By Yvonne P ManganiGOKOMERE – While many civil servants rely solely on their monthly salaries, a 53-year-old teacher from Stanislaus Primary School chose a different path, scooping the top farmer award in Matova Village, Ward 3 under Chief Zimuto, after excelling in the Pfumvudza farming method.Esther Mwapenya was named the overall winner during a field day held on April 17, 2026, which drew more than 200 villagers from different wards, councillors, and village heads.The guest of honour was Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Masvingo Provincial Advisory and Rural Development Services Director Courage Mahoya.Mwapenya, who planted Panner 53 seeds using the Pfumvudza method on seven plots, said she is expecting at least seven tonnes of maize. She encouraged other women to take up farming and avoid laziness, emphasizing that women are the backbone of the community.“I planted Panner 53 seeds through Pfumvudza on seven plots, and I am expecting plus or minus seven tonnes. “That is why I want to encourage other farmers, especially women, to use the Pfumvudza method because it is costeffective in terms of manure and moisture conservation,” said Mwapenya.The Pfumvudza programme, which requires minimal space and is ideal for smallholder farmers, allowed her to produce food for her family while still fulfilling her teaching duties.For her prize, she received two 20kg bags of Valley Seeds maize seed, an oxdrawn plough, chemicals and other farming implements.On his part, Mahoya said they were expecting a bumper harvest from Pfumvudza compared to last season since there were more hactarage under pfumvudza compared to the previous season.Valley Seeds National Chief Agronomist Tinashe Bvukumbwe urged farmers to follow the advice of agricultural extension officers.“Farmers, I encourage you to consider climate change because it is here to stay. As farmers, we should stand together and fight against it. Do not buy seeds just anywhere; first get advice from farming assistants because seeds differ from type to type,” said Bvukumbwe.Chief Zimuto Gilson Makusha, applauded the Pfumvudza programme, saying it had greatly benefited the community.“Problems are now few because most villagers are practicing Pfumvudza, from the chief down to the least resident. When we attend functions, even at funerals, we encourage people to practice this so as to achieve our President’s Vision 2030,” he said.Villagers under Chief Zimuto expressed happiness with the Pfumvudza programme and said they were more than ready for the next rainy season to practice it again.
