Wenslus Murape
Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
MORE than 80 percent of agricultural inputs worth ZiG3 billion have so far been distributed to smallholder farmers under the Presidential Input Scheme countrywide.
Seed and fertilisers are part of the inputs being distributed, as Government moves to equip farmers for the 2024/25 cropping season.
This came out during the 2025 budget presentation by Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube recently.
Maize seed worth ZiG532,2 million, sorghum seed for ZiG57,2 million, basal fertilisers worth ZiG1,7 billion and top dressing fertiliser valued at ZiG687,6 million have been disbursed to date.
Farmers who spoke to The Herald recently said a bumper harvest in all crops was set to be achieved following the timeous distribution of inputs.
Mrs Margaret Munemo of Mazowe applauded the Government for making such strides to ensure no one was left behind in farming.
“We are grateful for the support. I am expecting a good harvest this season if we continue to get rains. This year’s distribution of inputs is a welcome development to most farmers because we cannot afford to buy inputs. We hail the Government for accelerating distribution of inputs so that farmers receive them on time,” she said.
Mr Taurai Magomo of Mutorashanga said the Government’s efforts to sustain families were greatly appreciated.
“We are thankful for the speedy distribution of inputs. We believe most farmers are going to utilise the inputs so that we achieve good yields, which are essential for food security,” he said.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development permanent secretary Professor Obert Jiri said the Pfumvudza programme was the best way of increasing the country’s food self-sufficiency, adding that farmers should embrace the programme.
“Farmers should take up the programme, as it ensures maximum productivity and guarantees food security. More than 80 percent of farmers have received inputs. This season the Government has remodelled the distribution of agricultural inputs under the Pfumvudza programme to match the agro-ecological regions where farmers are situated. This is critical as it guarantees food security,” he said.
The Government has also offered refresher training courses on Pfumvudza to farmers doing maize and other crops with 2,7 million farmers having been trained so far. At least five sources of funding are supporting the 2024/25 agriculture season: Government, the National Enhanced Agricultural Productivity Scheme (NEAPS), the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA), private sector and self-financing farmers.
The Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme is targeting 1,1 million hectares for the production of cereals, cotton, oilseeds and pulses during the 2024/25 agriculture season.
ARDA, which is contracting and providing technical support to farmers at various communal irrigation schemes, will be capacitated to meet Government’s target of 500 000 tonnes of summer cereals from 100 000 hectares.
NEAPS will mainly be financed through local financial institutions, while Government will extend partial guarantees to AFC to finance commercial farming activities.
The Pfumvudza programme, coupled with good conservation farming techniques and correct agronomic practices, could be the answer to the real threat that comes with climate change.
The concept is now replicated across Africa after showing positive results in Zimbabwe.
Online Reporter
