MUTASA-The 2023/24 Pfumvudza/Intwasa cropping programme was launched
last week in Mutasa district by Government, with high expectations that the
climate matching distribution method will consolidate food security in the
region.
Manicaland last season recorded a successful summer cropping season with
Mutasa district as one of the best performing in the province.
Speaking at the launch at Mutenha Farm in Hauna, Agriculture and Rural
Development Advisory Services, Chief Director, Professor Obert Jiri warned
farmers against misuse of Pfumvudza inputs by both farmers and Agritex
officers stating those found wanting would face the wrath of the law.
“We have had several cases whereby non committed farmers have been found
to be on top of the distributio0n lists on districts and provinces. Such behavior is
uncalled for as this is counter-productive in terms of attaining food sufficiency
and security in the country.
“Those who shall be caught engaging in such ill practices and end up selling
these inputs shall definitely be brought to book as this is a direct defiance of
President Mnangagwa’s directive for all to be provided with inputs for
enhanced productivity,” said Prof Jiri
He emphasised that inputs were meant to be used for farming and ensuring
household food security in the district and not meant for resale as these inputs
are given out for free under the Presidential Inputs Scheme.
A total of 400 000 farmers in Manicaland are set to receive inputs under the
Pfumvudza/Intwasa Inputs Scheme as Government aims to enhance
productivity in the agricultural sector.
With a forecasted El Nino induced drought during the 2023/24 farming season,
Government is sparing no energy in ensuring that agricultural inputs reach
farmers in time to begin planting in earnest as soon as they receive the first
rains.

The Meteorological Services forecasted a normal to below normal rainfall
pattern this year with Agritex officers encouraging farmers to make effective
use of rains received.