Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, Zimpapers Business Hub
THE Republic of Belarus is reinforcing Zimbabwe’s food security ambitions by showcasing a diverse array of agricultural machinery at this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), including compact tractors, specifically designed for small-scale farmers.
Trading under BiSON Agro Machinery, a leading Belarusian agricultural equipment manufacturer, the country is displaying tractors ranging from 12 to 15 horsepower, purpose-built for smallholder farmers. The initiative aligns with Zimbabwe’s aggressive drive towards agricultural mechanisation, following the landmark acquisition of 800 units of advanced farming equipment from Belarus. Delivered in batches throughout the year, the shipment includes over 700 tractors, 80 combine harvesters and 30 grain carriers.
As part of the mechanisation programme, farmers will also gain access to heavy-duty tractors ranging from 81 to 155 horsepower.
These machines are being secured through the Belarus Farm Mechanisation Facility and are offered to farmers via flexible, farmer-friendly financing terms. The facility features a three-year repayment period, no collateral requirement and a competitive interest rate of 7, 5 percent per annum.
The equipment will be available to individual farmers, registered agribusinesses, co-operatives and members of irrigation schemes, ensuring widespread access across the nation’s agricultural landscape.
“We are introducing small tractors from 12 and 15 horsepower, and we also have 112 horsepower tractors. They are suitable for farmers with about 50 hectares of land, but there are many small-scale farmers here in Zimbabwe who need smaller tractors.
“This year, at ZITF, we brought the smaller equipment that we produce in Belarus. The tractors come with a trailer and a plough and are capable of completing a full cycle of land preparation.
“We are confident this equipment will meet the needs of Zimbabwean farmers. In future, we plan to bring even more models,” said Mr Andrei Kloeinov, Sales Director of BiSON Agro Machinery, speaking to the press in Bulawayo yesterday.
Since the launch of the Belarus Farm Mechanisation Facility in 2019, Zimbabwe has received over 2 000 high-tech tractors, 80 combine harvesters, and a wide range of supporting equipment under Phases I and II of the programme.
Zimbabwe’s agricultural fleet comprises 15 308 tractors, 9 230 disc harrows, 11 212 ploughs and 313 combine harvesters.
To ensure durability and proper maintenance of the imported machinery, BiSON Agro Machinery has established a local base in Harare, offering comprehensive after-sales support to farmers.
derick.khumalo