Pfumvudza Shines in Manicaland: Farmer Commended for Outstanding Yields

By Ilyana Sithole

Chendambuya – Professor Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary of in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, yesterday lauded the remarkable success of the Pfumvudza/Intwasa program during a Green Field Day held at the homestead of Mr. and Mrs. Mudiwa in Ward 5, Chendambuya, Makoni North, Manicaland Province. Prior to the event, Prof. Jiri visited the plots of Shuviso Vangisai Chapu and Thandiwe Jordoni Mukonyora, witnessing firsthand the progress being made by local farmers.

The Permanent Secretary commended the Mudiwa family for their efforts in boosting the production of crops and working towards national food security through the use of green farming techniques, such as the use of organic fertilizers such as Relict P. He stressed the interconnection between healthy crops and resistance to disease, citing the need for environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

“The core objective of Pfumvudza is to ensure food security at the household, village, and community levels, which in turn contributes to national food security,” explained Prof. Jiri. He added that Manicaland Province, with a variety of agro-ecological zones, was most likely to benefit greatly from the programme. He was pleased that the 2023/2024 target for maize production of planting 273,031 hectares, was surpassed by an increase of 103%, “in addition, a total of 1,409,149 Pfumvudza plots were prepared, equivalent to 87,931 hectares against a target of 1,356,000 Pfumvudza plots. This is commendable Manicaland province”, he added.

Prof. Jiri also praised the Chiedza Farmer Field School learner, Mr. Mudiwa, for his total adoption of the Pfumvudza idea. “The four plots of land produced by the Mudiwa family are a paradise of food and nutrition security in Manicaland,” he remarked with hope that the family will have plenty to eat as well as sell part of it in order to acquire cash. Prof. Jiri also praised Chiedza Farmer Field School for empowering farmers through knowledge and skill.

The Permanent Secretary noted the value of organic fertilizers, like Relict P, made by Russian firm Genesis Global Fertilizer Solutions, and the value of such collaborations. He encouraged farmers to adopt technology and innovation to increase productivity and valued the cooperation with Practical Action, Genesis Fertilizers, and the Government of Zimbabwe in promoting regenerative agriculture.

“I was skeptical to apply Relict P organic fertilizers,” Mary Mudiwa said. “But having been guided and taught by Ministry extension officer Lynnet Samudzi, I gave it a try. I did exactly what they had told me to do, and the results were amazing. The fields where I had planted Relict P produced more than where I had planted artificial fertilizers. The crops are healthier, and the yields are improved. I am now convinced of the advantages of organic farming, and I appreciate the information and instruction given by the Ministry extension officers.”

In response to the recent outbreaks of armyworm, Prof. Jiri invited farmers to continually inspect their fields in order to detect early and curb the menace. He further invited Pfumvudza beneficiaries to unload at least one 50kg bag of maize to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB).

The field day ended with an award ceremony to honor the success of farmers in the area. Mr. and Mrs. Mudiwa were awarded first prize, followed by Mr. and Mrs. Mushonga for the second prize, among others. Prof. Jiri appreciated the Mudiwa family for allowing them to use their farm for the event and reaffirmed the government’s determination to achieve food security for everyone. He also appreciated partners, extension officers, Genesis Fertilizers, and Practical Action for their support.

In spite of man-induced and natural problems such as climate change, diseases and pests, wildlife damage etc the Pfumvudza program has irrevocably changed the landscape of agriculture in Zimbabwe. Its benefits are many:
* Improved Food Security: By enabling smallholder farmers to maximize output on minute pieces of land, Pfumvudza has greatly enhanced household food security.
* Climate Resilience: The focus of the program on conservation agriculture and climate-resilient approaches enables farmers to respond to evolving weather patterns.
* Improved Soil Quality: Encouragement of organic fertilizers such as Relict P improves long-term soil fertility and health.
* Economic Growth: Increased production translates to excess production, and farmers can earn income and better their living standards.
* Community Unification: Pfumvudza brings people together as farmers share information and implement best practices.

The success story of the Mukonyora’s, Chapu’s and the Mudiwa household, and countless others in Zimbabwe, is solid evidence of the good that Pfumvudza has achieved. It is testimony to the power of sustainable agriculture, community and government intervention in making a future where all have sufficient food.