Story by Tendai Munengwa
THE Pfumvudza/Intwasa farming model has received a significant boost following the rollout of a new smart mini-pivot irrigation system designed to help smallholder farmers transition from subsistence to commercial production.
The innovation, unveiled during a field day at Kent Farm, is expected to enhance productivity, promote year-round farming and strengthen Zimbabwe’s food security drive.
The technology was developed by farmer and irrigation designer Berin Stockill, who said the system had already been tested among smallholder farmers with promising results.
“This new pivot has been tried and tested at some smallholder farmers. It uses a borehole or reliable small source of water, can be operated by one person and can irrigate from one hectare to five hectares,” Stockill said.
“So for Pfumvudza, the advantage is that farmers can now commercialise their operations, as they can farm all year round.”
Dubbed the Smart Commercial Pfumvudza/Intwasa Irrigation System, the mini-pivot is being hailed as a climate-proof solution capable of cushioning farmers against erratic rainfall and prolonged dry spells.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri described the innovation as a breakthrough for small-scale farmers.
“We are very excited about this kind of innovation by a farmer who has done his research and come up with such a climate-proof technology. This is a simple pivot suitable for small-scale farmers. We, as Government, challenge farmers to embrace such technology,” he said.
“As the designer has explained, this is a game changer for Pfumvudza/Intwasa. What is needed is just a source of water and you upgrade your small-scale farming into a commercial business.”
Zimbabwe Integrated Commercial Farmers Union president Mrs Mayiwepi Jiti, who organised the field day, said the initiative dovetails with the country’s rural modernisation agenda.
“This is a lasting solution to climate change. Our farmers can now farm without only waiting for the rains, and even during drought spells they can complement with irrigation and generate income,” she said.
The Coalition of Agricultural Graduates of Zimbabwe also welcomed the innovation, saying it aligns with Government’s rural industrialisation thrust.
“This innovation has come at an opportune time when Government is driving rural industrialisation. This is one of the technologies our smallholder farmers are encouraged to embrace,” chairperson Dickson Kubvakacha said.
Stakeholders at the field day said nationwide adoption of the mini-pivot by thousands of Pfumvudza/Intwasa farmers could significantly strengthen sustainable food and nutritional security while accelerating the shift towards commercialised smallholder agriculture.
