Story by Tamuka Charakupa
A field day held at Inverness Farm in Hurungwe has underscored the urgent need for farmers to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices amid changing weather patterns.
The field day brought together commercial and small-scale farmers with government taking the opportunity to amplify the need to adopt more sustainable and resilient farming practices.
With climate change taking a toll on yields, farmers say they have embraced the idea of ecological mapping and the Pfumvudza/Intwasa concept for better yields.
“As traditional leaders, we are now involved in monitoring Pfumvudza/Intwasa input distribution together with councillors and government officials. This has been instrumental in ensuring that beneficiaries receive inputs on time. In that regard, we are also ensuring that every household practices the correct Pfumvudza tenets hence ensuring household food security,” Mrs Susan Murisa noted.
Inverness Farm Manager, Mr Artwell Gidion highlighted the importance of following agronomic advice to adapt to changing conditions.
“As farmers, we should continue to abide by what we are advised to do by officials which include timeframes to plant, what to plant and when to apply fertilisers and chemicals. This is critical, especially in the wake of changing climatic conditions where traditional practices no longer apply.”
A leading seed company has confirmed the introduction of early-maturity hybrid seed varieties as part of efforts to help farmers cope with the effects of climate change.
“As Zadzamatura and other seed companies in the country, we are rallying behind the government’s food security agenda by producing hybrid seed varieties that also offer improved resistance to drought and common pests, ensuring both food security and better returns for smallholder farmers. We continue to urge our farmers to work closely with agricultural extension officers so that they are guided accordingly in line with changing weather patterns,” Zadzamatura’s Managing Director Dr Daniel Myers said.
Hurungwe District Agricultural Extension Officer, Mr Andrew Mafuzhe said Pfumvudza farmers scored high despite having received late rainfall late.
“It is now common knowledge that our seasons are becoming shorter and shorter with each passing year. So our call to farmers in that by June or July, they should start preparing their Pfumvudza plots so that they can plant with early rains.”
Meanwhile, the government is rolling out Pfumvudza/Intwasa masterclasses across rural communities with the view of ensuring that each and every household is food-sufficient.
