Extending the lifespan of agricultural machinery has become a key focus in Zimbabwe’s efforts to boost productivity and strengthen food security.
Experts say proper maintenance and responsible use are far more valuable than frequent replacement.
The Department of Agricultural Engineering, Mechanisation and Farm Infrastructure Development stated that the country’s progress in agricultural mechanisation largely depends on how farmers manage and care for their equipment.
Engineer Tafadzwa Samuriwo, head of DAEMFID’s Mechanisation Services Unit, emphasized that machinery endurance plays a central role in improving farm efficiency and profitability.
“A machine that is well serviced, correctly operated, and protected from harsh environmental conditions can serve productively for years, saving costs and boosting efficiency,” he said.
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Samuriwo stressed that preventive maintenance and regular servicing should be treated as good business practice rather than an unnecessary expense.
“Preventive maintenance and timely servicing are not merely technical routines but essential components of long-term farm profitability,” he said.
The Mechanisation Services Unit provides nationwide technical support, operator training, and professional machinery servicing to help farmers maintain the quality and performance of their equipment.
Samuriwo also highlighted the adoption of modern technologies, including predictive maintenance systems and IoT-based monitoring tools, which allow farmers to detect mechanical faults early and reduce costly breakdowns.
“These innovations have helped many farmers cut fuel costs, reduce downtime, and maintain steady production throughout the season,” he said.
He added that extending the working life of equipment contributes to lower replacement costs, greater operational stability, and improved national mechanisation capacity.
“When farmers understand that endurance is an investment, not a cost, the entire agricultural sector becomes stronger and more efficient,” Samuriwo said, noting that the success of Zimbabwe’s agricultural transformation depends on embracing this principle.
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