(HERALD) 1 000 more tractors expected from China

1 000 more tractors expected from China
From Isdore Guvamombe in KUNMING, China

A CONSIGNMENT of 1 000 more tractors and an assortment of other related farming implements worth US$100 million from China is expected to arrive in Zimbabwe in three months’ time. The implements, which include combine harvesters, irrigation pumps, disc harrows, planters and electricity generators, among others, went onto the sea last week, after undergoing compliance inspection tests from a team of Zimbabwean Government officials.

They are now on their way home.

In an interview on the sidelines of the China International Travel Mart, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to China, Cde Frederick Shava, said the consignment was the last batch of equipment procured from a US$200 million Chinese government loan.

"As we are speaking, the consignment is now on the high seas on its way home. The consignment includes 1 000 tractors, combine harvesters, generators and planters plus several other related equipment.

"The generators in particular, will alleviate electricity outages in irrigation areas where we plant out winter crops,’’ said Cde Shava.

He said although the equipment will arrive home way into the summer farming season, it was important to note that the equipment could not be shipped until the Government sent inspectors for compliance purposes.

"The equipment might get home way into the summer farming season but we are sure that it is compliant to our needs because our inspectors who came here recently approved the consignment after carrying out tests.

"The pre-shipment team had to come first to inspect the equipment. By the end of November or beginning of December, we should see the consignment starting to arrive home but by mid-farming season, the entire consignment should have landed home.

"Our winter farming season should be different from the previous one, as we have moved to alleviate power outages,’’ Cde Shava said.