By Flata Kavinga
Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube says Zimbabwe’s agricultural recovery efforts continue to bear fruit, with the country now among only two African nations to achieve wheat self-sufficiency.
Ncube made the remarks on today at Sayijeni Village in Silobela during the Midlands Provincial launch of the 2025/2026 Pfumvudza/Intwasa Presidential Input Programme, held at the homestead of Max Dumiso Siwela.
He said the milestone had been achieved despite the impact of climate change and economic challenges, crediting government agricultural policies, irrigation development and the rollout of climate-smart farming models such as Pfumvudza.
“Zimbabwe is now one of only two countries in Africa that attained wheat self-sufficiency,” Ncube said, adding that the country’s progress was supported by the Agriculture 8.0 model and expanded input support schemes.
The minister urged officials tasked with distributing Pfumvudza inputs in the Midlands to ensure the process is conducted quickly and fairly, warning that any abuses would be met with the full force of the law.
“I therefore implore expeditious distribution of inputs by all those tasked with the responsibility,” he said. “Abuse of inputs will not be tolerated and those caught diverting inputs will face the full wrath of the law.”
He emphasised that the programme must prioritise vulnerable groups such as the elderly, people with disabilities, the sick and child-headed families, in line with directives issued by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
A total of 500 farmers and traditional leaders from Kwekwe District received inputs during the launch, including Compound D fertiliser, Ammonium Nitrate, maize seed, sorghum seed and herbicides.
Ncube also directed agricultural extension workers to intensify farmer training, promote drought-tolerant crops and ensure thorough monitoring of Pfumvudza activities throughout the season.
The minister commended government investments in infrastructure—such as dam construction, irrigation rehabilitation and increased power generation—which he said were strengthening agricultural productivity and supporting national food security.
Ncube officially declared the 2025/2026 Presidential Inputs Support Programme launched, urging farmers to prepare adequately for the farming season as the province continues to receive early rains.
