Cassava Smartech Zimbabwe Limited has launched the Vaya tractor services to go with its Eco-farmer initiative to enable farmers to hire farming equipment like tractors, borehole drills etc.
Speaking at the launch of the initiative, Cassava chief executive officer Eddie Chibi explained the importance of technology in farming. He said:
As Eco-farmer we are not saying we are going to provide the remaining 33 000 tractors but we would like to deploy technology to make sure that the few we have are effectively and efficiently deployed.
… we are aware that ICT now plays a critical role in agriculture. When you look at the agriculture production chain, 37 per cent is lost on harvesting, storage and transportation, between production and consumption.
Cassava currently has over 2 000 Vaya tractors and about 1,4 million Eco-farmers, which numbers are expected to rise.
The 2 000 Vaya tractors will go some way in reducing the 33 000 government tractor deficit under the farm mechanization programme.