Parliament Commends Arda's Wheat Production Model, Backs Expansion to Boost Food Security

Zimbabwe's Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Lands and Agriculture has commended the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) for its effective wheat production models. Legislators expressed admiration for the impressive yields observed during a nationwide assessment of the country's agricultural performance.

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We are here in Mashonaland Central as the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Lands and Agriculture to assess farming activities being undertaken through partnerships between farmers and ARDA.

The committee, which is touring ARDA farms, is evaluating wheat and maize yields against targets, ARDA's contribution to the Government's Strategic Grain Reserve, and measures to enhance productivity. Following a visit to an ARDA-supported project in Mashonaland Central, Mutoko South legislator Isaac Tasikani described ARDA's model as a potential blueprint for increasing national food production.

Tasikani highlighted the comprehensive support ARDA provided for a wheat project covering approximately 200 hectares under irrigation. He stated that the committee would advocate for greater government investment in ARDA to extend similar assistance to more farmers nationwide. This support would enable farmers to access critical inputs and technical expertise.

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We have been impressed by the wheat crop being grown on approximately 200 hectares under irrigation. What stands out most is the comprehensive support that ARDA has provided to make this project a success.

The committee also emphasized the importance of involving more farmers, particularly young people, in ARDA's production models. They believe that replicating these partnerships across the country would significantly boost agricultural output, strengthen Zimbabwe's Strategic Grain Reserve, increase foreign currency earnings through exports, and generate employment opportunities. Tasikani expressed confidence that continued investment in irrigation, mechanization, and farmer support could lead to Zimbabwe achieving food self-sufficiency by 2030.

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When we return to Parliament, we will advocate for increased Government support for ARDA so that more farmers can access critical inputs and technical assistance similar to what we have witnessed here.

ARDA Chief Executive Officer Tinotenda Mhiko confirmed the authority's commitment to scaling up irrigation development, with a vision to expand irrigated areas to 25,000 hectares by 2030. This expansion aims to enhance productivity, improve climate resilience, and ensure consistent production of strategic crops like wheat and maize, thereby bolstering national food security.

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If replicated across the country, such partnerships would strengthen Zimbabwe's Strategic Grain Reserve, boost foreign currency earnings through agricultural exports and create employment opportunities, especially for young people.