Government has intensified efforts to commercialise the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme through the introduction of small-scale irrigation centre pivots, a move designed to boost productivity, strengthen climate resilience and enable year-round production for smallholder farmers.
The innovation aligns with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which emphasises smart agriculture, climate-proofing and the use of appropriate technologies to enhance both household and national food security.
At Kent Farm in Mashonaland East Province, local manufacturer Berin Stockill has transformed former tobacco barns into a production hub for the small irrigation pivots. The facility is also creating employment for youths, who are receiving technical and engineering skills training.
One of the young workers expressed appreciation for the new opportunities.
“I want to thank President Emmerson Mnangagwa for opening avenues for us to work. We were trained in engineering skills and we are happy to be working. Many of us youths are now employed,” said one worker.
Smart climate-proofing and technology-driven agricultural solutions are key pillars of NDS2, announced by President Mnangagwa as part of efforts to secure the nation’s food future.
Stockill, who pioneered the Pfumvudza/Intwasa mechanisation concept, said the new pivots are designed to elevate smallholder farming.
“We initiated Pfumvudza/Intwasa and it has been successful. Now we have developed this pivot, which can irrigate one to five hectares using solar and a booster pump. It can double the yields currently achieved on Pfumvudza plots,” he said.
Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) Board Chairperson Ivan Craig said the technology could significantly transform smallholder farming.
“Commercialisation of Pfumvudza will be a game changer. These new small pivots can change livelihoods by allowing farmers to apply adequate water at any time instead of waiting for the rains.”
Government believes the commercialisation drive will accelerate irrigation development, an essential component of sustainable food and nutritional security.
ARDA Chief Director Medellin Magwenzi highlighted the impact already being seen.
“The yields here are double what farmers are currently achieving. We will work around the clock to ensure the Pfumvudza concept goes commercial so that the three million farmers take farming as a business,” she said.
If widely adopted, the small centre pivots could enable thousands of Pfumvudza/Intwasa farmers to diversify and produce a variety of crops throughout the year, marking a major step toward modernising Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector.
