at every household if done properly,” noted Mai Chapu.
21-year-old Rose Chapu has also set the tone for youths in agriculture after producing a bumper harvest despite the El Nino Induced drought.
“I received inputs and tapped advice from my mother to produce this Pfumvudza crop. I urged other youths that take up Pfumvudza/Intwasa – we have the energy to feed the nation,” she said.
The Pfumvudza/Intwasa success story in Chendambuya confirms the success of the government’s smart agriculture concept meant to ensure food security from the household level.
“This is a typical example of how Pfumvudza/Intwasa can be our lasting solution to food security. Imagine if all farmers emulate Mai Chapu the nation can be food secure,” said the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri.
“We advise all farmers that preparations for the Pfumvudza start now – like demonstrated by this farmer – the climate-proof concept can be successful at every household if they follow the best agronomic practices,” noted chief agronomist, Ivan Craig.
If all the 3.5 million farmers under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa Programme emulate Mrs Chapu, the country will no doubt achieve food and nutrition security.
