ARDA Launches Massive Summer Cropping Drive to Boost Food Security.

The Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) has intensified its role in the country's national food security framework, launching a large-scale summer cereals program for the 2025/26 agricultural season. As the designated food security agent under the national cropping plan, ARDA aims to strengthen the Strategic Grain Reserve, reduce reliance on imports, and stimulate rural agricultural development.

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaJBte43bbV50PSJqU20

The program targets 100,000 hectares of summer cereals, comprising 35,000 hectares of irrigated maize and 65,000 hectares of traditional grains for both the Strategic Grain Reserve and private sector markets. ARDA is implementing the initiative across its estates, irrigation scheme business units, A1 and A2 joint-venture outgrowers, and clustered smallholder farmers in all eight farming provinces.

ARDA CEO, Mr. Tinotenda Mhiko, said, "We are in a massive planting exercise for the 2025/2026 summer season as part of our mandate to translate national food security policy into tangible production." He highlighted the program's focus on efficiency, technology-driven agriculture, and structured partnerships.

In line with the government's policy direction on climate-resilient agriculture, ARDA has scaled up traditional grain production, tailoring crop choices to specific agro-ecological regions. The Authority is providing farmers with working capital, fertilizers, chemicals, and climate-smart seed varieties to enhance productivity and resilience.

Through these interventions, ARDA continues to play a pivotal role in stabilizing national grain supply chains, reinforcing the Strategic Grain Reserve, and safeguarding Zimbabwe against food shortages and external shocks.