Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
THE Government has strengthened its agricultural mechanisation programme with the introduction of new tractors, a move expected to boost productivity and modernise the farming sector.
The unveiling featured the new BELARUS 92S tractor, Combine GS12 and tractors ranging from 15HP to 130HP, alongside a tour of Bison Agromachinery’s service facilities and warehouses in Harare, which will provide maintenance, spare parts and technical support to farmers nationwide.
Zimbabwe currently has about 16 000 functional tractors, against a national requirement of 40 000 units.
The Government aims to double the fleet by 2030 through partnerships with manufacturers such as Deutz AG and ongoing mechanisation initiatives under the Second Republic.
The third phase of the Belarus programme alone delivered over 3 700 tractors, underlining the scale of investment and the commitment to transforming the agricultural sector.
Speaking at the Bison Agromachinery Service Centre Open Day, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Deputy Minister Vangelis Haritatos said the US$282 million partnership between Zimbabwe and Belarus — implemented in three phases — has been central to modernising agriculture.
“Through focused partnerships, technology transfer and capacity building, Zimbabwe has been able to enhance productivity, improve land preparation timelines and strengthen resilience against climate variability.
“This programme is not just about supplying tractors and machinery; it is about building a sustainable and modern agricultural sector that benefits every farmer, large or small,” Deputy Minister Haritatos said.
He said the mechanisation programme has delivered a wide range of equipment — from combine harvesters to specialised tools — all supported through Bison Agromachinery’s service network.
“The establishment of service centres in Harare, Chiredzi, Bulawayo, Mutare and Kadoma ensures farmers across the country have access to timely maintenance, spare parts and technical support,” he said.
Emphasising inclusivity, Haritatos said, smallholder farmers remain a key focus of the mechanisation drive.
“Plans are underway to introduce 15-horsepower smallholder units designed specifically for communal and small-scale farmers,” he said.
“This initiative will ensure that mechanisation is not limited to commercial farms but becomes an inclusive tool for national development.”
The programme has also embraced innovation, incorporating monitoring, fleet tracking and data-driven field optimisation.
“These tools will enhance equipment efficiency, prevent misuse, improve planning and maximise productivity,” Haritatos added.
Belarusian representative and BiSON Agro Machinery marketing director, Mr Andrei Kloeinov, said the partnership extends beyond machinery supply.
“We are proud to support Zimbabwe’s agricultural growth with reliable equipment and technical expertise,” he said.
“We aim to ensure farmers have not only the tools they need but also the knowledge and services to use them effectively. This collaboration is about building a sustainable future for Zimbabwean agriculture.”
Farmers are already experiencing the benefits. Chinhoyi farmer Mr John Manyepa said the Belarus equipment is well-suited to Zimbabwean conditions.
“I admired my friend’s Belarus tractor, which prompted me to get one. I have been using mine for the past three months,” he said.
Another farmer, Mr Addy Kasi of Marondera, attended the event to purchase a unit.
“From the reviews I have been getting — and the challenges with other brands, especially accessing spare parts — this is the right investment,” he said.
