The Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Honourable Monica Mutsvangwa yesterday presented more than 50 tractors to sugar cane farmers in Chiredzi, marking a significant milestone in improving agricultural productivity and boosting the local economy.
Minister Monica Mutsvangwa declared that the handover of more than 50 tractors to sugar cane farmers marked a pivotal moment in enhancing agricultural productivity and driving economic growth in Chiredzi and its surrounding communities.
She reassured the sugar cane farmers that those who did not receive tractors on that particular day should not feel disappointed as more tractors are on the way, and their turn will come in due course.
“Let me assure those sugar cane farmers who did not receive a tractor today that they will soon get their turn as more tractors are on their way to Chiredzi.
“Our goal is to ensure that every farmer who needs assistance receives it,” she said.
In addition, Minister Monica Mutsvangwa emphasized the need for farmers to make full use of the land and to empower women, explaining that when a woman makes money, the entire family, the community, and ultimately the nation, all benefit from her success.
“I urge you, dear farmers, to maximize the potential of the land and to support the empowerment of women.
“When a woman earns money, her family, the community, and our nation as a whole, all reap the rewards of her success,” said Hon Mutsvangwa.
She also stressed the government’s dedication to developing the agricultural sector in Zimbabwe, asserting that the completion of over 700 projects in the province under the second republic, coupled with the partnership with Belarus that will bring more tractors, would enable Zimbabwe to become the bread basket of other nations.
“With over 700 projects completed in the province under the second republic and more tractors on the way thanks to our partnership with Belarus, we aim to make Zimbabwe the bread basket of other nations,” said Hon Mutsvangwa.
Hon Ezra Chadzamira, the Minister of Devolution and Provincial Affairs for Masvingo Province spoke at the tractor handover event, expressing his delight at the sight of farmers receiving tractors.
“This initiative will drive economic and agricultural development, which is crucial for our province, where the sugarcane industry is a major employer,” he said.
Chipo Mutisi, a beneficiary of the tractor handover expressed her joy.
“Receiving this tractor is a game changer for us farmers. With this, we can transport sugarcane directly from the farm, preventing spoilage and minimizing weight loss, which means no more wasted produce or lost income due to transportation delays,” said Chipo.
Addmore Hwarare, chairman of the Commercial Sugar Farmers Association of Zimbabwe, shared his gratitude at the event.
“As a representative of over 1200 farmers, including 100 female farmers, I am thrilled to see that this tractor project is allowing farmers to receive tractors without any deposit required, which will greatly aid in the development of agriculture in the area,” he said.
The handover of tractors comes at a time the Second Republic is committed to achieving an Upper Middle Class Economy by 2030 through the slogan “leaving noone and no place behind,” focusing on the equitable distribution of resources and opportunities across all sectors and regions of the country.
Story by Pretty Dhlamini
