Staff Reporter

Government has intensified efforts to modernise agriculture with a $37 million mechanisation drive, under which the Youth Bank has received 72 tractors and two combine harvesters to support youth-led farming initiatives across Zimbabwe.

The Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Dr. Anxious Masuka, officially handed over the equipment in Harare yesterday, emphasising the Government’s commitment to empowering young farmers.

 The mechanisation initiative aims to cultivate and produce 77 000 metric tonnes of crops annually, generating an estimated $26 million in value.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Dr. Masuka described the initiative as a significant step in Zimbabwe’s agricultural transformation.

“This mechanisation programme is a game-changer for youth participation in agriculture. The provision of modern farming equipment will enhance productivity, ensuring food security and economic growth,” he said.

The equipment, allocated to 72 farming clusters nationwide, is expected to provide young farmers with access to critical resources that were previously out of reach.

The Youth Bank, which facilitates funding and support for young entrepreneurs, will oversee the distribution and management of the machinery.

A representative from the Youth Bank, CEO Shadreck Mhembere, welcomed the development, saying it would uplift thousands of young farmers.

“For a long time, lack of access to equipment has been a major barrier for young people in agriculture. These tractors and combine harvesters will significantly improve efficiency and output, helping us contribute meaningfully to the economy,” Mhembere stated.

Farmers in various provinces have expressed optimism about the impact of the mechanisation drive.

Tendai Moyo, a young farmer from Mashonaland West, said the initiative would revolutionise small-scale farming.

“With access to this machinery, we can move from subsistence farming to large-scale production. This will boost our income and create employment opportunities for others,” Moyo said.

Government has been prioritising mechanisation as part of its broader agricultural strategy, which includes irrigation expansion and climate-smart farming techniques.

 Experts say improved access to machinery will help increase yields and reduce post-harvest losses.

The Youth Bank will coordinate the use of the equipment to ensure equitable access across all clusters.

Dr. Masuka urged beneficiaries to use the machinery responsibly to maximise productivity and sustain Zimbabwe’s agricultural growth.

The mechanisation drive aligns with the Government’s vision to achieve an $8 billion agriculture economy by 2025, positioning Zimbabwe as a regional leader in food production.