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COMMERCIAL and small-holder farmers have been urged to invest in latest innovative technologies to increase productivity.
Speaking during a handover ceremony of the latest Massey Ferguson 4700 series platform tractor to Mr Samuel Tauya in Mutare last week Thursday, Farmec managing director Mr Max Chinorwadza said lack of technological innovation was one of the limitations of maximum productivity by local small-holder and commercial farmers.
He said agricultural productivity has over the years been impacted by innovative technologies.
Mr Tauya became the first farmer in Africa to buy the latest range 82 horse-power MF 4700 tractor valued at $36 000.
Mr Chinorwadza said the new tractors were re-engineered to create the best cost value and still have high levels of reliability and performance.
He said for transport the tractor’s system could progressively provide up to 30hp more power at speeds above 15km/h.
“This is a revolutionary tractor and I am glad we have indigenous farmers in Zimbabwe like Mr Tauya who understand the importance of new technology to improve productivity on the farm.
“The new global series of Massey Fergusons is designed to ensure maximum reliability and productivity with low costs of ownership and maintenance.
“The tractors were designed to work on extremes of use and the most brutal conditions,” he said.
Farmec Mutare branch manager Mr Mackie Horsfield said the long-established tractor and farm machinery distributor was committed to support and nurture the new generation of farmers.
“With the Massey Ferguson latest range the issue of low returns on high investments is addressed for farmers. The tractors are cost effective and efficient.
“Our pricing depending with the horsepower is meant to cater for small-holder farmers as we support and nurture the new generation of farmers,” said Mr Horsfield.
Mr Tauya is not only a shrewd commercial farmer but also an astute businessman.
Last year he was awarded the 2013 Manicaland Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce businessman of the year accolade for transforming his small bakery Golly Bakery into a leading enterprise currently employing over 300 workers.
His farm, Fair Adventure in Hwedza district in Mashonaland East, is approximately 500 hectares.
He mostly specialises in cattle ranching currently with over 420 cattle and growing maize throughout the year.
Mr Tauya said he bought the tractor because next year he aimed to advance operations at his farm in support of the Government’s economic turnaround blueprint Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation.
He said he understood the concept of value for money, which is why he was investing in latest technology to achieve the best results.
“Farming like business should have no shortcuts if one wants to obtain the best results. Latest technology is the future to increase efficiency and ensure intended results on productivity. If, as a nation, we, as indigenous farmers, want to make ZimAsset a success, then instead of buying latest cars after we harvest, let us buy the latest tractor or combine harvester,” said Mr Tauya.
Online Reporter