Online Reporter
Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
In a significant boost to Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector, President Mnangagwa has donated 30 grain carrier trucks and 15 Isuzu 4×4 single cabs to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) and the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA).
The initiative underscores Government’s commitment to enhancing grain transportation and improving the efficiency of agricultural operations, which are vital for the country’s economic stability.
The donation is part of broader efforts by the Second Republic to ensure food security and support farmers across the nation.
At the handover ceremony in Harare yesterday, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister, Dr Anxious Masuka, said it was important to provide vehicles to GMB supply chain managers.
“But the supply chain managers, who used to be called the depot managers within GMB, also need motorisation, just like the President has provided motorisation for the district business agricultural advisors,” he said.
“This must assist in the transformation of the agricultural space. And we are very grateful to the President for this.”
Minister Masuka said the handover of vehicles highlights the Government’s recognition of the critical roles played by the managers in ensuring the smooth operation of agricultural logistics.
He also elaborated on the Government’s comprehensive plan to enhance food security, pointing out that all outstanding payments from the previous year have now been settled.
“Remember, we are coming from one of the worst droughts in living memory, where we, as Government, look for money for social welfare, for transportation to feed people on time, but also look for financing to be able to give some people inputs ahead of an expected good season. That led to a delay in the payments,” he explained.
This underscores the challenges faced by the agricultural sector and the Government’s ongoing efforts to address them.
In addition to the vehicle donations, the Government is in the process of establishing a crop purchase buffer fund.
The fund aims to assist the Treasury in meeting its financial obligations when they are due, further ensuring that farmers receive the support they need to thrive.
GMB chair Ms Joylyn Ndoro welcomed the President’s gesture.
“I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation since this will go a long way. We have been waiting for these vehicles to assist us in transporting grain from the farmers to the GMB depots and we also transport inputs on time to the farmers,” she said.
She acknowledged the vital role these vehicles will play in enhancing operational efficiency and affirmed GMB’s commitment to maintaining them.
“We are leading in the transformation of the agricultural sector. We are going to commit ourselves to look and maintain them and ensure that they fulfil our mandate and ensure that we lead in transformation of the agricultural sector,” she added.
The donation not only represents a significant advancement within the Zimbabwe-Belarus mechanisation programme, but also serves as a testament to the Government’s dedication to empowering thousands of farmers and enhancing agricultural productivity.
