eBusiness Weekly
Business Writer
Listed technology solutions firm, Cassava Smartech Zimbabwe, has unveiled plans to introduce tractors and ambulance services under its Vaya division as part of private sector initiatives to boost the country’s agriculture sector.
By the time the next planting season starts, farmers will be able to secure a tractor within minutes, anywhere in Zimbabwe, said the company in an update this week.
The move is part of an ambitious plan by Vaya, to expand the range of services available on its mobility and logistics Application.
Cassava Smartech Zimbabwe chief executive officer, Eddie Chibi, says the company plans to register more than 10 000 tractors from the national fleet of more than 15 000 tractors.
Improved tractors availability
Tractor owners will be able to offer their tractors to other farmers using the Vaya Tractor App, once they finish tilling their own fields.
The cost of the service will be standardised, in the process improving farmers’ access to affordable tillage.
Chibi said based on computer modeling done by Vaya engineers, 10 000 tractors could plough and service 1.5 million small holder farmers if deployed efficiently.
The company will leverage its sister company, Econet Wireless’, cell phone network, as well as satellite GPS systems, to deploy the tractors.
They will know exactly where each tractor is located, and will be able to deploy them where and when they are needed.
Use of ICTs to boost crop yields
“This is the age of the Internet and shared economy. You don’t need to own a tractor. And there is no need to be phoning around, we know each tractor, and have tools that enable us to ensure the farmer and the tractor owner are able to transact using EcoCash,” said Eddie Chibi.
He said eventually Vaya wants to be able to offer access to other types of agricultural machinery, including transportation.
“We want to add every type of machinery available for agriculture. We are also adding trucks of all sizes to the App within the next three months,” said Chibi, who called on people with tractors to register on the platform as soon as possible.
“The market opportunity for contract ploughing and mechanisation is over $500 million per annum. This is huge and we can transform agriculture and make it less labourious for all our farmers. We need entrepreneurs and farmers to come into this space quickly. It will be very lucrative for everyone,” he explained.
Vaya, which now operates more than 10 000 cars on its Vaya Lift ride hailing service, is working on many other services, including a Car Pool service, which will be much cheaper than the current premium service, a van delivery service to help small businesses, as well as an ambulance service, said the firm.
“We have now stabilised the system and built up our capacity. We are preparing for the new service and that is why you see us advertising for different services.
‘‘We will soon be able to carry virtually anybody and anything within into and from Zimbabwe,” said Chibi.
