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Herald Reporter

Government has taken the climate-proofed Presidential Input Programme commonly known as Pfumvudza to Gokwe district in the Midlands Province with preparations having started.

The process of holing now at an advanced stage, with farmers expected to receive inputs this week.

In a related matter, Cotton Company of Zimbabwe has to date provided tillage services for more than 2 000 hectares for cotton farmers in the same district under the Presidential Inputs Scheme where farmers are expected to get free inputs.

This comes as small-scale farmers across all eight rural provinces have been given the target of 1.8 million tonnes of cereals and 360 000 tonnes of oil seeds in the forthcoming summer cropping season under Pfumvudza, the climate-proofed upgrade of the previous Presidential Inputs Programme.

Pfumvudza promotes conservation farming techniques and involves use of small plots on smallholder farms and applying the correct agronomic practices for higher returns.

A visit in some areas in Gokwe North showed that several farmers had embraced the Pfumvudza project and have started digging holes riding on the forecast of good rains as pronounced by the Meteorological Services Department.

In an interview at the weekend, GMB depot manager for Gokwe Nembudziya, Mr Paul Mandandi said inputs from the Government were now at the depot and they intend to distribute them early in line with expectation of early and normal rains.

“The Pfumvudza programme has started and the process is being spearheaded by the Agritex officers.

“We have since received the inputs that is maize seed and fertiliser. The process of holing has started and quite a significant area has been covered,” said Mr Mandandi.

“While I cannot give figures off hand, I can assure you that we are within our target in terms of land preparation. We are geared to fulfil President Mnangagwa’s thrust to end hunger.”

On tillage for cotton, Cottco business development manager, Mr Chrispen Gwauya said more than 1 000 hectares had been completed in areas such as Sanyati, Gokwe Nembudziya, Chodha, Copper Queen, Chinyenyetu Kuwirirana and Chireya among others.

“We are currently in the process of engaging private players who want to partner Cottco in this programme so that we hire their tractors to ensure the programme is a success.

“We already have inputs and ready for distribution. We will also focus on women whom we have asked to constitute groups of 50,” said Mr Gwauya.

Mr Gwauya said they were buying groceries, grinding mills, wheel barrow and scotch carts for farmers given the limited withdrawal limits available for mobile money platform.

In a feedback constituency meeting to villagers at Nembudziya growth point held at the weekend, Gokwe Nembudziya legislator, Cde Justice Mayor Wadyajena warned farmers against selling Government inputs.

“Everyone who gets inputs from Cottco should sell their produce to the firm. Those who side-market their produce will face consequences,” said Cde Wadyajena.