Government is banking on expanded irrigation under the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) to deliver up to 500 000 tonnes of grain to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB), Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister, Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka, has said.
The Minister made the remarks, yesterday, while touring the fully irrigated 80-hectare ARDA Mushangwe Estate in Mashonaland East, where he reaffirmed Government’s resolve to scaling up irrigation-led production as a cornerstone of national food security.
Addressing officials and farmers during the visit, Dr Masuka said performance at Mushangwe illustrated the strategic importance of well-managed irrigation schemes in driving consistent agricultural output.
“What we are witnessing here at ARDA Mushangwe is a clear indication that irrigation is no longer an option but a necessity for Zimbabwe’s agriculture. This maize crop is thriving because water is assured, management is coordinated and production is planned. That is the model we are promoting as Government,” he said.
Dr Masuka said ARDA has been tasked to play a central role in stabilising national grain supplies and strengthening the strategic grain reserve.
“Our expectation is that ARDA alone will supply up to 500 000 tonnes of grain to the GMB. This will strengthen national food reserves and insulate the country from climate-induced shocks,” he said.
He said Government is accelerating irrigation development as part of broader agricultural transformation efforts, with plans to significantly expand irrigated land under ARDA.
“We are moving with speed to increase irrigated land under ARDA from current levels to about 25 000 hectares by 2030. This expansion is deliberate and aligned with our vision of climate-proofing agriculture and ensuring year-round production,” Dr Masuka said.
The Minister said the irrigation drive is being supported by a dedicated financing facility, with Government having established a US$29 million irrigation development fund for ARDA estates.
“This fund is meant to rehabilitate existing infrastructure, develop new schemes and ensure that water delivery systems are efficient and sustainable,” he said.
Beyond boosting production volumes, Dr Masuka said ARDA also plays a critical role in skills transfer, rural development and rural industrialisation.
“ARDA is not just about growing crops; it is about demonstrating best practices, empowering surrounding communities and anchoring rural industrialisation. When ARDA performs, surrounding farmers benefit through knowledge sharing, employment creation and improved local economies,” he said.
Dr Masuka said the Mushangwe Estate tour would be replicated across other ARDA properties to assess readiness, crop performance and management effectiveness.
“Food security is a national priority and we cannot leave anything to chance,” he said.
ARDA is a state-owned agricultural entity mandated to drive large-scale irrigated production in support of national food security, with irrigation expansion identified as a key pillar under Zimbabwe’s agricultural recovery and climate resilience strategy.
