Pfumvudza Programme Targets 16 Million Plots as Government Prepares for El Niño.

Witness Runodada

The government has made progress in preparations for the Pfumvudza programme, with more than 9.6 million plots already established as the country steps up efforts to strengthen food security ahead of the anticipated El Niño-induced drought.

Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development Anxious Masuka said preparations for the smallholder farming sector were targeting three million households, with each beneficiary expected to establish three Pfumvudza plots during the current agricultural season.

However, the programme aims to achieve 16 million Pfumvudza plots, covering approximately one million hectares, as part of the Government’s strategy to boost agricultural production and build resilience against climate change.

“More than 9.6 million Pfumvudza plots have already been done, putting the programme on target to achieve 16 million plots, which is one million hectares under Pfumvudza,” said Masuka.

The distribution of agricultural inputs under the Presidential Input Programme, the movement of basal fertiliser had reached about 45 percent.

However, he said the country had adequate supplies of top-dressing fertiliser and maize seed to meet the requirements of the programme.

“About 45 percent of basal fertiliser has been moved, while 100 percent of the required top-dressing fertiliser and maize seed is available. Almost 30 percent of the sorghum seed required is also available,” he said.

With the country anticipating challenging weather conditions, the government is encouraging farmers to diversify their crops by including traditional grains, which are generally more tolerant of dry conditions than maize.

According to Masuka, each of the three million beneficiaries was expected to grow a traditional grain crop to reduce the impact of drought and improve household food security.

“In this drought year, each of the three million beneficiaries is expected to grow a traditional grain crop to climate-proof themselves against the anticipated super El Niño this season,” he said