Farmers in Muvhundisi village in Chivi district say they are already preparing for the next farming season under the the Pfumvudza programme.
In an interview with Hevoi FM News, most of the farmers hailed pfumvudza as the ultimate tool to take them out of hunger and famine in this drought ridden region.
“I can’t wait. Last year I witnessed a bumper harvest. This year I thank the authorities for availing us with yet another opportunity to utilise the land using this approach.” Said Tapiwa Pwide
Other farmers said that pfumvudza was essential considering the rate at which cattle are dying as a result of January disease. “Cattle are dying. Pfumvudza is indeed a life saver.” said one farmer who refused to be named.
In a bid to curb poor crop production by most of the farmers, the government in 2020 introduced pfumvudza, a crop production intensification approach that has seen efficient use of resources and labour on a small area of land.
Masvingo Provincial Agronomist Sabina Chaduka said that farming preparations have heightened in the province and agriculture extension staff had recently been equipped with expertise to implement the pfumvudza programme.
“Extension workers have undergone training. They will as well go ahead to impart these skills to rural farmers so as to ensure that the project is a success. More small areas have been accorded to farmers.”
The government has trained nearly two million farmers to implement this conservative approach for good yields.