Lonster Mutata
Herald Correspondent
The Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) has rolled out a major climate-resilient sorghum production programme in Mashonaland West province in the 2025/2026 agricultural season, reinforcing Government’s drive to secure national food supplies amid recurring droughts.
Under its Joint Venture (JV) model, ARDA partnered 436 farmers, establishing over 15 000 hectares of sorghum and targeting no less than 45 000 tonnes for delivery into the Strategic Grain Reserve.
The programme places traditional grains at the centre of the country’s climate-smart agriculture agenda, recognising their resilience in erratic rainfall conditions.
ARDA operations director, Mr Shingirayi Jenah, said the initiative demonstrates a deliberate shift towards sustainable production systems that protect both farmers and national food stocks.
“This programme is about building resilience at farm level while safeguarding the nation’s food security. Sorghum has proven its strength under harsh climatic conditions and through our joint venture model, we are ensuring farmers have guaranteed inputs, technical backstopping and a secure market,” said Mr Jenah.
A defining feature of the programme is its mentorship-driven production model, where lead farmers provide hands-on guidance to contracted growers.
The peer-to-peer approach has improved compliance with recommended agronomic practices, strengthened monitoring and enhanced yields across participating wards.
Farmers involved in the programme welcomed the assured access to inputs and extension support, noting that the JV framework significantly cushions them against high production costs and climate risks.
Sorghum and other traditional grains such as millet, have shown strong tolerance following a two-week dry spell that affected much of the province, particularly dryland maize on lighter soils.
Current crop conditions remain good, underscoring the suitability of traditional grains in drought-prone agro-ecological regions.
“By investing in crops that thrive where others fail, we are not only protecting harvests but also strengthening rural livelihoods.
“This is agriculture that is aligned to our environment and future climate realities,” said Mr Jenah.
Beyond Mashonaland West, ARDA says the sorghum programme forms part of a broader national strategy to build a sustainable buffer against hunger, stabilise grain supplies and empower smallholder farmers.
Following its success, the model is set to be scaled up to other provinces in the coming summer seasons.
As climate pressures intensify, ARDA’s sorghum drive stands as a practical demonstration of how strategic partnerships, farmer mentorship, and agro-ecologically tailored production can deliver resilience, productivity and long-term food security for the country.
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