Zimbabwe eyes another wheat milestone as ARDA targets 325 000 tonnes
Zimbabwe’s winter wheat planting gained pace, with ARDA targeting 325,000 tonnes from 65,000ha under the national 125,000ha programme. Farmers have planted 10,842ha so far. The country targets 662,000 tonnes nationally after producing a record 642,000 tonnes in 2025, strengthening wheat self-sufficiency and grain reserves.
ZIMBABWE’S winter wheat planting campaign has gathered momentum, with the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority of Zimbabwe (ARDA) targeting 325 000 tonnes from 65 000 hectares as the country pushes to consolidate national food security and build strategic grain reserves.
The national winter wheat programme is targeting 125 000ha this year, up from 122 142ha planted in 2025 when the country achieved a record 642 000 tonnes, exceeding national annual requirements of between 350 000 and 450 000 tonnes.
For years, Zimbabwe relied heavily on wheat imports to bridge local production deficits.
However, improved irrigation infrastructure, increased mechanisation and enhanced Government support have transformed winter wheat production into one of the country’s major agricultural success stories.
To date, farmers under ARDA have planted 10 842ha against a target of 65 000ha.
In an interview with Zimpapers, ARDA chief executive officer Mr Tinotenda Mhiko said preparations for the 2026 winter wheat season started early, and the progress made has been encouraging.
“Wheat preparations started early in March, and the first farmers to plant their crop did so in April. So far we have planted 10 842ha, and we target to cut off planting and germination by 31 May.
“ARDA is targeting to plant 65 000ha to produce 325 000 tonnes of wheat. The national wheat targeted hectarage is 125 000ha,” said Mr Mhiko.
To ensure uninterrupted production, ARDA has engaged banks to provide financial guarantees that will allow farmers to quickly access funding for emergency repairs and replacement of critical equipment during the season.
Addressing concerns over electricity disruptions that have affected some farmers in previous seasons, Mr Mhiko said the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (Zesa) has said 155MW will be available for the winter wheat programme.
“Farmers occasionally face operational challenges. To mitigate these risks, ARDA has adopted a whole-of-Government approach, working closely with the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) and other relevant departments to ensure a reliable water supply and timely technical support.
“In addition, ARDA is coordinating with energy authorities to minimise disruptions and provide rapid response mechanisms when faults occur,” he said.
“This integrated support framework ensures that farmers are not left vulnerable to technical setbacks, safeguarding both productivity and the national food security agenda.”
Across the country, farmers are intensifying planting operations ahead of the 31 May deadline.
At Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Richard Moyo’s Marsland Farm in Umguza, 21ha have already been planted.
Farm manager Mr Perculiar Moyo said another 24ha will be planted before the deadline.
“We are targeting above five tonnes per hectare and hopefully this season will be as good as the 2025 season, where we did not experience major breakdowns of machinery and had an uninterrupted supply of water,” said Mr Moyo.
At Redwood Irrigation Scheme in Umguza, where 24 farmers operate a thriving farming cooperative, farmers are racing against time to harvest maize and prepare 18ha for winter wheat production.
“We are confident that we will be able to till the land in time and plant winter wheat before the month-end deadline,” said Mr Elias Ngwenya from Redwood Irrigation Scheme.
If the projected 662 000-tonne national target is achieved, Zimbabwe will further consolidate wheat self-sufficiency, strengthen strategic grain reserves and mark another milestone in the country’s agricultural transformation.
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Source : The Herald
