Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
YOUTH farmers in Shamva District are recording increased agricultural output following the rollout of a Presidential mechanisation facility that has expanded hectarage under key crops such as maize and tobacco.
The initiative, introduced last year by President Emmerson Mnangagwa under the Youth Empowerment Scheme, has provided young farmers with access to tractors and farming implements, significantly easing land preparation and improving productivity.
Beneficiary youths say the availability of mechanised equipment has enabled them to cultivate larger portions of land and diversify their crop production, raising prospects for a strong harvest in the coming months.
“Our President gave us tractors that the youth can use free of charge so I planted tobacco which is about 2 hectares. Farming is now my main source of income and it allows me to look after my family,” one youth farmer said.
Another beneficiary said the support had transformed his farming operations.
“This year we planted both maize and tobacco using the tractor we received. I am grateful because this will sustain my family through the income we expect from these crops,” he said.
ZANU PF Shamva District Secretary for Youth Affairs, Cde Ryan Dhokwani, said the mechanisation programme was empowering young people while strengthening food security at community level.
“I want to thank the President for this initiative. The tractor came with a full set of implements including a disc harrow, plough, trailer and boom spray, and we are now awaiting a planter. Right now, we are awaiting a planter. We then decided to follow the President’s mantra of leaving no and no place behind, we have 52 youth chairmen, we ploughed for all of them, we also thought the youth have parents and we ploughed for their four chiefs, Chief Musana, Chief Mutumba, Chief Madziwa and Chief Musana.”
War veterans, women and the elderly are also benefiting from the shared tillage services, further broadening the programme’s impact.
The Presidential Youth Empowerment Scheme is being implemented nationwide as part of efforts to mainstream youth participation in the economy, improve agricultural productivity and enhance national food security through increased local production.
