SAMUEL NJINGA IN MASVINGO
Chivi District is seeing remarkable progress under the Rural Development 8.0 program, with the introduction of business units that are significantly improving food availability, nutrition, and household security at the grassroots level. With 37 business units now operating in the district, of which 30 are village business units, 5 school business units, and 2 are chief business units, the initiative has proven to be a catalyst for community empowerment.
These business units are not only helping the local population to enhance their food production but are also bolstering economic stability in the region. As a result of the increased output, the district’s residents are benefiting from greater access to food and improved nutritional standards, which directly contributes to household food security.
Along with these business units, Chivi has also witnessed a surge in agricultural growth, thanks to the establishment of 6 functional irrigation schemes covering a total area of 388 hectares. The region has experienced normal to above-normal rainfall, which has also had a positive impact on water resources, with 18 dams in the district spilling over. This plentiful water availability ensures that agricultural activities continue thriving even during dry spells.
A significant milestone in Chivi’s rural development was marked recently at the Field Day ceremony at Mukungunugwa Homestead in Ward 5. The event, attended by over 5 000 farmers and dignitaries from government departments, Valley Seed CEO Temba Nkatazo who was in the company of the firm`s Commercial Business Director, Tichaona Mapongah, Acting Chief Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) Leonard Munamati celebrated the strides made in agricultural development. Dr. Addmore Pazvakavambwa, Permanent Secretary for Masvingo, representing Minister of State and Devolution for Masvingo, Ezra Chadzamira took the opportunity to commend the government for the successful implementation of the Pfumvudza farming initiative, which has transformed cereal, cotton, and horticulture farming in the district.
Valley Seed, one of the key contributors to the success of the program, supported 335 sorghum farmers, with special emphasis placed on sustainable agricultural practices. The introduction of Pfumvudza has had a significant impact on food production in the province, with a reported 27120 hectares of maize and 34 081 hectares of sorghum planted across the region. In Chivi, the district has made impressive strides, with 989 hectares of maize and 2 460 hectares of sorghum cultivated this season alone.
For the 2024/2025 farming season, Chivi exceeded expectations by targeting 16 345 Pfumvudza plots and achieving 101% of that goal. The district also boasts a network of 587 farmer field schools focused on crops and 201 dedicated to livestock, enhancing knowledge-sharing and practical training for local farmers.
Dr. Pazvakavambwa also took the time to recognize the efforts of Chivi North Member of Parliament, Godfrey Mukungunugwa, for his active involvement and support of the Pfumvudza initiative. He thanked the business community and development partners for their invaluable contributions to the district’s growth and agricultural success.
One of the ceremony’s outstanding participants, Thembisa Huruva Mukungunugwa of Ward 5, expressed her gratitude for the support she received from Valley Seed, Superfert, and the Agritex officers. “Our Agritex officers taught us the best approach to implementing Pfumvudza. They showed us how to scout for worms in our crops every morning. Superfert generously gave me Compound D, and Valley Seed provided all the necessary support. They urged me to grow the Green Mealie, which we call ‘Vahosi’ because of its massive output,” she said, emphasising the importance of collaboration and support in achieving success.
In an interview with this reporter, Mapongah indicated that the PAN 53 product was bringing desirable results to the majority of farmers in the country.
“We are very proud of this product because it is drought tolerant when the season is harsh and if grown under good management, it produces good yields,” said Mapongah.
Tinashe Bvukumbwe, an agronomist from Valley Seed, also spoke during a tour of the 0.3 hectare demonstration plot, urging farmers to continue adhering to best agronomic practices, especially in the face of changing climate patterns. His advice focused on sustainable farming methods that would allow farmers to adapt and thrive in the changing climate. Valley Seeds Company, which was showcasing its PAN 53 maize product, is also the producer of Pioneer and Pannar brands of maize seeds. It also produces cow peas, sorghum, tomatoes and sunflowers.
The agronomist`s advice was echoed by Munamati who buttressed by saying that farmers in Chivi district should grow small grains as the area is in the dry region.
MP Godfrey Mukungunugwa also took the opportunity to thank the government for introducing the presidential borehole scheme in the constituency, which he said had played a crucial role in bridging the development gap and enhancing water access for farmers and households.
As Chivi continues to make strides in rural development, the success of these business units, irrigation schemes, and agricultural initiatives signifies a bright future for the district, with increased food security, improved livelihoods, and a strong sense of community empowerment. (14 march 2025)