Govt rolls out ‘Hello Tractor’ App to boost Mechanisation efficiency

Ministry of Agriculture Chief Engineer -Agricultural Mechanization Joseph Phakati says the government has introduced the Hello Tractor digital application to enhance monitoring, coordination, and delivery of mechanization services across the country.

Mr. Phakati said the application provides real-time information on tractor location, activity, speed, and fuel consumption, enabling improved efficiency and accountability in the use of public agricultural equipment.

“This application gives us real-time reports on where the tractor is, what it is doing, the speed it is moving at, the fuel consumption, and most importantly, the work it has completed in a day,” he said.

Speaking during a presentation to civil society organizations on the Comprehensive Agricultural Transformation Support Programme, a government framework aimed at increasing agricultural productivity, Mr. Phakati noted that the mechanization agenda is embedded within the programme.

Mr. Phakati explained that the tractors are fitted with GPS devices that allow continuous tracking.

He said the Hello Tractor system also includes a booking feature that enables farmers to locate the nearest mechanization service Centre.

“So far, 50 mechanization centers have been equipped with the technology,” he said. “Farmers can search for the nearest service provider and book the service they require.”

He said before booking, a verification process is conducted to ensure fields are ready for mechanization.

“An officer must inspect the field to avoid damage to tractors or implements. A field must be free of stumps, rocks, and underground roots. Once the inspection is approved, the farmer pays for the service and the Centre proceeds to carry out the work,” he said.

Mr. Phakati added that the initiative primarily targets smallholder and medium-scale farmers, stressing that commercial farmers already have their own mechanization systems.

He said although the project is still in its early stages, the response has been encouraging.

“This activity only started this year. Last year we were piloting the monitoring application, and the booking component is barely a month old. So far, the feedback is positive from those who have been sensitized,” he said.

The ministry has digitized 80 tractors and trained extension officers in all 50 centers across the country.

Mr. Phakati said the ultimate goal is to relieve smallholder farmers of the physical burden associated with hand-held tools and improve national food production.

“Mechanization will enable farmers to work faster, more efficiently, and on larger areas of land. That is why we want to mechanize,” he said.

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