A Kezi farmer has been hailed for taking climate proof agriculture seriously, which has resulted
in her looking forward to realising a bumper for the second year running.
Sithokozile Sibanda’s farming prowess was for all to see during a field visit at her farm, which
was graced by top agricultural Government officials.
The Government embraced climate smart agriculture in the 2020/21 season through the
Presidential Climate Proof Input Scheme also known as Pfumbvudza/Intwasa.
Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services Chief Director, Professor Obert Jiri,
praised Sibanda on her successful farming venture and said climate-proofing had played a
pivotal role in food production and productivity.
Under the Smart climate-proofing we will surely achieve milestones. Seeing women taking part
in male-denominated worlds and thriving in it surely shows that the agricultural industry is
gender neutral.
However, famers should not be discouraged from farming maize. If it suits your land go for it,
our goal is to have a food secure nation, said Professor Jiri.
Matabeleland South Acting Provincial Director for Agricultural Rural Development and
Advisory Service, Mkhunjulelwa Ndlovu, said food security started at the household level.
For a nation to be food sufficient, it starts at household level. We expect good harvests,
especially under this good cloud of Cyclone Freddy. Our soil moisture is good and famers should
guard against birds, he said.
An ecstatic Sibanda said she was humbled for the high delegation to tour her farm and was
happy to reap good harvests after years without any success, until the climate proof agriculture
began during the 2020/21 season.
I did not have any story to tell before climate proof agriculture. Realising that I was on arid
lands, I was attracted to the new agriculture scheme. I am very grateful to the Government
programme.
“This is my second year, where I will once again record bumper harvests as people have seen
during the tour of the farm,” she said
A tour of the farm was a marvel to see acres of rapoko, millet, groundnuts and sorghum, a clear
testimony on the impact of climate-proof agriculture.
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