Pfumvudza enhancing agricultural productivity: Minister Masuka

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Writes Violet Mashonga

 

The Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Dr Amxious Masuka, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to food security, emphasizing that the Ffumvudza program introduced by President Emerson Mnangagwa plays a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity.

 

Addressing farmers and stakeholders during a field day at Headman Peter Matanda’s homestead at Inlari Farm in Zvimba District recently, he urged farmers to take the initiative seriously, as it is designed to transform Zimbabwe into a food-secure nation and benefit other SADC countries.

 

Dr Masuka encouraged the youth to embrace farming as a business and to stop relying on being employed by others.

 

In a significant policy announcement, Dr. Masuka highlighted that all farming inputs, including seeds and financial support, will be distributed directly by the government rather than through traditional leaders.

 

Additionally, farmers will receive individual bank cards to access funds for agricultural production, ensuring transparency and efficiency in resource allocation.

Headman Matanda, the host farmer, shared his journey stating that he adopted the programme last year and has since witnessed a significant improvement in his yields.

 

“This initiative has given hope to small-scale farmers by promoting efficient land use under the theme ‘A small-scale land and greater harvest – we don’t have land to waste,” he said.

Matanda despite planting the maize crop, diversified into cotton farming, an uncommon sight in Mashonaland West. Representatives from the cotton industry expressed their desire to revive the sector and restore Zimbabwe’s reputation as a leading cotton producer.

 

The event saw participation from Valley Seeds and Growtrade, agricultural companies that provided high-quality maize and groundnut seeds to farmers.

Agritex pledged continued support to ensure that every farmer benefits from the Pfumvudza programme, making Zimbabwe a self-sufficient and prosperous agricultural nation.

The field day was attended by key figures in the agricultural sector including the Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Marian Chombo, who was represented by the permanent secretary Jaji.

 

It ended on a high note, with farmers expressing optimism about the future of agriculture in the country.