Londile Moyo
Theseus Mauruki Shambare, [email protected]
A FOREIGN military delegation on a familiarisation tour of Zimbabwe has hailed the country’s agricultural transformation model under the Second Republic, describing it as a practical and scalable blueprint for regional food security and rural development.
The delegation, drawn from the Foreign Military Attachés Association, on Monday toured key projects being implemented by the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (Arda) at Antelope Estate in Maphisa, Matobo District.
The visit offered a first-hand appreciation of Zimbabwe’s push to modernise agriculture through large-scale irrigation schemes, climate-smart farming and mechanisation, which are key pillars of the Government’s wider strategy to achieve food self-sufficiency and drive rural industrialisation in line with Vision 2030.
Over the past few years, Zimbabwe has made significant strides in agricultural recovery, including attaining wheat self-sufficiency and boosting maize output through programmes such as Pfumvudza/Intwasa and increased public-private sector partnerships.
Speaking on the sidelines of the tour, Zambia’s Defence Attaché to Zimbabwe, Brigadier General Maggie Nakamba, said the model had delivered tangible results and offered lessons for the region.
“This is a very impactful initiative, which is worth emulating. I will certainly explore the possibility of implementing similar programmes in my home country because what we have seen here is impressive and good for the national food basket,” she said.
United Kingdom Defence Attaché to Zimbabwe, Lieutenant Colonel Alastair Kern, also commended Arda’s efforts, saying the projects demonstrated a practical approach to national food security and rural socio-economic development.
“We have seen meaningful work being undertaken here. These initiatives not only contribute towards food security, but also bring benefits to communities through employment creation and broader economic opportunities,” he said.
The delegation also toured wheat fields under preparation as Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to consolidate wheat self-sufficiency gains achieved in recent seasons.
Arda is targeting 65 000 hectares under wheat this season, with Matabeleland South Province allocating 4 000 hectares, of which Arda is responsible for 3 100 hectares.
Arda chief executive officer, Mr Tinotenda Mhiko, said planting preparations are progressing well and expressed optimism that they will meet and potentially surpass set targets.
“We are on course with our plans, and the outlook is positive. Our teams are working diligently to ensure timely planting and high productivity,” he said.
Arda director of operations, Mr Washington Katiyo said adherence to sound agronomic practices is one of their critical strategies.
“We remain committed to good agronomics as the foundation for strong yields and sustainable production,” he said.
The visiting delegation comprised defence attachés from the United Kingdom, United States, Zambia, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Belarus, Mozambique and Namibia.
Their visit underlines growing international interest in Zimbabwe’s agricultural transformation, as the country positions the sector as a cornerstone of economic growth, food security and rural development under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
Online Reporter