The much-anticipated Pfumvudza/Intwasa Programme has officially kicked off in Insiza North, marking the start of Zimbabwe’s 2025/26 summer cropping season. The national launch, held at Kombo Village, drew thousands of farmers, community leaders, and Government officials in a show of unity and commitment to climate-resilient agriculture.
The event comes as rains have begun to fall across much of the country, a promising sign for the new season and a fitting backdrop to a programme that has become central to Zimbabwe’s fight against food insecurity. Under the Second Republic’s vision, Pfumvudza/Intwasa has emerged as a cornerstone strategy to counter the devastating effects of El Niño-induced droughts and ensure agricultural productivity even under unpredictable weather conditions.
Speaking at the event, officials highlighted how the programme continues to empower rural communities, particularly smallholder farmers, to increase yields through climate-smart and conservation agriculture practices. Currently, over 1.6 million vulnerable households are benefiting from the scheme, which supports the production of maize, small grains, soya beans, and sunflower among other crops.
Through the Pfumvudza concept, a well-managed 0.125-hectare plot can produce between 625kg and 1,500kg of maize grain, enough to feed a household of five for an entire year. This self-sufficiency model has proven transformative, shielding families from the harsh impacts of poor rainfall seasons and stabilizing food supplies at community level.
The programme’s success is part of the Government’s broader goal of achieving food security, improved nutrition, and economic resilience in line with Vision 2030, which seeks to position Zimbabwe as an upper middle-income economy.
In tandem with the agricultural rollout, the Government is also scaling up cloud seeding operations as part of efforts to guarantee consistent rainfall patterns.
Meteorological Services Department (MSD) Director, Mrs. Rebecca Manzou, revealed that two aircraft have already been deployed, one servicing the northern regions and the other the southern parts of the country.
“The cloud seeding programme reflects Government’s proactive approach to stabilising weather patterns in anticipation of the summer cropping season. This will help minimise the impact of mid-season dry spells and ensure farmers can plant with confidence,” said Mrs. Manzou.
The twin initiatives of Pfumvudza/Intwasa and climate intervention technologies underscore Zimbabwe’s growing reliance on science, innovation, and smart agriculture to combat the effects of climate change.
As the 2025/26 summer cropping season begins, the enthusiasm seen in Insiza North sets the tone for a renewed national spirit of resilience and productivity. The Pfumvudza/Intwasa Programme remains not just a farming model, but a symbol of Zimbabwe’s determination to secure food sovereignty and safeguard livelihoods in the face of changing climatic realities.
Great to see the Pfumvudza/Intwasa Programme kicking off with such strong community participation. This initiative has truly transformed smallholder farming and restored hope for many rural families. 🌱🇿🇼
Year after year, Pfumvudza continues to prove that with proper planning and resilience, Zimbabwe can achieve food security regardless of climate challenges. A commendable start to the 2025/26 season! 👏
A strong and united start for the 2025/26 summer cropping season! The Second Republic’s commitment to sustainable agriculture continues to deliver results where it matters most in the fields and households of Zimbabwe. 🇿🇼