Online Reporter
Theseus Mauruki Shambare
THE AGRICULTURAL and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) has delivered over 120 000 tonnes of cereals to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB), significantly boosting Zimbabwe’s strategic grain reserves, as harvesting continues across the country.
The authority has so far delivered 120 054 tonnes of grain, with more produce expected as harvesting nears completion.
Of the total deliveries, 27 836 tonnes have been channelled to Agro-Dura to service both the country’s strategic grain reserves and the commercial milling industry.
Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said the figures highlight the success of Government’s integrated agricultural production model, which combines large-scale commercial farming with joint venture partnerships.
He said grain deliveries were still underway and the final tally was expected to increase as farmers concluded harvesting.
“ARDA’s contribution to the national grain reserves reflects the success of the integrated agricultural model, which combines large-scale commercial production and joint venture partnerships and continues to yield tangible results for farmers and the nation at large,” said Prof Jiri.
He said the continued inflow of grain would further strengthen the country’s food security position while supporting national efforts to build adequate strategic grain reserves.
“Sorghum has emerged as one of the standout crops this season, with deliveries reaching 24 898 tonnes,” he said.
Volumes are expected to rise further as harvesting progresses in different parts of the country.
ARDA chief executive officer Mr Tinotenda Mhiko said the growing contribution of sorghum demonstrated the increasing importance of climate-smart agriculture in Zimbabwe.
He said the crop’s resilience to erratic weather conditions made it strategically important, as the country seeks to build a more climate-resilient agricultural sector.
“Sorghum continues to prove its value as a climate-smart crop and the steady increase in deliveries is testament to Government policy of agro-ecological tailored production,” said Mr Mhiko.
He said ARDA had also worked closely with the GMB throughout the marketing season to ensure efficient movement of grain from farms to storage and processing facilities.
“The partnership with GMB has been instrumental in maintaining the integrity of the supply chain and guaranteeing that contracted farmers deliver their produce efficiently,” he said.
Mr Mhiko said the authority would continue providing technical and logistical support to contracted farmers to ensure all harvested grain is delivered promptly.
“Grain movement remains critical in safeguarding quality, reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring adequate supplies for both national reserves and industrial processing,” he said.
“The latest deliveries reinforce ARDA’s central role in supporting Zimbabwe’s food security agenda through increased production, efficient marketing and strategic partnerships.”
The additional volumes, he said, are expected to further strengthen national reserves while supporting Government’s broader drive to guarantee food security and build resilience against future climate-related production shocks.
