Theseus Mauruki Shambare
Agriculture Correspondent
TTHE Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) is targeting 100,000 hectares under its 2026/27 summer cropping programme as Zimbabwe steps up efforts to strengthen national grain reserves ahead of an anticipated El Niño-induced drought.
The authority will place 60,000 hectares under irrigation, while the remaining 40,000 hectares will be planted with climate-smart crop varieties to sustain production amid forecasts of reduced rainfall.
Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said the programme would synchronise operations across ARDA estates, A1 and A2 joint-venture growers, irrigation scheme business units, and clustered smallholder farmers.
“ARDA 2026/27 summer plan targets crop production of 100 000 hectares (60 000 hectares under irrigation and 40 000 under climate-smart varieties) across ARDA Estates, A1 and A2 Joint Venture Growers, Irrigation Scheme Business Units and Clustered Smallholder Farmers to further augment the Strategic Grain Reserve (SGR) to withstand the predicted El Niño drought,” Prof Jiri stated.
He revealed that 187,704 tonnes of summer cereals from the 2025/26 agricultural season had already been delivered to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB), with a portion channelled towards immediate milling requirements and price stabilisation.
“A total of 187 704 tonnes of summer cereals from the 2025/26 season were delivered to GMB, including 31 293.46 tonnes which went for immediate milling requirements and price stabilisation,” he added.
Meanwhile, winter wheat deliveries have reached 60,529.3 tonnes as harvesting continues across the country. ARDA chief executive Mr Tino Mhiko indicated that more grain is expected to enter the national marketing system as farmers finalise post-harvest processing.
“To date, 60 529.3 tonnes of winter wheat have been delivered, and harvesting is in progress,” Mr Mhiko said. “The bulk of the harvested grain rests on farms, undergoing bagging and grading, and some fields await the combine.”
Mr Mhiko confirmed that the authority had now shifted its primary operational focus towards the incoming agricultural cycle: “We are quickly transitioning into summer cropping season.”
