A new training academy which recently opened in Zimbabwe will provide the opportunity for local farmers to embrace mechanization in on-field experiences.

 The Case IH Training Academy is on the BlueSky Farms and will be run in partnership with Case IH, its Zimbabwean distributor Agricon and BlueSky Farms.

The Academy, a new initiative, is aimed at encouraging better practices in Zimbabwean agriculture.

Technical and operational training will be provided to help farmers improve productivity through the widespread adoption of mechanization.

Furthermore, the academy will enable farmers to get a range of skills through the use of Case IH agricultural equipment. Equipment includes tractors, a harvester, sprayer and seed planter which was operational during the launch.

Matthew Foster, vice president of Agricultural Commercial Development for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, launched the Case IH Training Academy in Chinhoyi on September 14.

More than 100 guests from Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa, Kenya, Sudan and Egypt – including farm operators and agriculture equipment dealers – attended the launch.

According to Daniel Bosman, managing director of BlueSky Farms, “farming principles in Africa are often outdated and there is a need for a better understanding of the principles of mechanization, technology and management practices”.

Foster said if people’s reactions to the opening are anything to go by, the new training academy is a welcome addition to Zimbabwe’s agricultural industry.

Jason Smith, Chief Operating Officer of Agricon Equipment, said the company aims to contribute to a more productive Zimbabwe through its future provision of training and education.

“This (lack of productivity)  is due to a lack of exposure to modern concepts, lack of training and limited access to the latest technology – all things which the academy can address.”