Story by Tendai Munengwa
ZIMBABWE has received a new consignment of agricultural machinery from Belarus under the third phase of the Zimbabwe-Belarus Agricultural Mechanisation Programme, as authorities seek to strengthen farm productivity ahead of the harvest season.
More than 300 tractors and 62 combine harvesters have arrived in the country, supplementing equipment already deployed under the programme since its launch in 2021.
According to Engineer Edwin Zimunga, Chief Director for Mechanisation and Farm Infrastructure Development in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, the machinery will support harvesting operations and preparations for the upcoming winter wheat season.
“The mechanisation programme is ongoing. This new fleet of machinery secured under the third phase will go a long way to complement the other consignments secured since the launch of the programme in 2021. We urge farmers to approach the banks mandated to distribute this equipment. They are ready for use to clear maize and ensure farmers plant wheat on time,” he said.
The programme also incorporates skills transfer and technical support, with Belarusian engineers providing training to local operators to ensure efficient use and maintenance of the equipment.
Bison Agro Machinery has established service centres across Zimbabwe where engineers are training local technicians and equipment operators.
“We have already started recruitment and training of operators who will use this equipment. We have added hay balers and grass mowers this time to assist farmers to benefit from hay bales,” said the company’s Marketing Director, Andrei Kleinov.
Trainees participating in the programme say the training will help build local capacity to maintain the machinery.
“We started training last week and have been taught how to take care of these combine harvesters. When we return to our provinces, we will be able to train others,” one trainee said.
Another trainee added:
“We thank the engineers from Belarus for providing training. We are gaining skills that will help us respond to breakdowns and maintain the equipment.”
Since the programme began, Zimbabwe has received more than 1 800 tractors and 76 combine harvesters, which are currently operating in different provinces.
Officials say the mechanisation drive has contributed to improved agricultural productivity, with maize yields reportedly rising from between one and three tonnes per hectare to between five and eight tonnes per hectare in some farming areas.
The Zimbabwe-Belarus partnership is part of broader government efforts to modernise agriculture, improve food security and increase efficiency in crop production.
