Zvamaida Murwira
Senior Reporter
President Mnangagwa is expected to launch the Expanded Agricultural Mechanisation Facility today as the Second Republic continues to transform rural livelihoods and ensure food security through modernisation of the agriculture sector.
The scheme is being launched at the Institute of Agricultural Engineering in Hatcliffe.
It targets rural households that have benefitted under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, which currently has over 14 million plots.
The distribution of agricultural equipment will improve the timeliness of planting and harvesting, bridge the resource gap between small-holder and large-scale commercial farmers, and boost national food security.
Some of the equipment to be distributed include combine harvesters, tractors, planters and motorised ploughs, among others.
Distribution of agricultural equipment will give impetus to the Government’s efforts to contain El Niño-induced adverse weather patterns.
The programme incorporates multiple international and local mechanisation lines, including the Belarus, John Deere, and Bain New Holland-initiated facilities, among others.
Financing of the facility will be done through local financial institutions such as AFC Land Bank, CBZ Bank, Women’s Bank, Empower Bank, ZB Bank and POSB.
