Innocent Muraiwa
Farmers in Masvingo province have applauded the move by government in boosting the delivery efficiency of Pfumvudza farming inputs by disbursing ZW$ 4 billion for the transportation of inputs from collection points to every household free of charge.
Zaka-based farmer Samson Chidzirira said he was happy as a farmer that the inputs would reach farmers on time.
“We are very elated that the Pfumvudza inputs have been made readily available for use before the farming season begins and we are very much happy that we are going to produce better yields as compared to those of last year,” said Chidzirira.
Gutu based farmer Tongai Muzenda at Chindito Farm also expressed said he was relieved that government had prioritized the agricultural sector.
“Government has shown robust support in promoting agriculture and the move will sustain us to achieve the 2030 Upper Middle Economy Income which is an economic blue print embarked on by the government,” said Muzenda.
Chief Director in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water Fisheries and Rural Development Professor Albert Jiri said the initiative should be supported for food security.
“Agriculture is one of the most reliable sources of income which should be practiced so as to enhance food security for the country’s ten provinces.
“As proved to be among the fourteen main pillars of National Development Strategy 1, agriculture is the fast-tracking economy booster that dissolves almost 90percent of the country’s economic hardships”, said Jiri.
Masvingo Provincial Crop and Livestock Officer Aaron Muchazivepi urged farmers in the province to fully utilize Pfumvudza farming.
“Masvingo is an environment with fertile soils suitable for agriculture; the province will go an extra mile in lifting up the country’s agricultural position.
“I urge farmers in the province to take the Pfumvudza programme with extra vigilance as well as sticking to its policies so that the collective efforts will be seen producing better yields which will then help the country’s ten provinces to withstand food insecurities,” said Muchazivepi.
He however cautioned lazy farmers who put efforts in driving back the progressive Pfumvudza programme that they will be ex-communicated so that only united people work together in hastening up the agricultural sector.
Through the Presidential Inputs Scheme, government distributed essential inputs like maize seedlings, traditional grains and fertilizers.
