Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Chronicle Writer
YOUTHS in Matabeleland North and South provinces will starting today collect their allocation of tractors, which they received through Government’s Youth Agriculture Empowerment Programme.
President Mnangagwa initiated the facility, which is meant to boost productivity and modernise farming in the region as part of a broader strategy to equip youths with the necessary tools to enhance food security and job creation.
A total of 72 tractors and two combine harvesters were distributed nationwide with each province getting seven tractors.
With the two Matabeleland provinces each having seven districts, it means each district will get one tractor.
In an interview, Zanu-PF Matabeleland South Provincial Youth League Chairperson, Cde Moses Langa, expressed gratitude for the intervention saying the seven tractors allocated to the province would significantly improve agricultural output.
“As youth from Matabeleland South Province, we are so happy with the agriculture empowerment programme, which will help boost our production,” he said.
“We are also into livestock farming, and these tractors will assist in hay baling for our livestock,” said Cde Langa.
He expressed gratitude to banks such as Empower Bank for facilitating the programme and thanked President Mnangagwa for covering 50 percent of the tractor costs, urging fellow youths to contribute the remaining half.
Cde Langa further expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development for its commitment to drilling boreholes for youth business units that are set to further support agricultural activities.
“We know that more programmes are coming, including fisheries, poultry, and heifer projects. We will safeguard these resources for the benefit of our youths,” said Cde Langa.
In Matabeleland North, the youths have described the tractor allocation programme as a milestone.
Speaking in a separate interview, Provincial Youth League Chairperson, Cde Lundi Sinzeka, said the equipment would complement the 10-hectare plots already allocated to young farmers in the province.
“This is the first time we are receiving tractors as a province and it shows that President Mnangagwa is committed to uplifting our lives. We are ready to deploy them across all seven districts to boost productivity,” said Cde Sinzeka.
Speaking during the handover ceremony on Thursday, the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka, said his ministry has prioritised mechanisation in transforming agriculture.
“I appreciate the role of mechanisation as an enabler of agricultural modernisation. These 72 tractors will enable the tilling of approximately 7 700 hectares, contributing to increased grain production,” said Dr Masuka.
He projected that the initiative could yield 77 000 metric tonnes of grain annually with an estimated value of US$26 million.
Dr Masuka also warned against misuse, saying that the tractors were not charitable donations but business investments for youth clusters.
“Long gone are the days when Government distributed tractors without accountability. These will be managed through proper business channels,” said Dr Masuka.
He revealed that a US$10 million irrigation support package for youths would soon be available through the Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC) and Empower Bank, further enhancing productivity.
The programme has a huge potential of empowering young farmers in Matabeleland, a region with vast agricultural potential.
With improved mechanisation and continued Government support, the youth are set to play a pivotal role in Zimbabwe’s agricultural transformation, ensuring food security and economic growth.
As the programme expands, it is expected to unlock new opportunities, reduce unemployment, and position Zimbabwe as a regional agricultural powerhouse.–@nyeve14
