Wallace Ruzvidzo
Herald Reporter
GOVERNMENT has restructured the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) and tasked it with contributing 850 000 tonnes of cereals to the Strategic Grain Reserve a year, making it the country’s main food security agency.
Addressing a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said ARDA had been mandated with the crucial role of ensuring steady food supply for the nation, as sustained food security and self-sufficiency remain Government’s top priority.
“Cabinet noted the Update on the 2024-2025 Summer Crops Marketing and 2025 Winter Wheat Production Programme,” said Dr Muswere.
“The Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) has been restructured to serve as the country’s food security agency, with a mandate to produce 850 000 tonnes of cereals annually and thereby contributing 95 percent to the Strategic Grain Reserve (SGR).”
He said Government remained positive that a considerable grain surplus would be achieved during the current marketing season, adding that timely payments to farmers were being facilitated.
“The Government of Zimbabwe remains confident about reaching a projected grain surplus of between 812 000 and 1,2 million tonnes for the current marketing season, and is providing resources to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) to facilitate timely payments for grain deliveries by farmers,” Dr Muswere said.
“Grain marketing continues to be conducted through multiple channels, including the Grain Marketing Board, the Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange (ZMX) and direct sales to various agro-processors.
“The Warehouse Receipt System remains active, having recorded an intake of 4 700 tonnes of cereals, oilseeds and pulses to date.”
During this marketing season, the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) opened 1 804 mobile grain collection centres across all wards to facilitate deliveries.
Local Strategic Grain Reserves are also being created using grain delivered through these mobile centres.
“Additionally, the mobile centres enable farmers who have delivered maize through the Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange (ZMX) platform to purchase inputs using ZMX Warehouse receipts,” said Dr Muswere.
On cotton sales, the minister said 17,3 million kgs had been marketed to six contractors, while tobacco sales had reached 333,3 million kgs as of last week.
“As of July 3, 2025, approximately 17,3 million kilogrammes of cotton, valued at US$5,5 million, had been marketed to six contractors.
“Tobacco sales reached 333,3 million kilogrammes as of July 2, 2025, compared to the 223 million kilogrammes sold during a similar period in 2024.
“The average price remained subdued at $3,35 per kilogramme, but the total value of sales surged to over US$1,12 billion, up from the US$766 million recorded in 2024,” Dr Muswere said.
The minister said Government was also working flat out to ensure a productive winter wheat cropping season.
“Government continues to monitor winter cereal productivity enablers to guarantee the achievement of an anticipated 875 000 tonnes of wheat, barley and potatoes from the 2025 season,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s transformation into a food-secure nation is the result of several initiatives implemented by President Mnangagwa’s Government, including the Presidential Inputs Scheme, increased access to irrigation infrastructure and strengthened extension services under the Agricultural Recovery Plan.
These have empowered farmers with tools, training and technical support critical for production efficiency.
Meanwhile, Cabinet also noted the update on preparations for the 2025 Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS), when the organisation will also be celebrating 130 years.
This year’s 115th edition, which will run under the theme, “Building Bridges: Connecting Agriculture, Industry and Community”, is scheduled to be held from August 25 to August 30.
The ZAS is organised around five sections; agri-produce, tobacco, cotton, livestock and commercial exhibitions.
“The space uptake has shown a significant increase of 60,1 percent compared to a similar period in 2024.
“The number of exhibitors has also shown a notable increase of 76,8 percent compared to the same period last year.
“A number of business events planned for the Show include the Green Indaba; the annual ZAS School Quiz; the annual National Agribusiness Conference; the Exhibitors Cocktail; Zimbabwe Agricultural Media Awards; Environmental, Social and Governance Conferences; and the Research for Agricultural Excellence and Technology Indaba,” said Dr Muswere.
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