Story by Courage Bushe
THE Pfumvudza/Intwasa Programme continues to prove to be a game-changer in the face of climate change, with some farmers in the Midlands Province ready to smile all the way to the Grain Marketing Board.
There is increased enthusiasm among farmers in the Midlands province who are optimistic of a good harvest under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa concept introduced by the government to climate-proof the agriculture sector.
Farmers who attended a provincial field day held at Nichrut Farm in Shurugwi this Friday took the opportunity to exchange notes and farming ideas.
“We cannot be people that are always begging, we should also be able to supply to other countries. We thank the government for the support and we are ready to transform our agricultural sector,” a farmer said.
Host farmer Mr Nicholas Gara is a shining example of the successful implementation of the Pfumvudza concept as he followed calls by the government for climate-smart agriculture.
“I have followed all the government’s calls for climate-smart agriculture, and Pfumvudza, which helped me to achieve what you see here. I am, however, seeing value in farming, and I intend to extend the hectares under farming this year,” he said.
Midlands Provincial Director of Agricultural Rural Development and Advisory Services, Ms Busiso Mavankeni implored farmers to prioritise increasing crop production.
“As a country, we need to produce what is sufficient for the country so that next time, we produce surplus for export. This is why the government introduced many programmes like Pfumvudza and Command Agriculture. We also need women to take leading roles in feeding the nation,” she said.
The field day was also an opportunity to showcase how viable farming has the potential to create employment.
