Zimbabwe has achieved a remarkable feat in its Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, a climate-smart agriculture initiative
Zimbabwe has achieved a remarkable feat in its Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, a climate-smart agriculture initiative that aims to boost crop productivity and food security.
According to a tweet by Professor Jiri, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, as of January 22nd, the country had planted a total of 11,932,505 Pfumvudza/Intwasa plots with maize, sorghum, groundnuts, cowpeas, and sunflower, equivalent to 744,588 hectares.
This means that Zimbabwe has exceeded its target of planting 9.5 million Pfumvudza/Intwasa plots for the 2023/24 season.
The Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme is a game-changer for Zimbabwe's agriculture sector, as it demonstrates the potential of using conservation farming techniques and improved inputs to achieve higher yields and resilience to climate change. The programme also empowers smallholder farmers, especially women and youth, to participate in the agricultural value chain and improve their livelihoods. The ministry deserves commendation for its efforts to support and monitor the implementation of the programme, as well as to provide extension services and inputs to the farmers.
We hope that the programme will continue to grow and contribute to the attainment of food self-sufficiency and surplus production in Zimbabwe.