http://www.veritaszim.net/node/5630

May 4, 2022

52 tractors have been delivered under the Belarus Farm Mechanisation Facility; two (2) mobile grain dryers have been operationalised. 

7 GMB depots gets grain dryers

7 GMB depots gets grain dryers. The Grain Marketing Board has so far installed dryers at 7 depots to deal with moisture content of delivered grain. Four more dryers are expected to be installed this month end. Over the years GMB has been battling grain rot caused by high moisture content in delivered grain.

Govt intensifies agriculture mechanisation drive

GOVERNMENT is leaving nothing to chance in mechanising the agriculture sector ahead of the summer cropping season, with farmers set to get tractors and combine harvesters under various schemes.

Farm Feed Formulations Training

On livestock production, 120 staff members were trained as Trainers on-farm feed formulations. Furthermore, 1 637 farmers were trained on on-farm feed formulations. Three hay balers were procured and distributed. Five haler operators were trained.

Purchasing of combine harvesters

With regard to the importation of 32 combine harvesters, Cabinet advises that 14 combine harvesters were delivered and they are currently undergoing inspection

Uptake for John Deere equipment facility

Farmers have responded well to the John Deere Mechanisation facility, with 54 of the 60 tractors availed so far being taken up.

450 tractors received for distribution

Of the 474 tractors expected under the Belarus facility, 450 tractors have now been received for distribution to farmers through designated banks. 

Phase two of the Belarus farm mechanisation scheme

Cabinet considered and approved Phase II of the Belarus Farm Mechanisation Facility, which was presented by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement. Under Phase II, the Republic of Belarus will supply an additional US$51 940 149 worth of farm mechanisation equipment. The 1 337 tractors, five disc harrows and 16 combine harvesters to be supplied under Phase II will raise the mechanised tillage area by one hundred and thirty three thousand seven hundred 133 700 hectares. The implements for the tractors will be acquired locally since Government has already started the process of capacitating local industry to manufacture tractor-drawn implements. Through this approach the country will get more tractor units, save on foreign currency and capacitate the local industry.

Initiation of a USD$60 million deal with an Indian firm, International Tractor Limited (ITL)

Zimbabwe is working on a US$60 million massive agriculture mechanisation deal with an Indian firm, International Tractor Limited (ITL), that will see distribution of tractors, combine harvesters and various implements to benefit local farmers, according to project promoters.

Arrival of 30 out of 1,300 tractors from the John Deere Belarus Tractors Deal

Government received 30 tractors that are part of the US$50 million deal it signed with global tractor manufacturer, John Deere, in November 2018.The deal which will see John Deere supplying 1 300 tractors, 80 combine harvesters and other related agricultural equipment was cemented following President Mnangagwa’s engagement with John Deere Agriculture Worldwide president Mr Mark von Pentz who expressed his willingness to partner the Government in boosting the agriculture sector through mechanisation.

Creation of an Agricultural Equipment Leasing Unit.

Government has created an agricultural equipment leasing unit within Agribank to assist farmers with farming equipment at a low fee to enhance production on farms.

The Government has also sourced 5,000 motorbikes for agricultural extension officers so that they are mobile to support farmers with proper farming methods to increase yields.

Acquiring 8 tractors and implements for Save Valley and Panmure Agricultural Institutions

The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement has acquired eight tractors and an assortment of implements as part of ongoing efforts to retool research institutions across the country.

The tractors are destined for horticulture, coffee, cotton, Lowveld, agronomy, crop breeding, Save Valley and Panmure institutions and will be used for tillage and general farm operations.

Approval of a US$51 million farm equipment facility

Governemnt has approved a US $51 million facility to be financed by farm equipment manufacturing company John Deere.