POPULAR Chitungwiza clergyman Madzibaba Simbarashe Nengomasha has demonstrated his expertise in farming with the man of the cloth clearly set for a bumper maize harvest at his Inora Farm in Wedza.

The Canaan Apostolic Sect leader, also known as Commander Simba, had a field day held at his farm recently after he successfully implemented the governmentinitiated pfumvudza/intuasa conservation agriculture programme on a sevenhectare piece of land.

The field day attracted a number of top officials in and outside Wedza among them Deputy Foreign Affairs minister David Musabayana, local traditional leader Chief Svosve Nyahuye and National Chiefs' Council member Chief Musarurwa.

Speaking during the event, Madzibaba Simba hailed government for initiating and implementing the pfumvudza agricultural concept saying it had improved food security at household levels.

“I would like to thank the government for introducing the pfumvudza programme this season which has resulted in improved yields, hence we are assured of enough food per household in many areas. The pfumvudza concept has proved to be fruitful and we are expecting the rollingout of more inputs in time for next season,” he said.

Government introduced the pfumvudza programme in a bid to alleviate hunger as well as coping with the effects of climate change through smart agriculture.

The programme has yielded results given the availability of normal to above normal rainfall this farming season.

Musabayana urged farmers to create fireguards around their crops to prevent them from destruction by veld fires.

“I urge all farmers to consider the issue of constructing fireguards around their fields and farms. This is because we had incessant rains this season, hence we have lots of grass which automatically means prevalence of veld fires. We need to protect our bumper harvests from fires,” said Musabayana.

Madzibaba Simba has a large following especially in Chitungwiza and Wedza areas.

He is known for his healing powers, performing miracles as well as prediction of the future.

The youthful leader has also been in the limelight for his generosity through donating an assortment of goods to a number of health centres like hospitals in the country.