Elita Chikwati Senior Reporter
Farmers have started applying for the John Deere farm mechanisation equipment, with the participating banks already processing the applications ahead of disbursements expected to start in August.

President Mnangagwa launched the US$51 million John Deere Mechanisation Facility last month, which is expected to transform the agriculture sector and ensure the industry becomes the pathway out of poverty and a pre-condition for economic growth and prosperity.

The facility consists of 1 300 tractors, 80 combine harvesters, 600 planters, 200 disc harrows, 100 boom sprayers and 100 trailers, which will enable farmers to boost productivity.

Tractors will be used mainly by 5 000 farmers under the National Agriculture Recovery Plan. Selection of beneficiaries is based on creditworthiness of the farmers as assessed by CBZ and Stanbic Bank, while Agribank is establishing a Special Equipment leasing vehicle for the purposes of mechanisation service provision especially combine harvesters.

The banks yesterday confirmed that there was an overwhelming response from farmers and processing of applications was underway.

CBZ group executive marketing and corporate affairs, Ms Matilda Nyathi said they had started distributing application forms.

“We have distributed application forms across our network to date. Some farmers have started submitting their applications which are being assessed by our Agribusiness unit. We are finalising the agreements with Government and expect the equipment disbursements to start in early August. The interest has been positive,” she said.

Stanbic head of marketing Mr Palmer Mugavha said there was huge interest from farmers although it was too early to provide the corresponding statistics.

John Deere local representative Mr Graham Smith also observed that the response for the facility had been very encouraging.

Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement Minister Perrance Shiri said the John Deere Mechanisation Facility would help ensure the success of our Agricultural Recovery Plan, which is meant to achieve food self-sufficiency.