The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Lands and Agriculture has praised the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) for its successful wheat production model, vowing to lobby for increased government funding to expand the programme nationwide.
During a tour of an ARDA-supported farming project in Mashonaland Central, committee member Isaac Tasikani said the 200-hectare irrigated wheat crop showed the strength of the partnership between farmers and the authority. “The comprehensive support ARDA has provided is what stands out. We will advocate for more resources when we return to Parliament so more farmers can access similar inputs and technical help,” he said.
Tasikani added that prioritising young farmers in future joint ventures would boost national agricultural output, strengthen the Strategic Grain Reserve, and create jobs. He expressed confidence that with sustained investment in irrigation, mechanisation, and farmer support, Zimbabwe could achieve food self-sufficiency by 2030.
ARDA Chief Executive Officer Tinotenda Mhiko said the authority aims to expand irrigation to 25,000 hectares across its estates by 2030. “This will raise productivity, improve climate resilience, and ensure consistent production of strategic crops like wheat and maize,” Mhiko explained.
Operations Director for Commercial Production Shingirai Jenah noted that the model brings together large-scale farmers through the Strategic Grain Reserve 200+ Club, a joint venture for farmers with at least 200 hectares of arable land. The committee continues its nationwide inspections to assess yields against production targets and evaluate ARDA’s contribution to national food security.
