Zimpapers Logo

Agriculture Reporter
The Agricultural and Rural Development Authority has invited individuals and companies for partnership in production of food crops at its 14 estates that are lying idle. The parastatal has 21 estates with 98 000 hectares of arable land and an irrigable capacity of 19 000 hectares.

Out of these farms, only the one in Chisumbanje is operating viably.
arda acting general manager Mr William Mbona told The Herald recently that the parastatal was looking for partners willing to work with it to ensure the authority contributes more to the national economy.

“This is according to the national budget and policy guidance by the board and the ministry,” he said.
The parastatal is offering gross area of more than 42 300 hectares with potential arable land of more than 27 238ha and more than 6 500ha of already developed land. The estates on offer are Antelope, Sanyati, Mushumbi Pools, Muzarabani, Jotsholo, Balu (dairy), Kairezi, Rusitu, Nandi, Magudu Ranch, Ngwezi, Fair Acres, Doreen’s Pride and Nijo Farm.

Mr Mbona said the partnership would be on a 51/49 joint venture arrangement in favour of Arda.
“Potential partners should be adequately capitalised to not only provide working capital, but also capital investment which should include rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure, replacement of estates’ outdated and broken down equipment and upgrading of estates’ interior road networks, among other things,” he said.

The partners are expected to build or renovate estates’ office buildings, factories and staff houses, establish value addition facilities for produce, and out-grower schemes as well as have social responsibility investments.

Interested companies and individuals are expected to provide a statement of financial capability and experience showing that they are qualified to perform.