Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
MANICALAND – THE Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA), in collaboration with farmers, is transforming the agricultural landscape in Zimbabwe through joint ventures that are proving to be game changers in boosting productivity across the country.
As part of the Second Republic’s initiative to optimise agricultural output and utilise idle land, the Government has been encouraging farmers with limited resources to enter into joint ventures to bridge funding gaps. This move aims to enhance both crop production and sustainable agricultural practices across the nation.
Speaking to the ZBC News during a fact-finding mission conducted by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, farmers at Terryden Farm in Headlands and Granite Flat Farm in Rusape shared how their joint ventures with ARDA are significantly improving agricultural productivity.
At Terryden Farm, Charles Kondo, the farm manager, highlighted the positive impact of the partnership.
“At Terryden, we have planted 200 hectares of commercial maize and 70 hectares of wheat, thanks to the support from the Muchekeranwa Dam, which was constructed by the government. ARDA provided us with essential inputs, disbursing them before the cropping season, enabling us to plant our wheat on April 20.”
Similarly, Tapiwa Francis Nyabadza, the owner of Granite Flat Farm, expressed his gratitude for the assistance from ARDA, which included seeds and fertilisers.
“We produce maize and wheat. ARDA provided the seed and fertilisers, and as farmers, we contribute by providing herbicides, insecticides, water, and tillage services. So far, we have cultivated 20 hectares of maize and 50 hectares of wheat. We are very satisfied with the support from ARDA.”
ARDA is optimistic about the continued success of these joint ventures.
ARDA’s Manicaland Regional Manager, Innocent Musiiwa shared the progress of the JV programme in the province, revealing a 7010-hectare wheat contract.
“In Manicaland, we have contracted 7010 hectares for wheat production. We are aiming to contribute at least 10 percent towards the national wheat target. Our focus now is on improving yields. Nationally, we are targeting 60,000 hectares to produce 300,000 metric tonnes of wheat.”
During the tour, the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Honourable Felix Saul Maburutse praised the impact of the joint ventures.
“We are here assessing the progress of the joint ventures between farmers and ARDA. In Headlands, Mr Mutwiwa has successfully planted 200 hectares of maize and 70 hectares of wheat with ARDA’s assistance. He is pleased with the partnership. At Granite Flat Farm in Rusape, Mr Nyabadza also commended ARDA’s support. From our assessment, we are confident that these joint ventures are indeed helping farmers and are essential in improving agricultural productivity.”
The committee also acknowledged the significant role played by the Muchekeranwa Dam in improving irrigation capacity for farmers in Headlands, noting that this infrastructure complements the government’s efforts to enhance irrigation agriculture and ensure national food security.
