Story by Farai Gwaze
SMALL-SCALE farmers countrywide are showing gratitude for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Pfumvudza/Intwasa Programme by donating maize to the government, for onward submission to non-farming communities in a remarkable demonstration of how the climate-proofing initiative has transformed household food security.
The programme, which has seen many households achieve food security through climate-proof agriculture and free inputs provided annually by President Mnangagwa’s government, continues to yield reciprocal benefits for the nation.
In an unprecedented show of appreciation, small-scale farmers from around the country have begun donating maize, with deliveries currently underway at various GMB depots nationwide.
Farmers from Makonde district expressed overwhelming gratitude for the support that helped them overcome challenging climate conditions.
“As the people of Makonde, we felt it was important to contribute to the national reserves as we had a good harvest. We want to thank our President, who has assisted us. When I first received support through Pfumvudza, I planted maize, and this year I have not had any challenges with availing my 10kgs to GMB. The 10kg programme from Pfumvudza has been well received here as a great initiative by our President. Here in Ward 7, we have contributed our 10 kg to support communities in other provinces who are not farmers,” a communal farmer said.
Director of Communications in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Mrs Barbra Machekano, who visited Murombedzi GMB depot recently, acknowledged this development as testimony to the programme’s success.
“This shows how farmers are grateful for the efforts being made by the government to support farmers. From those at the beginning to intermediate stages, we are leaving no one and no place behind. The government is encouraging farmers to become food secure at the household level as we stock up our national grain reserves,” she noted.
This farmer-led initiative represents a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s agricultural transformation, demonstrating how targeted government support can create a virtuous cycle, in line with the Second Republic’s philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.
