Beverly Bizeki
A man from Zaka district in Masvingo became the talk of the nation after he walked away with a tractor after winning Pfumvudza farmer of the year award at the recently held Harare Provincial Agricultural Show.
Consen Mutasa from Ndanga was recognized for his outstanding work that has yielded more than four tonnes of grain on his plot.
“I feel greatly honoured. I also believe I deserve it after all the hard work. I truthfully thank the government of Zimbabwe specifically our president His Excellency E D Mnangagwa for honouring me. My family, friends and relatives are a happy people as well,” said Mutasa.
Mutasa who owns a plot in Ndanga boasts of harvesting an average of 3 to 4.5 tonnes of maize on his plot which is only close to a hectare.
“Before understanding the essence of Pfumvudza, my produce wasn’t even enough for my family of six but now farming on that plot is business. I produce an average of 3 to 4.5 tonnes of maize yet part of the plot is used for other crops like round nuts, rapoko, sweet potatoes, cowpeas and sunflowers,” he added.
Zaka District Agritex Officer Kennedy Pedzisai applauded Mutasa’s work and said they are still waiting for an official handover ceremony of the tractor.
Mutasa urged other farmers to practice Pvumvudza farming in order to beat climate change effects.
“Pfumvudza is the best farming method to curb the effects of climate change if its principles are carefully followed.
“Mulching and infiltration pits are keys to successful Pfumvudza farming. It is about better harvest on smaller pieces of farming land,” Mutasa said.
He said adhering to Pfumvudza principles, accepting and putting into practice the knowledge and advice from agricultural extension officers are some of reasons behind his success story.
