Online Reporter
Theseus Mauruki Shambare
The Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) says it is on course to achieve its target of delivering 450 000 tonnes of grain to the Strategic Grain Reserve (SGR), driven by growing partnerships with organised farmer groups and commercial producers.
The authority said collaborations with commercial farmers, joint venture partners and organised groups such as the SGR 200 – Hectare – Plus Club are boosting production through improved access to technical expertise, working capital and modern farming practices.
ARDA chief executive officer, Mr Tonotenda Mhiko, said the authority has adopted a multi-model production strategy that brings together commercial estates, A1 and A2 joint venture farmers, irrigation scheme business units and clustered smallholder farmers.
Speaking during a tour of a joint venture farming operation in Mazowe, Mr Mhiko said ARDA provides farmers with end-to-end support, from land assessment and production planning to harvesting and marketing, to maximise productivity and grain deliveries.
“Here we capacitated the farm with working capital for your inputs, with technical expertise, agronomy support from the point of land use mapping, soil testing, up until we harvest and market the produce,” he said.
“As you have seen, this is an excellent crop, testament to the expertise, the best management and the best agronomic practices that are imparted to these farmers by our team.”
Mr Mhiko said preparations were at an advanced stage to establish 110 000 hectares under the authority’s production expansion programme, with 75 000 hectares earmarked for irrigated maize production.
The remaining hectarage will focus on traditional climate-smart grains, with the total output expected to contribute significantly towards national grain reserves.
“Preparations are now at an advanced stage where we are establishing 110 000 hectares, and of that 75 000 hectares will be irrigated maize, then the balance supported by traditional climate-smart grains,” he said.
“All the produce that we are targeting is about 300, between 350 and 450 000 metric tonnes that will be destined for the Strategic Grain Reserve.”
The increased production drive is being supported through partnerships with organised farmer groups, including the SGR 200-Hectare-Plus Club, which brings together large-scale grain producers focused on commercial production and farmer mentorship.
SGR 200-Hectare-Plus Club vice chairperson Mr Simba Mugariri said initiatives supported by ARDA were helping farmers improve productivity through access to expertise, inputs and improved farming systems.
He said organised farmer groups were critical in accelerating agricultural growth by promoting knowledge sharing and mentorship among producers.
“Through these initiatives, farmers are getting the support they need to improve productivity and produce at a larger scale,” Mr Mugariri said.
“The objective is not only to increase individual farm output, but to contribute towards national food security.”
He said members of the club were producing grain for delivery to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) and the SGR, ensuring that increased production translates into national food security.
“As farmers, we understand that our role goes beyond producing for our own businesses. We are also contributing towards ensuring that Zimbabwe has enough grain reserves and remains food secure,” he said.
The Government continues to promote irrigation expansion, mechanisation and partnerships between landowners and investors as part of efforts to increase agricultural productivity and build resilience against climate shocks.
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