Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement, Dr John Basera says government was looking at mechanising and modernising agriculture through the Pfumvudza/Intwasa Programme following sufficient rainfall during the 2020/21 season.
Mr Basera said this while officiating at the launch of the Pfumvudza/Intwasa Training of Trainer for the 2021/22 season at Foundations for Farming in Domboshawa on Friday.
He said mechanising smallholder farmers was instrumental in the realisation of Vision 2030 and economically empowering farmers.
“Pfumvudza is a bit manual,
“For us to have a sustained and increased adoption, we need to mechanise. We have launched the Pfumvudza Training of Trainer programme where trainers will be equipped with knowledge and they go on to teach other extension officers and farmers on the Pfumvudza concept.” He said.
Dr Basera said the country expects at least 1 066 000 tones of maize from the Pfumvunza programme.
“We cannot overemphasise the importance of the Presidential Programme in 2020/21 season. Pfumvudza contributed 41 percent of the 2,7 million tonnes of maize.
“At least 1 066 000 tonnes of maize are expected from the Pfumvudza programme.” He said.
Zimbabwe is expecting more than three million kilogrammes of grains, with the increase in production also attributed to the good rains.
