By Advent Shoko
The Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) has cemented its growing influence in Zimbabwe’s agricultural resurgence after contributing half of the country’s 2025 winter wheat production. The achievement marks a significant step in the nation’s ongoing efforts to rebuild its position as a leading food producer.
Zimbabwe was once known as the breadbasket of Africa, supplying the region with surplus grain and boasting one of the continent’s strongest commercial agricultural systems. This reputation, however, deteriorated over the past two decades due to economic shocks, reduced production capacity, recurrent droughts and declining infrastructure.
Today, renewed investment in irrigation, mechanisation and farmer support programmes is slowly reversing that decline.
The latest winter wheat season delivered a national yield of approximately 640,195 tonnes, one of the strongest in years. Favourable weather conditions, expanded government support and intensified production across estates helped push output upward, contributing to the country’s revised economic growth projection of 6.6 percent.
ARDA credits its performance to strengthened management across its estates and joint ventures, the adoption of precision agriculture and increased irrigation capacity. The authority emphasises that its primary mission is ensuring national food sovereignty through reliable, large-scale output.
The substantial wheat deliveries are expected to stabilise grain markets, bolster the Strategic Grain Reserve and lessen the need for imports, a key step toward restoring food security. Analysts note that such progress indicates a recovering agricultural sector capable of underpinning broader economic revitalisation.
Agricultural economist Dr Reneth Mano said ARDA’s performance reflects a sector regaining its footing. He added that the authority’s role extends beyond production figures, serving as a critical anchor in rebuilding a sustainable and dependable agricultural base.
As the summer cropping season advances, ARDA says it remains focused on expanding irrigation rehabilitation, increasing access to high-quality inputs and accelerating climate-resilient farming practices, essential drivers of Zimbabwe’s long-term food security and its ambition to reclaim its breadbasket status.
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