Story by Tendai Munengwa
THE Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) says its climate-smart agro-ecological farming model is yielding significant results, with the parastatal expected to contribute more than 300 000 tonnes of grain to the National Strategic Grain Reserves this season.
The development comes as ARDA intensifies winter wheat production across the country, targeting 65 000 hectares under cultivation as part of broader efforts to strengthen national food security.
In Mazowe District, Mashonaland Central Province, farmers participating in Government-backed joint venture schemes are expanding production of maize, sorghum and wheat under ARDA-supported programmes.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr Phibeon Mutibura, said the partnerships have enabled him to scale up operations and transition into wheat farming.
“I started farming in the 2023/2024 season with 150 hectares of maize. I am currently harvesting 400 hectares of sorghum and another 250 hectares of maize. I am also transitioning to wheat, where I am putting 150 hectares under production,” he said.
“I have achieved all this through joint ventures with other farmers and, more importantly, with ARDA, which is providing inputs, harvesting resources and access to the GMB market. Through these joint ventures, the country’s national food security is guaranteed.”
ARDA Operations Director Mr Shingirai Jena said the authority has recorded notable success under its climate-smart agro-regional ecological programme, particularly in the production of traditional grains.
“Over 700 hectares of sorghum have been produced under the agro-regional ecological plan, which is a climate-smart programme. A bumper harvest of traditional grains has been recorded, with an expected output of about 200 000 tonnes of traditional grains and 140 000 tonnes of maize, all destined for the National Strategic Grain Reserves,” said Mr Jena.
He added that the programme is now shifting focus towards winter wheat production, with planting already underway in several parts of the country.
“The programme is also transitioning to wheat, with 65 000 hectares targeted for planting, while more than 11 000 hectares have already germinated. Logistics are being provided to all contracted growers to ensure they clear the summer crop and plant wheat on time,” he said.
Authorities say the climate-smart initiative is helping farmers adapt to changing weather patterns while improving productivity and sustainability in the agricultural sector.
Under the Second Republic, ARDA has emerged as a key institution in the revival of Zimbabwe’s Strategic Grain Reserves programme, supporting efforts to guarantee national food security and reduce vulnerability to climate-induced shocks.
