By MAIMBO Mweemba
The Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) has handed over eleven Massey Ferguson tractors worth 29 million dollars to Small Scale farmer Enterprises.
Speaking during the handover ceremony in Lusaka, Agriculture Minister, Reuben Mtolo said the handover of the tractors to farmers is a step towards fully commercializing agriculture in the country.
Mr Mtolo said the Government is aware of the challenges farmers are faced with hence the formulation of the National Mechanization Strategy meant to promote farm power and mechanization among the small-scale farmers.
He also said that there is for the banking sector to put in place long term agro financing Programs that will focus on promoting farm power and mechanization among the small-scale farmers.
The tractors handed over to farmers have come with implements such as boom sprayers, planters; disc hallows and ploughs three discs.
