#zimbabwe Shot in arm for agric. . . as Govt takes delivery of farming implements from Brazil Deputy Minister Davis Marapira Peter Matambanadzo Senior Reporter Zimbabwe has received the first batch of farming implements from Brazil under the US$98 million credit facility aimed at boosting the country’s agricultural production ahead of the 2014-15 season. The implements, which include 30 fertiliser spreaders and 80 disc harrows, were supplied by Piccin Maquinas Agricolas Ltd, a Brazillian company. The implements were received on behalf of the Government by Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Deputy Minister Davis Marapira at the Grain Marketing Board’s Msasa depot last Thursday. “I want to thank the Brazilians for extending this credit facility to us and we are going to use the equipment to boost our agricultural production,” said Deputy Minister Marapira, who is responsible for mechanisation and irrigation development. Brazilian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Marcia Maro Da Silva, who was accompanied by the country’s senior advisor in the Ministry of Agrarian Development Secretary of Family Farming Mr Marco Antonio Viana Leita, said the South American country would continue assisting Zimbabwe. “We want to support Zimbabwe boost its food production and ensure food security. So we will continue to support the country with lines of credit,” she said. Puzey & Payne executive chairman Mr Charles Nyambuya, who represented Government in the farming implements deal with Piccin Maquinas Agricolas Ltd, said more implements would arrive soon. Mr Nyambuya said the implements expected total about 300 tractors and planters. He also said the implements were meant for A1 farmers to capacitate them to produce larger yields. Brazil agreed to fund Zimbabwe’s acquisition of agricultural implements last year. The implements will be distributed to farmers before the start of the 2014-15 farming season. Earlier reports had indicated that farmers would apply for funds at concessionary rates through Agri- bank specifically for acquiring farming implements such as tractors. The modalities of the distribution are yet to be announced.
Posted on: Sun, 05 Oct 2014 23:36:32 +0000
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