The Sunday News
Sukoluhle Ndlovu, Sunday News Correspondent
The Midlands province is targeting to record 400 000 metric tons of maize this season due to Pfumvudza/Intwasa and Presidential Inputs farming programmes.
This was revealed by Midlands Provincial Affairs Minister Larry Mavima during a Provincial Chief’s Assembly meeting held in Gweru recently. Minister Mavima said the development will help alleviate hunger in different parts of the province.
“Let me thank you for your unwavering support in the government’s Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme. The programme was a resounding success in the province and we are expecting a yield of more that 400 000 metric tonnes of maize from this programme. Yes, we understand that crops in some areas did not do well due to excess rains, but we are confident that these areas will never go hungry because the province has more than enough maize,” he said.
Minister Mavima said over 280 000 households in the province registered under the Pfumvudza programme out of a targeted 275 000.
“We are happy that the response to this programme was very overwhelming as 285 482 farmers in the province registered under this farming project, which means we went beyond our target. This year the Government will quickly allocate farming inputs for the Pfumvudza programme to increase production and possibly double the yield we got this year,” he said.
Meanwhile, Senator Mavima said traditional leaders should play their role in encouraging people in their respective areas to get vaccinated against Covid-19.
“As chiefs it is very important that you encourage people in your areas to get vaccinated against coronavirus. Most people in rural areas still need to be educated about vaccination, hence the need to rope in chiefs as you have the authority and power to convince people.
“Our vaccination statistics as a province are not pleasing as only slightly above 28 000 have been vaccinated, hence more people need to be taught and encouraged to be inoculated,” he said.
He said the province has 110 000 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine in store, which means about 55 000 people can be vaccinated.
