Online Reporter
Business Repoter
THE Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) is intensifying its focus on exports and value addition as it works towards achieving its dual mandate of ensuring national food security and generating foreign currency for economic sustainability.
This year, ARDA aims to increase export-oriented crop production to 30 percent, a significant jump from the current 12 percent, while also maintaining its target of producing 45 percent of the country’s strategic grain reserves.
The authority, which oversees over 400 irrigation schemes and manages 19 000 hectares under irrigation, is leveraging partnerships with institutions such as ZimTrade to penetrate regional and international markets.
ARDA chief executive officer Mr Tinotenda Mhiko underscored the importance of boosting export revenues to support the broader agriculture sector.
“We are working with parastatals like ZimTrade for marketing and production of our crops. At least 30 percent of our production we intend to dedicate to export crops to generate the much-needed foreign currency,” he said.
This strategic pivot aligns with national efforts to enhance agricultural exports, which remain a key driver of Zimbabwe’s economic growth. Economic analyst Mr Namatai Maeresera noted that increasing exports within the agriculture sector is crucial for stabilising the economy.
“Agriculture remains one of Zimbabwe’s biggest economic contributors. Through prioritising exports, ARDA is not only improving its revenue streams but also strengthening the country’s foreign currency reserves. This is particularly important in cushioning the economy against inflationary pressures,” Mr Maeresera said.
He added that the diversification into export crops would help mitigate risks associated with domestic market fluctuations, ensuring sustained profitability for farmers and agribusiness players.
In addition to increasing exports, ARDA is expanding its value-addition initiatives. The ARDA-run Best Fruit Processors plant in Norton is at the forefront of this effort, processing fruits into pastes and exploring additional product lines to maximise returns.
Mr Mhiko said ARDA is also focusing on value addition and beneficiation.
“Late last year we operationalised and retooled Best Fruit Processors. It produces 100 tonnes of tomatoes per day. We have gone further to guarantee a market for the villagers. This impacts GDP (gross domestic product) at the village level,” Mr Mhiko said.
ARDA’s director of commercial services Mr Dominic Sadziwa highlighted the plant’s plans for 2025, which include the production of 22 500 tonnes of tomato paste, with an eye on local and regional markets. The long-term vision is to diversify into juice production, expanding the plant’s product portfolio.
“We want to go further into value addition where we can produce tomato puree, and from the guava and other fruits, we intend to produce fruit juice. This will increase our returns. We have the local market, and regionally, South Africa prefers our tomato paste, which is regarded as organic. We are targeting to penetrate Europe and Asia,” he said.
Agronomist Ms Pamela Macheka applauded the move towards value addition, stating that it benefits both commercial and communal farmers.
“The expansion of value addition facilities like the Best Fruit Processors plant is a game-changer for Zimbabwean agriculture.
“Not only does it create a guaranteed market for communal farmers, but it also reduces post-harvest losses, which have been a major issue for local producers,” Ms Macheka said.
She further emphasised that increasing local processing capacity would reduce reliance on imported agricultural products, thereby strengthening the domestic supply chain.
A key aspect of ARDA’s strategy is integrating rural communities into commercial agricultural production. Through the provision of a steady market for communal farmers, the parastatal is fostering inclusive growth and rural transformation.
The involvement of smallholder farmers in ARDA’s initiatives ensures that they benefit from stable income opportunities, contributing to improved livelihoods in rural areas.
Mr Maeresera noted that such inclusive agricultural models are critical in reducing rural poverty.
“When rural farmers have access to structured markets, they can reinvest in better farming practices, boost productivity and ultimately improve their standards of living.
“ARDA’s approach of directly engaging rural communities in production lines is a step towards economic empowerment,” he said.
As the country continues to push for agricultural transformation, ARDA’s commitment to increased exports, value addition and rural development positions it as a key player in the country’s economic recovery efforts.
With strategic partnerships and market-driven approaches, the authority is set to enhance its impact on both the agriculture sector and the broader economy.
