$11,8bn budgeted for smallholder farm mechanisation

FARMERS have welcomed Government’s initiative to budget $11,8 billion for mechanising small-scale farming next year since this will maintain the major drive to move this sector into the modern commercial economy and use it to create better-off farming families able to fit into an upper middle-income economy.

Mechanisation boosts agricultural productivity and also gives room for more value-added products for the local and export markets.

Zimbabwe National Farmers’ Union president Mrs Monica Chinamasa said farmers were grateful for the positive development, which would help to boost the agriculture sector.

“This is a welcome development and we thank the Government for recognising smallscale farmers. Money can never be enough but what they availed shows their commitment to the farmers.

“Small-scale farmers also need such equipment as ploughs, combine harvesters. Appropriate technology for small-scale farmers will also enhance productivity. This is a great move. We are assured of good production if small machines are availed to smallholder farmers,” she said.

Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers’ Union president Dr Shadreck Makombe said lack of draught power and equipment had been affecting the production by small-scale farmers.

“Mechanisation of agriculture is critical, as it cuts on the cost of production that can hinder the participation of most farmers in the sector,” he said.

Tobacco Farmers’ Union Trust president Mr Victor Mariranyika said he is pleased to see Government’s commitment towards smallscale farmers, adding that the effort will see a positive change in the agricultural sector.

“We lost several cattle due to tick-borne diseases and farmers were struggling in farming activities but this will help to ease the problem. This is a positive move which will help to transform our sector,” he said.

Meanwhile, some in the private sector have joined the Government’s push to mechanise smallholder agriculture with Zimplow Holdings recording a 22 percent rise in tractor volumes sold as the mechanisation drive begins to gather pace ahead of the current cropping season.

In its financial statement for the half year ended June 30, 2022 Zimplow Holdings chairperson Godfrey Manhambara said the group’s increased tractor sales were supported by the three percent increase in sales of tractor drawn implements.

The group also extended its product range to include two-wheeler tractors to complement what the Government is doing with its US$5 million facility. Over 600 two-wheeler tractors and an assortment of implements have been acquired under the facility for small-scale mechanisation.

Mechanisation of the agriculture sector will play a pivotal role in setting the economy on a positive growth and recovery trajectory as downstream benefits of mechanised operations.