By Rex Mphisa
MATABELELAND South Province has received balers and mowers worth several thousands of dollars as part of agricultural mechanisation equipment to boost and improve food security and national self sustenance.
The equipment received from President Emmerson Mnangwa’s office has since been equittably distributed across Matabeleland South’s seven districts.
The equipment received is key to the mainstay of the livestock rearing progince and had been provided by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
In an update of the development Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe said the equipment was under the Presidential Agricultural Input Programmed.
“The Office of the Minister of State wishes to inform the Matabeleland South Provincial Leadership that the province has successfully received farming machinery under the Presidential Agricultural Input Programme, spearheaded by His Excellency, President Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa,” said Nguluvhe.
“The equipment received comprises, seven (7) Mowers and seven (7) Hay Balers. This machinery has now been equitably distributed across all seven districts in the province, with each district receiving a mower and a baler,” he said.
The distribution, Nguluvhe said, marks a significant milestone in strengthening agricultural capacity, particularly in improving fodder production and enhancing preparedness against drought conditions.
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Districts are encouraged to ensure the immediate utilisation and proper management of the equipment to maximise productivity and support ongoing agricultural activities,” said Nguluvhe whose province mainstay is mining and livestock management for the bulk of the 760 000 people of Matabeleland South.
Nguluvhe said further updates will be provided as additional machinery, including the pending combine harvesters, is delivered.
Research by Ziyah News Network showed the Gomselmash PPT-160 square baler costs around US$15 000.
The machine is designed for picking up windrows of hay, straw and pressing them into square bales. It is aggregated with a tractor of 1,4 drawbar category.
Unlike round bales, the square baler allows adjusting the bale density. Besides, the bale overall dimensions and weight are much smaller, which allows bale unloading and distributing not only with the help of machines but manually.
It is convenient at further feeding. The baler PPT-160 is designed for application in small farms with low degree of mechanization and is suitable for the conditions in the province.