The Agriculture and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) has made significant strides in enhancing winter wheat production in the region, with a target of cultivating 35,000 hectares this season.
The initiative has received a substantial boost as ARDA has contracted approximately 60 000 hectares nationwide under its joint venture schemes, aimed at improving agricultural productivity.

Mr Tichaona Mapfoche, a beneficiary of the joint venture scheme, expressed optimism about the upcoming planting season.

“I am set to plant over 750 hectares this season. The capacitation of farmers is a positive development towards improving productivity,” he said.

His sentiments reflect the broader goal of the government to enhance food security and agricultural output in the country so as to become a food secure nation.

ARDA’s acting director, Mr Forbes Maodza, confirmed that the authority has contracted over 60,000 hectares for wheat production underscoring the commitment to meet national food production targets.

“Our focus is on ensuring that we maximize the potential of our land and resources to achieve the national wheat target of 120,000 hectares,” he said.

The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, and Rural Development also expressed satisfaction with the current progress in winter wheat planting.

The government has also introduced several initiatives aimed at capacitating both small-scale and commercial farmers.
These measures are designed to address the pressing issues of food security and agricultural sustainability in the face of changing climatic conditions.

As the winter planting season slowly comes to an end stakeholders remain hopeful that the combined efforts of the government and farmers will lead to a successful harvest, contributing to the nation’s agricultural resilience and economic stability.