Story by Tendai Munengwa
ZIMBABWE has received a fresh consignment of 90 high-tech tractors from Belarus under the third phase of the Zimbabwe-Belarus Agricultural Mechanisation Programme, as Government intensifies efforts to modernise agriculture, boost productivity and strengthen national food security.
The latest delivery, received on Monday, brings the total number of tractors imported under the programme this year to 412, alongside 60 combine harvesters already delivered.
The mechanisation initiative, launched by President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, is designed to improve farming efficiency, increase production and empower farmers across the country through access to modern agricultural equipment.
Acting Chief Executive Officer of Bison Company, Mr Aliaksei Sachavichyk said implementation of the third phase remains on track, with additional equipment expected in the coming weeks.
“More than 100 of the new 90-horsepower tractors have so far arrived and offloading is ongoing. We also have 35 more containers on their way from South Africa, each carrying three tractors. The third phase of the mechanisation programme is progressing well,” he said.
The latest consignment builds on earlier deliveries under the Zimbabwe-Belarus partnership. The first phase saw the delivery of 470 tractors, 60 combine harvesters and various agricultural implements, while the second phase supplied 1 300 tractors together with additional harvesters and equipment.
Chief Director for Engineering, Mechanisation and Farm Infrastructure Development in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Engineer Edwin Zimondi said the programme has transformed agricultural production by enabling farmers to carry out critical farming operations on time.
“Since the launch of this programme, farming has become easier and more productive. Farmers are now able to prepare their land, plant and harvest on time,” he said.
Engineer Zimondi said the mechanisation drive has contributed to record agricultural outputs, including the country’s highest wheat production in more than six decades.
“We recorded the highest wheat production in more than 60 years and achieved record outputs in tobacco and maize production. We are also recording unprecedented harvests of small grains, as the new combine harvesters can efficiently harvest these crops. Post-harvest losses have been reduced significantly, thereby strengthening national food security,” he said.
Government says most of the equipment delivered under the programme has already been distributed to thousands of farmers nationwide, resulting in substantial improvements in productivity.
Officials noted that some beneficiaries have increased yields from between one and five tonnes per hectare to between eight and 10 tonnes per hectare following access to mechanised farming equipment.
The Zimbabwe-Belarus Agricultural Mechanisation Programme forms part of broader Government efforts to modernise the agricultural sector, enhance efficiency and support sustainable food production in line with national development goals.
