Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
THE Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme is delivering improved yields and strengthening household food security in Wedza, with farmers reporting positive results ahead of the harvest season.
The Musilani family is among beneficiaries of the conservation farming initiative, having adopted the method in 2021. This season, they are expecting a bumper harvest after fully implementing recommended practices.
“The Pfumvudza programme is a game-changer in boosting productivity. My field is different from others because of Pfumvudza. Manure and mulching helped to preserve moisture during the dry spell, and I am expecting increased yields compared to previous seasons,” Revai Musilani said.
“We embraced the Pfumvudza method in 2021. If you compare the Pfumvudza plots with other fields, you can see a big difference. We have nine plots, and we are looking forward to a bumper harvest. We need all villagers to adopt the Pfumvudza concept for our village to be food secure,” Christine Musilani added.
Agronomist Tinashe Bvukumwe said the programme has become a reliable farming model, urging farmers to adopt best agronomic practices and suitable seed varieties.
“This family has adopted the best Pfumvudza agronomic practices. Pfumvudza is now a tried and tested farming method that is yielding positive results. Farmers should also select the best seed varieties for their areas to get optimum yields, like what the Musilani family did,” he said.
Wedza South Legislator, Honourable Tino Machakaire said the success story reflects broader gains in food security within the district.
“We are celebrating this success story as the Wedza community. This is important in promoting food security. We want to thank President Dr Mnangagwa for supporting farmers with inputs, and these are the results,” he said.
Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Itayi Ndudzo, said the results demonstrate the programme’s effectiveness in building climate-resilient agriculture.
“This is a phenomenal result of good agronomic practices. Pfumvudza is the real game. Despite a challenging season with heavy early rains followed by a long dry spell, the quality of this crop shows that the farmer adhered to the best practices. Pfumvudza is critical to climate-proof agriculture and ensuring household self-sufficiency. Even without mechanical irrigation, this crop is exceptional. I urge all farmers to fully embrace the Pfumvudza programme.”
As harvesting approaches, farmers who have embraced the programme are optimistic of improved yields, reinforcing its role in enhancing food security across rural communities.
