Mnangagwa issues stern warning to Agritex officers

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has issued a stern warning to Agritex extension officers to ensure equitable distribution of agricultural inputs under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa scheme, stressing that no farmer or community should be left behind. The President made the remarks during the Zanu-PF National Consultative Assembly meeting held at the party's headquarters in Harare on Friday.

"Tanzwa kuti kune vamwe vashandi veAgritex kuma tunhu varikunyima vanhu mbeu. Ministry ye Agriculture ngaigadzirise izvozvo. Mbeu yenyika ngaisvike kuruzhinji rweZimbabwe," President Mnangagwa stated, urging the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development to ensure impartiality in the allocation of seeds, fertilisers, herbicides, and pesticides.

The Presidential Inputs Scheme, designed to be climate-resilient, is already underway, with smallholder farmers having prepared over 14 million Pfumvudza/Intwasa plots for the 2025/26 summer cropping season. The initiative, which has evolved from a drought-relief program into a comprehensive conservation agriculture method, prioritises agro-ecological zoning, ensuring that crop varieties align with regional climatic conditions. Maize will dominate wetter Regions 1 and 2, while sorghum and millet will be promoted in drier Regions 4 and 5 and parts of Region 3 to enhance drought resilience.

President Mnangagwa highlighted the role of the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme in Zimbabwe's food security, noting that smallholder farmers contribute up to 70 percent of the country's food production. He called for strengthened cooperation among party members, farmer organisations, government ministries, and departments to ensure a successful summer cropping season.

The President also emphasised broader agricultural investments, including dam construction, irrigation development, and the establishment of green belts through the expansion of irrigated land. He said these initiatives were key to modernising the agriculture sector and achieving Vision 2030.

"So far, our collective efforts are yielding fruit with the agriculture sector realising record-breaking harvests in strategic crops such as maize, wheat and tobacco," he said, urging farmers to continue producing enough to feed households, support national food security, and provide raw materials for the country's growing industrial sector.

In addition, President Mnangagwa noted that government measures to strengthen economic discipline and promote a stable currency were beginning to yield positive results. He called on citizens to remain vigilant against individuals seeking to undermine the country's progress, economy, and national image.

The 2025/26 Pfumvudza/Intwasa season promises a robust rollout of inputs, with the government prioritising efficiency, transparency, and the equitable support of farmers across Zimbabwe.