Story by John Nhandara
MORE than seven million plots have been prepared for the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme as farmers embrace climate-proof agriculture to offset the impact of the predicted lean rainfall season.
Farmers are now adapting to climate-proof agriculture with the uptake of the pfumvudza/Intwasa programme confirming the country’s commitment towards ensuring food security at household level.
Statistics released by the Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS), indicate a total of more than 7 million plots that have been put under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme for the summer cropping season.
“The target of beneficiaries from the Presidential Input Scheme is 3.5 million households and 9,5 million plots. Currently, we have prepared over 7,6 million plots, which is 81% of our target. We have extended the preparation of the Pfumvudza plots up to 30 November,” said ARDAS crop production acting director, Mr Leonard Munamati.
Meanwhile, the distribution of presidential inputs is in full swing with more than 10 000 metric tonnes of inputs having been distributed so far.
“In terms of inputs distribution, we are at 60% in terms of seed. We are also distributing fertiliser and we are at 29% for Compound D. We have also started distribution of top dressing. So, we have distributed 10 533 metric tonnes of seed and 46 212 metric tonnes of compound D,” he added.
The government is encouraging farmers to embrace the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme as part of enhancing resilience to climate shocks, while also urging them to practice conservation farming to optimise land use.
