-Pfumvudza on course
Roseline Mutare
Masvingo Province has achieved 94% of its targeted wheat production, despite challenges posed by recent wet weather conditions.
Provincial agricultural officer, Caristo Nobert Masiiwa, expressed optimism that the remaining crop would be harvested in time before the actual onset of the rainy season.
He said the province had a target of planting 4000 hectares but managed 3000 and 2820 hectares had been harvested by end of week.
Meanwhile, preparations are on course for record 2024/25 Pfumvudza/Intwasa program, with 84% of the targeted one million plots ready for planting.
The program aims to enhance food security through climate-resilient farming practices.
“We encourage farmers to allocate portions of their land to Pfumvudza, focusing on maize and traditional grains suitable for their agro-ecological regions. Provincial targets include 350,000 hectares for cereals, 63,000 hectares for Pfumvudza, and 200,000 hectares for maize only for irrigation and natural region three,” said Masiiwa.
Masiiwa encourages irrigation farmers, to work closely with local extension officers, condition their soil, and explore alternative crops like potatoes, sweet potatoes.
Masvingo Province’s progress in Pfumvudza is a positive step towards achieving food security and self-sufficiency.
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Obert Jiri, elaborated the Pfumvudza/Intwasa program.
“We are pleased to report significant progress in preparing for the 2024-25 summer season. As of October 21, 2024, 70% of targeted Pfumvudza plots, totaling 6,633,611, are ready for planting, with a goal to complete preparation of at least 9,500,000 plots by October 30, 2024. Notably, 64% of households have prepared at least one plot, and 41% have prepared three or more,” he said.
“Our focus now shifts to ensuring timely input delivery, with 45% of targeted basal dressing fertilizer already delivered to GMB depots. We urge farmers to guard against quelea birds, maintain adequate irrigation, and prepare standard fireguards around wheat fields, aiming to complete harvesting by October’s end” he added.
Jiri also emphasized that, the summer season preparation is funded through public, private, development partners’ support, and public-private partnerships, there is 15,000 hectares to be developed, 90,000 hectares available for summer irrigation, and over 14,285 tractors and 305 combine harvesters available.
“Our priorities include providing affordable locally available fertilizers, timely provision of herbicides and pesticides, uninterrupted electricity supply, and appropriate work tools for staff. Risk management strategies, including weather-indexed insurance and area yield insurance, are also in place to climate-proof the 2024-25 summer season,” said the Permanent Secretary.
