The Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) has reaffirmed its central role in strengthening Zimbabwe’s food security after delivering half of the country’s 2025 winter wheat yield.
This milestone follows a record national harvest of approximately 640,195 tonnes — one of the best in recent years — driven by favourable weather conditions and intensified government support for farmers. The bumper crop has contributed to a revised national economic growth forecast of 6.6 percent.
ARDA attributes its strong performance to enhanced management across its estates and joint ventures, aided by precision agriculture and expanded irrigation capacity. The authority says its core mission remains ensuring national food sovereignty through reliable, high-volume production.
Beyond boosting cereal output, ARDA’s contribution is expected to stabilise markets and strengthen the country’s resilience against potential supply shocks. The substantial wheat deliveries are also set to increase the Strategic Grain Reserve’s capacity, improving the nation’s ability to manage supply and price stability.
The strong output underscores the impact of ongoing efforts to climate-proof agriculture, particularly through large-scale irrigation investments and broader farmer support initiatives.
Agricultural economist Dr Reneth Mano noted that the impressive performance demonstrates a recovering sector and an institution meeting its mandate. He said ARDA’s role extends beyond production figures, pointing to its importance in establishing a dependable agricultural base for Zimbabwe’s economy.
As the summer cropping season progresses, ARDA says it is committed to sustaining this momentum by improving access to high-quality inputs and speeding up irrigation rehabilitation. These measures, the authority adds, are crucial to driving agricultural transformation and safeguarding long-term food security.
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