President Mnangagwa delivered 72 tractors and 10 combine harvesters to youth farmers across Zimbabwe. These machines, worth $7.4 million, came directly from Belarus as part of his plan to help young people join the agricultural economy. He added another $10 million program for youth irrigation systems. During the ceremony at the Agricultural Mechanisation Facility in Hatcliffe, Harare, Mnangagwa promised to pay half the equipment cost personally.
The President contributed $3.7 million from his personal funds toward this equipment, leaving youth farmers responsible for the remaining balance. This handover continues the Presidential Youth Empowerment Revolving Fund he launched earlier. Young farmers can buy these Belarus tractors through Empower Bank under friendly terms - three years to repay, zero collateral needed, and just 7.5% yearly interest.
Youth groups received several tractor models ranging from 81 to 155 horsepower machines. Zimbabwe plans to bring in 800 pieces of advanced farm equipment from Belarus this year, including more than 700 tractors. Lands and Agriculture Minister Dr. Anxious Masuka explained how important these machines are for modernizing farming and creating jobs for young Zimbabweans.
Dr. Masuka predicted impressive results from this initiative. He expects youth farmers to produce five tonnes per hectare with two yearly crops. This should generate 77,000 metric tonnes of grain for the Grain Marketing Board and create about $26 million in value. The Minister emphasized these tractors must serve their intended purpose through proper business channels rather than as gifts.
The additional $10 million for irrigation comes through the Agricultural Finance Corporation. Dr. Masuka mentioned recent talks with the President about making these funds available soon. He hopes Empower Bank can join this effort, allowing youth farmers to access tractors and irrigation development assistance simultaneously to boost sustainable farming despite climate challenges.
Youth Minister Tino Machakaire thanked the President and stressed this equipment must focus on agricultural production to achieve food security. Provincial youth representatives expressed gratitude toward Mnangagwa for keeping his promise. South African ANC Youth League president Thlologelo Collen Malatji attended the ceremony and called it a major achievement for youth empowerment.
Zanu PF Youth League Secretary General Tendai Chiwetu praised this unprecedented support. Harare Province Youth Chairman Emmanuel Mahachi called it a direct response to young people asking for economic opportunities. Matabeleland South youth chairman Moses Langa highlighted how the tractors will boost livestock production in his region. Mashonaland West provincial secretary Decide Mananzva promised strict accountability to ensure only active farmers benefit.
The President contributed $3.7 million from his personal funds toward this equipment, leaving youth farmers responsible for the remaining balance. This handover continues the Presidential Youth Empowerment Revolving Fund he launched earlier. Young farmers can buy these Belarus tractors through Empower Bank under friendly terms - three years to repay, zero collateral needed, and just 7.5% yearly interest.
Youth groups received several tractor models ranging from 81 to 155 horsepower machines. Zimbabwe plans to bring in 800 pieces of advanced farm equipment from Belarus this year, including more than 700 tractors. Lands and Agriculture Minister Dr. Anxious Masuka explained how important these machines are for modernizing farming and creating jobs for young Zimbabweans.
Dr. Masuka predicted impressive results from this initiative. He expects youth farmers to produce five tonnes per hectare with two yearly crops. This should generate 77,000 metric tonnes of grain for the Grain Marketing Board and create about $26 million in value. The Minister emphasized these tractors must serve their intended purpose through proper business channels rather than as gifts.
The additional $10 million for irrigation comes through the Agricultural Finance Corporation. Dr. Masuka mentioned recent talks with the President about making these funds available soon. He hopes Empower Bank can join this effort, allowing youth farmers to access tractors and irrigation development assistance simultaneously to boost sustainable farming despite climate challenges.
Youth Minister Tino Machakaire thanked the President and stressed this equipment must focus on agricultural production to achieve food security. Provincial youth representatives expressed gratitude toward Mnangagwa for keeping his promise. South African ANC Youth League president Thlologelo Collen Malatji attended the ceremony and called it a major achievement for youth empowerment.
Zanu PF Youth League Secretary General Tendai Chiwetu praised this unprecedented support. Harare Province Youth Chairman Emmanuel Mahachi called it a direct response to young people asking for economic opportunities. Matabeleland South youth chairman Moses Langa highlighted how the tractors will boost livestock production in his region. Mashonaland West provincial secretary Decide Mananzva promised strict accountability to ensure only active farmers benefit.
