Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
MASHONALAND CENTRAL – THE Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) has received commendation from Parliamentarians for its pivotal role in boosting national food security through high-impact joint venture programmes, which have delivered bumper harvests in maize and soya beans while ensuring an early start to the wheat cropping season.
During an assessment tour of joint venture farms in Matepatepa and Glendale, Members of Parliament expressed satisfaction with the progress made under ARDA’s model, which combines private sector efficiency with state-supported agricultural input provision.
At Malvin Farm in Matepatepa, legislators witnessed an ongoing 500 hectare joint venture where farmers are harvesting 100 hectares of maize and simultaneously planting 100 hectares of wheat signalling smooth transition into the winter season.
“We are seeing results from years of partnership with ARDA. The improvement in yields is notable we are more productive now because we are working together as a unit. We encourage farmers that when they get inputs from contractors, they should use them wisely so that the contractors have trust in them,”he said.
At Kwayedza Farm in Glendale, the tour highlighted the success story of Mai Gezi, who cultivated 100 hectares of maize under an ARDA joint venture, alongside another 100 hectares which she financed independently.
The outcome has been impressive, with yields reaching 7.5 tonnes per hectare, translating to nearly 750 metric tonnes of maize.
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development, Honourable Felix Maburutse, hailed the ARDA model as a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s agricultural transformation.
“This is a success story of the land reform programme. The performance by Mai Gezi demonstrates the potential of women in agriculture, and the effectiveness of joint ventures in unlocking productivity,” he said.
Echoing similar sentiments, Mazowe Central legislator, Honourable Maxmore Njanji, said the model aligns with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s inclusive development agenda.
“Mazowe is reclaiming its place as a breadbasket of the nation thanks to productive partnerships. These joint ventures ensure that no one and no place is left behind,” he noted.
Acting ARDA Director, Forbes Mawodza, urged farmers across the country to collaborate with ARDA, describing the parastatal as a key instrument in the Government’s war against hunger.
“We supply inputs on time, and we ensure sustainable yields. We consider ourselves soldiers fighting to end hunger. Through joint ventures, farmers benefit and the nation achieves food security,” he said.
With maize harvesting nearing completion, ARDA has already shifted focus to the winter cropping season, targeting over 60 000 hectares of wheat, in line with government’s national food production strategy.
As Zimbabwe continues to pursue self-sufficiency in staple crops, ARDA’s joint ventures are proving to be an effective tool in modernising agriculture, boosting yields, and transforming rural livelihoods.
