Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
A BELARUSIAN delegation has toured stands exhibiting agricultural machinery at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, where it commended the growing partnership between Harare and Minsk in advancing agricultural mechanisation.
The delegation visited partners showcasing tractors and combine harvesters supplied through its Bison Agro Machinery, with the equipment being distributed locally by EmpowerBank under the Youth Agricultural Mechanisation Scheme.
The programme, launched by President Mnangagwa at Mushagashe Training Centre, is aimed at improving access to modern farming equipment for young people to boost agricultural productivity.
Speaking on the sidelines of the tour, Empower Bank marketing manager Mr Jabulani Nyakurerwa said the bank has so far distributed more than 25 tractors and one combine harvester to youth beneficiaries.
“To date, we have distributed more than 25 tractors, each with 80 horsepower, and one combine harvester. One tractor can do up to 160 hectares, which is tripling the hectarage under cultivation.
“We have just multiplied the hectarage through agricultural efficiency brought by this equipment. We are planning on bringing smaller equipment to empower youths in farming,” he said.
Mr Nyakurerwa said the financing model has been structured to make the equipment affordable for young farmers.
He said the bank is also providing information on the Youth Economic Empowerment Fund at the ongoing Zimbabwe Agricultural Show.
“This is also the chance to find information on the Youth Economic Empowerment Fund, with US$1 million currently available for loans, with a possible growth to US$10 million, which the youths can take advantage of,” said Mr Nyakurerwa.
