Story by Tendai Munengwa
GOVERNMENT has stepped up efforts to commercialise the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme with the introduction of small-scale irrigation centre pivots, a move aimed at improving productivity, climate resilience and year-round production among smallholder farmers.
The initiative is aligned with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which prioritises smart agriculture, climate-proofing and the use of appropriate technology to strengthen household and national food security.
At Kent Farm in Mashonaland East Province, local manufacturer Mr Berin Stockill has converted former tobacco barns into a production facility for the small irrigation pivots, while also providing technical training and employment opportunities for youths.
“I want to thank President Emmerson Mnangagwa for opening avenues for us to work. We have started and were trained some engineering skills and we are happy to be working. We are quite a big number of youths who are now employed,” an employee at the farm said.
Smart Climate-proofing and technological solutions are some of the key pillars of NDS2 pronounced by President Mnangagwa late last year, amid efforts to ensure food security.
Mr Stockill is the brain behind this initiative meant to commercialise farming under the Pfumvudza/ Intwasa programme.
“We initiated Pfumvudza/Intwasa that is now successful. We have now come up with the new technology this pivot. It can do one to five hectares powered by solar and booster pump. This can double yields being achieved at Pfumvudza plots,” he said.
Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) Board Chairperson, Ivan Craig is explained how the innovation can transform smallholder farming activities.
“Commercialisation of Pfumvudza will be a game changer and these new small pivots can change livelihoods. They enable farmers to apply adequate water at any given time than waiting for the rains.”
Government is upbeat that commercialisation of the Pfumvudza/ Intwasa programme will boost irrigation development, which is key to sustainable food and nutritional security at household and national level.
“Look at the yields here, they are double as compared to those being achieved currently. We will work around the clock to make sure the Pfumvudza concept goes commercial so that the three million farmers take farming as a business,” ARDA’s Chief Director, Ms Medellin Magwenzi noted.
The small irrigation centre pivot is so effective that if adopted at national level, thousands of Pfumvudza/ Intwasa farmers can venture into production of different crops all year round.
