MARONDERA- More than 1000 households from Ward 15 in Marondera district recently
received full packages of inputs under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme at a provincial
launch of the programme which was officiated by the Minister of State for Mashonalad East
Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Dr Aplonia Munzverengwi.
The Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme is a climate smart agriculture approach which
recommends to farmers the use of conservative farming techniques, improved seed and
organic fertilisers for an increased yield.
In Marondera West constituency’s Ward 15, beneficiaries who had prepared their plots for
the 2023/2024 summer cropping season received the inputs and that marked the provincial
launch of the farming programme which is supported by the Government.
Margaret Mutamba who was one of the beneficiaries of the programme received her inputs
and thanked President Emmerson Mnangagwa for making sure that the inputs were availed
to farmers early. She prepared five plots.
“I am thankful to President Mnangagwaand the Government for these inputs. Early
distribution of the inputs gives us the confidence and willpower to work hard on our fields so
that at the end of the day, we will be in a position to produce high yields that boost our food
security at household level. Ever since my family was introduced to this programme, we
have never been short of food. This programme has indeed uplifted our livelihoods.
“We are always getting bumper harvests each and every year and we have also been able
to sell our surplus produce to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB). This is commendable and
we give thanks to the President for remembering us. We also thank the agriculture extension
officers for being on the ground, guiding us to carry out our farming activities properly at all
times. In a big way, their expertise has helped us to be food secure,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Maxwell Mudzimuirema said they are ready to plant, as they had
already finished preparations.
“At this moment, we are just waiting for the rains. Our plots are ready and today we received
our inputs. We are excited about that. The Pfumvudza programme is commendable and all
that we need to do is to work hard,” he said.
Before launching the programme Dr Munzverengwi first toured prepared plots from selected
households in the same ward where she urged more households to join.
“We saw it important to give inputs to the farmers who had prepared at least three plots so
that inputs would not be put to waste. President Mnangagwa loves everyone, hence the
mantra leaving no one and no place behind. We must love and support one another as we
go about our farming activities. I am happy to see that we have farmers who work hard to
feed their families and the nation.
“In our province, the best Pfumvudza/Intwasa farmer comes from Mutoko district and the
best Minister in Pfumvudza farming is from Mashonaland East. This is all because of your
hard work which is going a long way to boost food security at both household and national
levels. There are reports from weather experts that this season, we may receive normal to
below normal rainfall. This means that this this concept is the best foot forward as it will
ensure food security even if we receive low rainfall.”
The Minister urged people to follow the recommendations by Agritex officers when
implementing the Pfumvudza concept. She also called on all traditional leaders to encourage
their communities to prepare their plots.
She advised the people that inputs such as seed and fertiliser had already been sent to the
Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depots for distribution and the onus was now upon farmers to
work hard on their fields.
Dr Munzverengwi warned against corrupt distribution of the inputs, adding that inputs under
the Zunde RaMambo concept should be promptly distributed as well.
