Moffat Mungazi
Josephine Nyamwanza
Correspondent
IN a strategic move to boost food security and cut the country’s wheat import bill, Agriculture Rural Development Authority (ARDA), has unveiled an ambitious plan to plant 60 000 hectares of winter wheat during the 2025 season.
ARDA, which manages thousands of hectares of State farms across the country, including Manicaland, is determined to play its part in the Wheat-Based Food Security Strategy through working closely with farmers, private contractors and local authorities.
Thrust will also be on increasing production per unit area beyond five tonnes per hectare, in a bold step aimed at strengthening the country’s food security and cutting down on wheat imports.
For the 2025 season, Manicaland targets to plant 13 000 hectares of wheat, targeting a yield of 4,5 tonnes per hectare to produce 58 500 tonnes, a significant increase from the 52 000 tonnes produced last season.
This comes as Government has set the highest-ever target of putting 120 000 hectares under the winter wheat crop in 2025, to enhance national food security and reduce reliance on imports.
Under the plan, Zimbabwe is expected to produce 600 000 tonnes of wheat, surpassing last year’s output of 562 591 tonnes, and exceeding the national requirement of 360 000 tonnes for self-sufficiency.
Producing enough wheat for the country will spur the country’s import substitution drive, resulting in forex savings which will then be channelled to other sectors of the economy. ARDA board chairman and agronomist, Mr Ivan Craig said preparations for the wheat season are at an advanced stage across the country, and already 240 hectares have been planted in irrigation schemes ahead of the official window of May 1.
“We have hit the ground running, and more than 240 hectares have already been planted.
“We are working closely with farmers, private contractors, and local authorities to reach the set target of 60 000ha. The goal is to ensure that every available piece of land under irrigation is fully and efficiently utilised,” said Mr Craig. He said their initiative is part of Government’s broader Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation Strategy – designed to enhance productivity, promote climate-smart agriculture, and ensure a reliable supply of wheat to local millers.
“This is, not just about planting wheat, but transforming our agricultural systems to become more resilient, more productive, and ultimately, more self-sufficient,” said Mr Craig, highlighting the importance of collaboration among various players and stakeholders.
Mr Craig said by ramping up local production, ARDA hopes to, not only reduce the import bill, but stabilise the local supply chain, and cushion the country from global market fluctuations.
“The success of this programme depends on strong partnerships. We are working hand-in-hand with various stakeholders, including Agritex, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, and a host of private sector players.
“The wheat crop will be supported through private contractors, Government’s National Enhanced Agricultural Productivity Scheme (NEAPS), the Presidential Wheat Support Scheme, and self-financed growers,” he said, emphasising that with proper planning and timely access to inputs such as seed, fertiliser and irrigation infrastructure, the 60 000ha target can be exceeded.
ARDA was established in 1981 as a parastatal under the lands ministry, with the core mandate to spearhead agricultural development in rural areas through the management of State farms, irrigation schemes, and joint ventures with private investors.
Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has maintained the winter wheat producer price at US$450 per tonne for the 2025 season, amid high hopes that the country will be able to sustain the bumper yields achieved in the last few years.
The price is consistent with the previous year’s pricing structure, aimed at incentivising wheat farmers and boosting local production.
Wheat farmers welcomed the standard wheat price of US$450 per tonne, which they say aligns with the import parity threshold, and allows them to earn a profit to finance future production.
Online Reporter