Pfumvudza: President Demands Fair Distribution, Warns Offenders

Itai Mazire

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has warned agricultural extension officers against denying farmers inputs under the Climate-Proofed Presidential Inputs Support Scheme, commonly known as the Pfumvudza/Intwasa Programme, saying distribution must be fair, transparent and reach every community as the summer cropping season intensifies.

Addressing the ZANU PF National Consultative Assembly in Harare on Friday, the President directed the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development to investigate reports that some officers were withholding inputs from farmers.

“We have received reports that some Agritex officers in certain areas are refusing to give farmers seed. The Ministry of Agriculture must correct that. The country’s seed must reach all Zimbabweans,” he said, warning that those found abusing the system would face severe consequences.

He emphasised that the Presidential Inputs Scheme, now in full swing, is meant to support all farmers, particularly smallholders who remain central to the country’s food security.
Distribution currently includes maize seed, fertiliser, herbicides and pesticides.

The President urged party structures, farmer organisations and Government departments to work together to ensure that the 2025/26 agricultural season remains on track, supported by investments in dams, irrigation expansion and greenbelt projects.

Smallholder farmers have so far prepared more than 14 million Pfumvudza/Intwasa plots, reflecting strong uptake of conservation agriculture, which has become central to national food production.

Over the past five years, Pfumvudza has evolved from a drought-relief intervention into a full production model focused on resilience and climate adaptation.

This season’s input rollout prioritises agro-ecological zoning, with maize promoted in the wetter Regions One and Two, while sorghum and millet will dominate in the drier Regions Four and Five, as well as parts of Region Three.

The Meteorological Services Department has forecast normal to above-normal rainfall in the south and normal to below-normal rainfall in the north.

President Mnangagwa said agricultural success remains the cornerstone of national industrialisation and the attainment of Vision 2030.

“So far, our collective efforts are bearing fruit, with the agriculture sector realising record-breaking harvests in strategic crops such as maize, wheat and tobacco. We must continue to feed ourselves at household and national level, as well as provide raw materials for industry,” he said.

“In rural communities, let us encourage one another to farm, fill our granaries, build thriving communities and transform people’s lives,” he added.

On the economy, the President said ongoing stabilisation measures are beginning to take effect but warned of individuals seeking to undermine progress.

“Let us remain vigilant against those who may attempt to undermine our country’s progress, economy and national image,” he said.