… As pfumvudza programme targets 3 million rural farmers
By TellZim Reporter
Zimbabwe is targeting assistance for three million rural farmers in the 2025 summer cropping season with inputs, while peri-urban farmers have been excluded from this year’s programme.
This was revealed by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary, Prof. Dr. Obert Jiri, in a statement ahead of the summer cropping season, which he said is anticipated to be better than the previous season.
“This season we are focusing on four programmes, with Pfumvudza targeting 3 million households. This year there will not be any support to peri-urban farmers, so it is predominantly for the rural beneficiaries,” said Prof. Dr. Jiri.
Prof. Jiri said the ministry was ready for the farming season, with both seeds and fertilizer available.
“Under the Pfumvudza programme, the government is ready; we have all the seeds in the country, and some of the seeds have started to be moved to our usual Grain Marketing Board depots.
“In terms of fertilizer, we have carry-over stock from last season, and it is available for farmers. We are also working with suppliers to ensure that we do not have shortages and do not delay in terms of delivery,” he said.
He implored farmers to adopt agro-ecological tailoring to ensure success, with farmers in regions four and five, as well as other parts of region three, encouraged to consider growing traditional grains. Those in regions one and two can grow maize, although they are also urged to consider traditional grains.
“We are following agro-ecological tailoring, where we are saying in regions three, four, and five, we are putting predominantly traditional grains. Farmers must grow what is appropriate for that region. In regions one and two, maize should be the predominant crop, but we also encourage those farmers to consider growing traditional grains because they do well,” he said.
Prof. Jiri also stated that farmers who honored the government’s request to return 10kg of grain would be given top preference in the distribution of inputs, in recognition of their commitment.
“Farmers who benefitted last year and have given their 10kg appreciation to His Excellency become the priority in terms of getting Pfumvudza inputs, of course after doing their holing out and mulching. Those dedicated and thankful farmers should get priority. It is all systems go as we wait for the start of the season,” said Prof. Jiri.
The country is anticipating a better season, with normal to above-normal rains expected.
