Members of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Lands and Agriculture have expressed satisfaction with the wheat production model being implemented by the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA). The legislators made the remarks during a tour of ARDA-supported farming projects in Mashonaland Central as part of a nationwide assessment of the country’s agricultural performance.
The committee is evaluating wheat and maize yields against national production targets, assessing ARDA’s contribution to the Strategic Grain Reserve, and examining measures aimed at improving productivity. Mutoko South legislator Isaac Tasikani, who is a member of the committee, said the partnership between ARDA and local farmers was delivering encouraging results.
“We have been impressed by the wheat crop being grown on approximately 200 hectares under irrigation. What stands out most is the comprehensive support that ARDA has provided to make this project a success,” Tasikani said. He added that the committee would recommend increased government support for ARDA so that more farmers can access critical inputs and technical assistance.
Tasikani emphasised the need to involve young people in the programme, noting that wider adoption would strengthen Zimbabwe’s Strategic Grain Reserve, boost foreign currency earnings through agricultural exports, and create employment opportunities. “If replicated across the country, such partnerships would strengthen Zimbabwe’s Strategic Grain Reserve and boost foreign currency earnings. We will also advocate for more young farmers to be given opportunities to partner with ARDA,” he stated.
ARDA Chief Executive Officer Tinotenda Mhiko outlined the authority’s vision to expand irrigation to 25,000 hectares across its estates by 2030. “Increasing the irrigated area will enable us to raise productivity, improve climate resilience and ensure consistent production of strategic crops such as wheat and maize. This expansion will complement our production models and strengthen the Strategic Grain Reserve,” Mhiko said.
ARDA Operations Director for Commercial Production Shingirai Jenah explained that the production model brings together large-scale farmers through structured joint ventures, including the Strategic Grain Reserve 200+ Club, which comprises farmers with at least 200 hectares of arable land. The committee’s nationwide inspections are ongoing as Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to achieve food self-sufficiency and build a climate-resilient agricultural sector.
