ARDA’s production model impresses Parly during nationwide tour

14By Nigel PfundeHARARE — The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Lands and Agriculture has commended the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority’s (ARDA) production models following a nationwide assessment of Zimbabwe’s wheat and maize performance.​The committee is currently touring ARDA estates across the country to evaluate crop yields against production targets, examine interventions to improve productivity, and assess ARDA’s contribution to the Strategic Grain Reserve as part of national efforts to build a climate-resilient agricultural sector.​Speaking after inspecting an ARDA-supported project in Mashonaland Central, committee member and Mutoko South legislator Isaac Tasikani praised the initiative as a potential blueprint for boosting national output.​“We are here in Mashonaland Central as the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Lands and Agriculture to assess farming activities being undertaken through partnerships between farmers and ARDA,” Tasikani said. “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 indicated that the committee will push for expanded state backing and greater youth participation in ARDA’s joint venture initiatives upon returning to Parliament.​“When we return to Parliament, we will advocate for increased Government support for ARDA so that more farmers can access critical inputs and technical assistance similar to what we have witnessed here,” he said.

“If replicated across the country, such partnerships would strengthen Zimbabwe’s Strategic Grain Reserve, boost foreign currency earnings through agricultural exports and create employment opportunities, especially for young people. We will also advocate for more young farmers to be given opportunities to partner with ARDA so they can contribute meaningfully to national development.”​Tasikani added that sustained investments in irrigation, mechanisation, and farmer support would position Zimbabwe to achieve national food self-sufficiency by 2030.​To meet these targets, ARDA is expanding its operational capacity across its landholding. ARDA Chief Executive Officer Tinotenda Mhiko outlined the authority’s long-term targets to enhance climate resilience and production consistency.​“Our vision is to expand irrigation to 25,000 hectares across ARDA estates by 2030,” Mhiko said.

“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, strengthen the Strategic Grain Reserve and create more opportunities for farmers to participate in commercial agriculture while contributing to Zimbabwe’s food security objectives.”Detailing the operational framework, ARDA Operations Director for Commercial Production Shingirai Jenah explained that the authority relies on strategic partnerships with large-scale producers.​“The Strategic Grain Reserve 200+ Club is an association of farmers with more than 200 hectares of land who have come together under a joint venture agreement with ARDA,” Jenah said. “Through this partnership, we are working collectively to increase grain production and contribute towards the country’s Strategic Grain Reserve.”​The parliamentary committee’s field inspections remain ongoing as lawmakers continue to review farm-level interventions, yield metrics, and structural contributions to national food security.ArdaparliamneofzimbabweTinomhiko HARARE — The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Lands and Agriculture has commended the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority’s (ARDA) production models following a nationwide assessment of Zimbabwe’s wheat and maize performance.​The committee is currently touring ARDA estates across the country to evaluate crop yields against production targets, examine interventions to improve productivity, and assess ARDA’s contribution to the Strategic Grain Reserve as part of national efforts to build a climate-resilient agricultural sector.​Speaking after inspecting an ARDA-supported project in Mashonaland Central, committee member and Mutoko South legislator Isaac Tasikani praised the initiative as a potential blueprint for boosting national output.​“We are here in Mashonaland Central as the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Lands and Agriculture to assess farming activities being undertaken through partnerships between farmers and ARDA,” Tasikani said.

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“Through this partnership, we are working collectively to increase grain production and contribute towards the country’s Strategic Grain Reserve.”​The parliamentary committee’s field inspections remain ongoing as lawmakers continue to review farm-level interventions, yield metrics, and structural contributions to national food security. Nigel PfundeNigel Pfunde is a Zimbabwean journalist and news editor based in Harare. He is known for his work with Express Mail Zimbabwe and has also served as News Editor at Zim Morning Post.

With a background in investigative and political reporting, Pfunde has covered a wide range of topics including fraud cases, government affairs, economic issues, and community outreach. His writing reflects a strong commitment to accountability and public interest journalism. Nigel Pfunde is a Zimbabwean journalist and news editor based in Harare. previous postZim tycoon Simon Rudland’s $30m Orangeville plant in Beitbridge goes live to boost local juice, jobsnext postIndian tourist busted at RGM airport for attempted diamond smuggling, visa overstay previous postZim tycoon Simon Rudland’s $30m Orangeville plant in Beitbridge goes live to boost local juice, jobs Zim tycoon Simon Rudland’s $30m Orangeville plant in Beitbridge goes live to boost local juice, jobs next postIndian tourist busted at RGM airport for attempted diamond smuggling, visa overstay Indian tourist busted at RGM airport for attempted diamond smuggling, visa overstay

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