Staff Writer 
The Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) has strengthened its position as a key player in Zimbabwe’s food security efforts after contributing 50 percent of this year’s winter wheat harvest.
The contribution stems from a record national wheat harvest of about 640,195 tonnes, one of the strongest in recent years, reflecting renewed momentum in the agricultural sector. Favourable rainfall patterns and intensified government programmes helped drive the exceptional output, which has also supported an upward revision of Zimbabwe’s projected economic growth to 6.6 percent.
ARDA attributes the achievement to improved management across its estates and joint ventures, including precision agriculture techniques and expanded irrigation schemes. The authority emphasises that its mandate centres on ensuring national food sovereignty through consistent and reliable production.
The organisation notes that providing over 50 percent tonnes of grain does more than boost cereal output; it reinforces market stability and strengthens Zimbabwe’s resilience against supply disruptions. This year’s high output is expected to significantly enhance the capacity of the Strategic Grain Reserve, improving the country’s ability to stabilise both supply and pricing.
The strong performance further demonstrates the effectiveness of ongoing efforts to climate-proof agriculture through large-scale irrigation development and broader support to farmers.
Analysts highlight the record wheat harvest as evidence of a sector in recovery.
“The figures speak to a sector in recovery and an institution delivering on its promise,” stated agricultural economist Dr Reneth Mano highlighting that ARDA’s contribution goes beyond tonnes it is about building a predictable and secure agricultural base for the economy.
According to agricultural experts, ARDA’s contribution represents more than a numerical addition to national stocks; it reflects progress toward building a predictable and secure agricultural foundation for the economy.
With the summer cropping season underway, ARDA says it is focused on maintaining the current momentum by improving access to quality inputs and accelerating irrigation rehabilitation. The authority maintains that these priorities are essential to advancing Zimbabwe’s agricultural transformation and strengthening long-term food security.
