Zimbabwe has received a new consignment of agricultural machinery from Belarus under the third phase of the Zimbabwe–Belarus Agricultural Mechanisation Programme, as authorities move to strengthen farm productivity ahead of the harvest season.
More than 300 tractors and 62 combine harvesters have arrived, adding to equipment already deployed since the programme began in 2021.
In an interview with the media yesterday, Chief Director for Mechanisation and Farm Infrastructure Development in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Engineer Edwin Zimunga, said the machinery will support harvesting and preparations for the upcoming winter wheat season.
“The mechanisation programme is ongoing. This new fleet of machinery secured under the third phase will go a long way in complementing earlier consignments. We urge farmers to approach the banks mandated to distribute this equipment, they are ready for use to clear maize and ensure farmers plant wheat on time,” he said.
The programme also includes skills transfer and technical support, with Belarusian engineers training local operators to ensure efficient use and maintenance of the equipment.
Bison Agro Machinery has established service centres across the country where engineers are training local technicians.
“We have already started recruitment and training of operators who will use this equipment. We have added hay balers and grass mowers this time to assist farmers to benefit from hay bales,” said the company’s Marketing Director, Andrei Kleinov.
Trainees expressed confidence that the programme will build local capacity.
“We started training last week and have been taught how to take care of these combine harvesters. When we return to our provinces, we will be able to train others,” one trainee said.
Another trainee expressed gratitude with the skills they are obtaining from Belarus engineers.
“We thank the engineers from Belarus for providing training. We are gaining skills that will help us respond to breakdowns and maintain the equipment,” he added.
Since its launch, the mechanisation programme has delivered over 1 800 tractors and 76 combine harvesters, now operating across various provinces.
Officials say the mechanisation drive has significantly improved agricultural productivity, with maize yields rising from 1–3 tonnes per hectare to 5–8 tonnes per hectare in some areas.
The Zimbabwe–Belarus partnership forms part of broader government efforts to modernise agriculture, improve food security and enhance efficiency in crop production.
