Story by Courage Bushe
THE government is accelerating the distribution of inputs under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme with at least 2 000 smallholder farmers in Mberengwa district being the latest to benefit.
Farmers in regions four and five have been implored to continue venturing into traditional grain value addition programmes to mitigate the effects of climate change given that the country will receive normal to above normal rains.
The move, which is anchored on the Traditional Grains Growth Plan that seeks to boost food security and household income, has been welcomed by farmers in Mberengwa district.
“We are happy that we add something to the growth of this nation, and these are steps to achieve vision 2030. I have already prepared three plots for traditional grains, and I am confident of better harvests as compared to last summer’s cropping season,” farmers who spoke to ZBC News said.
According to Mberengwa Central Legislator, Honourable Tinashe Shumba, value addition in the agri-food value chain will benefit farmers in the district.
“Famers in dry regions are prone to drought. The production of traditional grains, which are drought tolerant, will improve their economic well-being. The Traditional Grains Growth Plan seeks to ensure household food and nutrition security, improved incomes, crop diversity, and livestock nutrition in an effort to climate-proof the agriculture sector,” he said.
The early distribution of inputs to farmers signifies the government’s commitment to ensure food security.
“It is important to note that the Second Republic is spearheading life-changing programmes across the country. We are therefore grateful that our President is someone who is hands-on.
“This programme we are here gathered for clearly shows that the Second Republic walks the talk in its attempt to leave no one and no place behind in its developmental matrix,” Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Owen Ncube said.
The government has put in place deliberate policies in the agriculture sector to ensure the country attains its vision of attaining food security.
