African Agri Magazine April-June issue by afriagrimagazine

African Agri Magazine

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

A Big Success for the 20th Edition of the JOSKIN Pro Days! Pg.6 NGO calls for government’s support for women in agriculture Pg.12

Better prospects for Niger’s farmers Pg.24

NitroStim: Discover the innovative biostimulant. Pg.48

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Contents Cover Story Pg.6 A Big Success for the 20th Edition of the JOSKIN Pro Days!

Agribusiness Pg.8 John Deere offers all-new lineup of Hagie Self-Propelled STS12, STS16, and STS20 Sprayers Pg.10 An Agricultural Company Increases Its Cherry Production In The Most Difficult Year Pg.11 VENDAVID: A partner you can trust in agricultural produce vending machines Pg.12 NGO calls for government’s support for women in agriculture Pg.14 The innovative FLEDBAG® lets you empty big bags easily, quickly and precisely. Pg.16 How to improve Hay Quality Pg.18 Murang’a farmers reap big from expanding avocado business Pg.20 Namibia: Nust Holds Workshop On Sustainable Farming Pg.21 Govt to secure Shs663 billion equipment for postharvest handling Pg.22 Kenya: Kirinyaga Releases Sh117m to Boost Farmers' Projects Pg.23 AFRICA: ACF secures $115m syndicated loan for sustainable agriculture Pg.24 Better prospects for Niger’s farmers Pg.26 Ethiopia: Consolidating Efforts to Meet Rising Demand of Agricultural Inputs

Irrigation Pg.28 RainFine Introduces Just-Fine Pipe Pg.30 Simplify Temporary Irrigation with New MP Stake Kits Pg.31 New Rain Bird® Flow-Indicating Basket Filters Provide All-InOne Irrigation Solution Pg.32 BURKINA FASO: Buy-Us Solar launches solar-powered irrigation project

Pg6

Pg8

Livestock Pg.34 Prevention is better than cure Pg.35 Nigeria: Govt Begins Pilot Implementation of Livestock Transformation Plan in Nasarawa Pg.36 Safety key in controlling African swine fever Pg.37 Foot-And-Mouth Disease: Livestock Movement Ban Lifted In Kayonza Pg.38 Saving Nigeria’s Livestock Sector From Insecurity Pg.40 Dry spell takes huge toll on smallholder livestock farmers Pg.41 Advanced dosing syringes for veterinary use

Poultry Pg.42 Nigeria: How Covid-19, Border Closure Crippled Poultry Business in Sokoto – Farmers Pg.43 Farmers cautioned against using toxic maize for animal, poultry feeds Pg.44 Kudos For Cbn Over Intervention To Rescue Poultry Sector Pg.45 Kenya Adds Maize, Chicken On List Of Banned Ugandan Exports Pg.46 South Africa’s Chicken Tariff Increases Hit Consumers’ Bottom Line Pg.47 The local poultry sector could generate 150,000 jobs by 2025

Pg30

Fertilizers Pg.48 NitroStim: Discover the innovative bio-stimulant.

News Pg.50 Case IH Seeding and Planting Lineup Boosts Efficiency, ROI Pg.51 Could Toyota’s latest battery announcement change tractors forever? Pg.52 Mzuri strip tillage celebrates its 10th Anniversary in 2021 Pg.53 Fendt combine harvesters will soon be available to order with special headers from Geringhoff

Pg.4

Pg34 Pg46 www.afriagrimagazine.com | April-June Issue 2021

Editor’s Note

From the Editor

April-June 2021 Editor Nicholas Mayo editor@afriagrimagazine.com Sales brenna.shumba@afriagrimagazine.com raymond.rusere@afriagrimagazine.com walter.hove@afriagrimagazine.com david.brunn@afriagrimagazine.com Accounts & Admin Collen Geza admin@afriagrimagazine.com Design and layout Black Heart Worx info@blackheartworx.co.za

The African population has increased, with the highest unemployment rates and an economy that is still staggeringly this while the Corona Virus ravages across the world. African Food Security must be considered as a priority. As we enter the 2nd quarter of the year and as vaccinations are rolled out across the globe, we still face diminishing food resources. African farmers have taken to the fore in being the front liners though hard hit by the virus, farmers have continued to work tirelessly for nations that are consuming more by the day. Our valued readers, it is a great honour that we present to you hope for the future through farming. In this exciting issue, we present to you in various categories the wheels of our food security through well-thought articles in the sector. One can never discuss farming and leave out technology and machinery. It is through the years that we have seen a significant rise in the development of equipment aimed at helping the farmer like you and me work more efficiently. We dive into the health of the crop as John Deere offers an all-new lineup of Hagie SelfPropelled STS12, STS16, and STS20 Sprayers, music to our ears as this will mean less effort in spraying the crop. As we approach winter, it is imperative that we have an excellent irrigation system. RainFine a leader in irrigation systems gives just the right solution, they explain more on page 28. In Africa it goes without saying that the most valuable possession of a farmer is his livestock get Advanced dosing syringes for veterinary use from Nordson. A healthy and tick free flock gives you a peaceful night. Discover the innovative bio-stimulant from NitroStim, help the soil by feeding it the nutrients it needs to give us a healthy crop. Ladies and gentlemen, need I say more, let's work to feed the nations and be the food basket of the earth. Have a great read. Regards, Editor

Front Cover A Big Success for the 20th Edition of the JOSKIN Pro Days! Pg.6

Nicholas Mayo

Disclaimer: All Material is strictly copyright. The magazine or any part thereof may not be reproduced or adapted without written permission from the Publisher. African Agri Magazine welcomes material submitted for publication but retains the right to edit copy. The views expressed in the publication are not considered those of the Publisher, which accepts no liability of any nature arising out of or in connection with the contents of this magazine. While every effort has been taken in compiling this publication, the publisher does not give warranty as to the completeness or accuracy of its content. The publisher and the editor cannot accept responsibility for any loss inconvenience & damage that may occur there from.

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April -June Issue 2021

Cover Story

A Big Success for the 20th Edition of the JOSKIN Pro Days! The year 2021 began with the traditional JOSKIN open days, a series of days aiming at introducing the general public to the machines of the range and the behind-the-scenes of the production. Due to the health restrictions, this year’s event took a completely different turn, as the company chose to offer a 100% digital experience. Was it a success? For 20 years now, the JOSKIN Pro Days have been attracting a growing audience, to the point that they have now become an event in its own on the agricultural agenda. Despite the restrictions imposed by this year’s unprecedented sanitary context, the Belgian company was determined to maintain this tradition at all costs. A New Record Number of Visitors As many farmers have noticed, the brand’s website was completely reviewed for the occasion. Many new tools were added, as well as a 100%

virtual showroom and an interactive tour with the behind-the-scenes of JOSKIN’s factories. In view of the solution set up on the website (https://www.joskin.com/ prodays), JOSKIN has undeniably been able to meet its challenge of offering a 100% digital variant that keeps the ingredients of the original event. By offering a solution that is accessible from anywhere in the world, with no time restrictions nor travel constraints, and above all without the slightest health risk, this year’s Pro Days have once again registered a new record number of visitors. Several tens of thousands of visitors visited the page dedicated to the event in just a few days. Contractors, fans, curious people, experts from Poland, Spain, Austria, Sweden, Russia, etc. surfed the various pages designed by the company for the event.

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

Cover Story

Good News: JOSKIN Opens Its Doors the Whole Year Through! Given this impressive success, JOSKIN naturally decided to keep the various tools created for the occasion online. With this decision, the Group conforms thus with its usual line of conduct, which is to play the game of transparency. Let us remind you that JOSKIN has always opened the doors of its showrooms to the general public and organised guided tours of its various production sites throughout the year. Although this initiative was undermined by the pandemic context, it was important for the company that users could continue to be properly informed about the right reasons to invest. Information for Every Need In addition to the usual pages dedicated to the products in

the range, the Joskin.com site allows you (via the «showroom» buttons) to immerse yourself in a fully virtual showroom of over 14,000 m², giving you the opportunity to analyse each machine in detail as if you were there. To convince you of the quality of its machines, the JOSKIN website also includes a new section called «factory tour», where you can view the complete manufacturing process of a JOSKIN machine through the Group’s various production sites. Taking you on a journey from Belgium to Poland via France, this page allows you, through narrative and immersive video reports, to see and understand each stage of a production cycle of a machine without having to travel.

For bargain hunters, another tool is also available now: the special offer of the month! Accessible via the joskin.com/ calendar page or the «our special deals» section, this novelty summarises the exclusive special offers of the JOSKIN 2021 calendar that you can benefit from during the current month. Now permanently available on the JOSKIN website, all these novelties go along and enrich the already popular existing tools, such as the catalogue of outlet/secondhand machines, the e-shop or the media library. Despite the many barriers imposed by the sanitary context, JOSKIN thus demonstrates, once again, its ability to remain in tune with the needs of the agricultural world.

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www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

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Agribusiness

John Deere offers all-new lineup of Hagie Self-Propelled STS12, STS16, and STS20 Sprayers •

Three new models are available with 1,200- to 2,000- gallon capacity tanks. • New Hagie™ STS12, STS16 and STS20 Sprayers are powered by John Deere PowerTech™ 9.0 L Engines that generate from 300 to 400 horsepower. • Hagie STS Sprayers can reach field speeds of up to 25 mph, and up to 35 mph during transport. Olathe, Kansas (March 2, 2021) – John Deere offers an all-new lineup of Hagie™ SelfPropelled Sprayers for model year 2022 to help farmers manage tight operating windows and challenging field conditions at various crop stages. Three models are being offered and include the STS12, STS16, and STS20. “Everything about these sprayers is new, except for the field-proven signature front spray boom,” Joel Basinger, marketing manager for John Deere, said. “Hagie forward-facing innovation and

John Deere precision-ag technology have joined forces to advance full-season spraying. If you need to splitapply nitrogen or demand superior late-season fungicide coverage, John Deere and Hagie can help you “Enter the Field Any Day” with an STS Sprayer.” The front boom placement on the STS Sprayer reduces the need for operators to constantly turn and look behind the machine during application. John Deere’s AutoTrac™ RowSense™ and AutoTrac Vision keep the sprayer in the row for precise product placement. STS Sprayers also feature All Wheel Steer technology that keeps the sprayer’s tires in the same set of tracks, reducing the potential for crop damage, even when making 90-degree headland turns. STS Sprayers have up to 76 inches of underframe clearance so crop disturbance is minimized, and the in-wheel suspension of

the sprayer provides operators with a smooth ride. The solution tank is located at the center of the sprayer to balance the weight of the machine whether the tank is full or empty. Three tank sizes are available. The largest is the new, 2,000-gallon tank for the STS20 that allows the sprayer to work longer between fills. Even with the increased capacity on the STS20, farmers will notice less rutting in the field and will still be able to enter the field in damp conditions to spray. Farmers can equip their STS Sprayer with one of four sizes of Hagie™ Hybrid Booms in working widths of 90, 100, 120, and 132 feet. These booms are strong, light weight and versatile, while Active Wing Roll™ by Norac® controls boom height when spraying across uneven terrain.

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

Agribusiness

STS Sprayers come equipped with PowrSpray™ technology that enables fast, up to 300gallon-per-minute fills, plus auto prime and onboard mixing so operators can get back in the field more quickly. Using optional John Deere ExactApply™ technology, operators can control droplet size, spray pressure and individual nozzle control on the STS Sprayer. Pressure recirculation and optional System Air Purge technology can improve job quality and simplify cleanout while reducing product waste. STS Sprayers feature a new cab that surrounds operators in allday comfort while delivering outstanding visibility. Two comfort and convenience packages with new LED lighting options are available. The Ultimate package includes a heated, ventilated massaging leather seat that can swivel up to 16-degrees to the left or right, a 6.5-inch touchscreen satellite- and smartphone-ready radio, four USB ports, a 12-volt outlet, footrests, dual-tilt steering column, refrigerator, and electric door cinch with remote opening. The cab’s Category IV filtration system continuously flows filtered air into the cab to help keep the operator’s station clean. With a quick check of the cabinpressure warning light that’s included, operators can be assured the system is operating correctly. Each STS Sprayer comes standard with a JDLink™ connection, plus an integrated StarFire™ 6000 GPS receiver, Generation 4 CommandCenter™ display and AutoTrac guidance. This integrated technology helps

operators reduce overlap and maximize inputs.

maximizing the sprayer’s uptime.”

Once activated, JDLink will stream machine and field data to the John Deere Operations Center so owners can easily monitor and track job quality, machine location and machine hours from anywhere. Farmers can setup prescriptions for individual fields within the Operations Center and push the prescriptions to the in-cab Generation 4 display so they or their operators do not have to enter this information into the display. The Analyze tools within Operations Center enable farmers to review field data, compare target rates with actual-applied rates, and adjust plans as needed. Operations Center makes it easy for farmers to securely share their data with their trusted advisors. Owners can utilize remote diagnostics and review new diagnostic trouble codes with descriptive text that help improve sprayer uptime and access to parts. In addition, the AgLogic™ app can be used to submit application jobs from the cab of the sprayer and to keep accurate records of what work was done in each field.

Each STS Sprayer is equipped with a John Deere Powertech™ 9.0 L Engine that increases power bulge and torque. The 300-hp STS12, 400-hp STS16, and 400-hp STS20 Sprayers provide increased power management and fuel economy compared with previous models. On the STS20, dual turbos were added to the engine to make it the most powerful self-propelled sprayer available.

“John Deere makes it easy to take advantage of the benefits of a connected machine,” Basinger said. “Not only can these sprayers stream machine and field data to the Operations Center, but with the owner’s permission they can send machine health information to the owner’s John Deere dealer. That enables John Deere Connected Support™ – where the dealer can remotely monitor the machine for any sign of trouble and fix the issue before it causes downtime, thus

STS Sprayers come standard with CommandDrive™ technology to monitor for wheel slip. If onewheel slips, CommandDrive automatically sends more power to the other wheels for real-time traction control, and improved performance across tough terrain. Using the scroll wheel on the multi-function hydro handle, the operator can dial in the desired speed range. “Hagie design and John Deere technology put farmers in control of season-long applications like never before,” Basinger said. “With the boom placed at the front of the machine, expanded precision-ag technologies, enhanced operator comfort, and power to spare, these are the most innovative highclearance sprayers in the industry.” For more information, visit your local John Deere dealer, or JohnDeere.com or Hagie.com. Hagie STS Sprayers will be available for ordering in June.

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Agribusiness

AN AGRICULTURAL COMPANY INCREASES ITS CHERRY PRODUCTION IN THE MOST DIFFICULT YEAR

The company reaches 14% production increase despite the challenges of the current situation The difficulties and new actual challenges due to the expansion of coronavirus have not been able to overcome The Looije SL Producers Organization that has closed the year 2020 with a 14% turn over growth. The agricultural company from Águilas (Murcia, Spain) is specialized in marketing of cherry tomatoes and has maintained its progressive line during the last 5 years. “We are proud to see that our work and determined commitment to quality and innovation is now rewarded by consumers,” said Juan José López, CEO of O.P. Looije, regarding the improvements that high-tech investments in recent years have brought to the entire production process. This is the case of the new Looije Aguilas greenhouse, a project in collaboration with Novagric,

company specialized in the industrial development of integrated projects for high-yield sustainable agriculture, where the performance of these technological greenhouses facilities has resulted in a significant increase in productivity. The greenhouse installed by Novagric for the company Looije is fully technologically equipped for cherry tomato production. It is a turn-key project with an area of 51,280 m2 with double ¼ cenital and perimeter ventilation, designed to optimize the maximum solar radiation inlet. To do this, possible obstacles to the passage of light have been minimized with other techniques that ensure stability and the arches of the greenhouse have been white lacquered with a higher opening to optimize the inlet of solar radiation. The irrigation system used is hydroponic with gutters suspended from the greenhouse structure itself. Novagric is committed to the technological, sustainable

and cost-effective development of agriculture, and for this purpose has expanded its facilities to offer the best service to agricultural organizations and have a great response capacity to take on all kinds of national and international projects. «Thanks to the new innovation and showroom center installed in Alhama (Murcia, Spain) allows us to test all new technological developments to ensure effectiveness in crop profitability and productivity. » explains Juan Pardo, head of the technical department of NOVAGRIC. «These are the main reasons why companies like Looije bet on developing the project with us obtaining great results, together with our great competitive advantages, which is to offer a complete project from design, manufacture, assembly, installation to agronomic advice to make everything easier for our customers. » www.novagric.com novagric@novagric.com

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

Agribusiness

VENDAVID: A partner you can trust in agricultural produce vending machines Humanity has been on a journey to evolve since time immemorial. Back then, probably one of man's first innovation was to utilize fire. Now, in the 21st century, we've had so many leaps in technology that most of our world is accessible through the touch of a button. One of the earliest technologies for humanity was in the 1st century when there was the invention of the vending machine. The earliest known vending machine was the work of a Roman Egyptian mathematician and engineer who invented the machine that could dispense holy water when a coin was deposited. Fast forward centuries later, we find such machines that dispense snacks, in colleges, corporate places and

even airports, same principle and mechanics being used. Previously manufactured by Inagra, vegetable vending machines have hit the market, which we may say was needed by the consumer. Though in 2017 Vendavid has taken to develop and produce ultra-solid fruit and vegetable vending machines.

as possible directly from the farm" One of Vendavid's machines, the potato vending machine is an electrical machine that once installed is immediately ready for use, be it at farms, marketplaces or gas stations.

In the words of Vendavid Business Manager, Christopher David

Vendavid is leading the market in the sector's innovation, their machine having a small chance of malfunctioning hence their 2-year warranty on the machines, having for other products a capacity of 184 products and for products such as potatoes the vending machines take up to 700 kgs.

"Anyone who sells via an agricultural vending machine also satisfies consumers who want to buy their products as fresh

If you are looking for a way to sell more fruit and vegetables directly from the farm to the consumer, then choose Vendavid.

Vendavid and Inagra continue to work side by side, this has ensured that the consumer has easier access to fresh produce.

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

Agribusiness

NGO calls for government’s support for women in agriculture The Centre for Women in Agriculture and Nutrition (CWAN), a Non-governmental Organisation, has called on the government to prioritise the needs of women in agriculture to help improve the food and nutrition needs of the country. It said women contributed more than 50 per cent to the growth of the agricultural sector but that they were challenged with factors such as access to mechanization services and credit facilities. This was contained in a statement signed by Mr Emmanuel Wullingdool, Executive Director of CWAN on the occasion of the International Women’s Day celebration and copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Wa.

The day is set aside by the UN to celebrate the achievement of women in areas of economic, social, and other spheres of humanity. This year’s commemoration was on the theme “Women in Leadership: Achieving Equal Future in a Covid-19 World”. “We wish to use this occasion to call on Governments, particularly the Government of Ghana, to work towards removing the bottlenecks that prevent women from accessing support services in the Agriculture sector. “Particularly issues of access to Agriculture mechanization services, access to credit and access to land”, the statement said.

secured country and world, a pre-condition for building a stronger immune system against the Covid-19. “A recent Agriculture census conducted in Ghana indicated that there are more female than males in Agriculture households in Ghana. The census report further indicated that higher proportion of males than females own and use agriculture equipment”, it added. While congratulating women for their contribution to global food security amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, the statement noted that women contributed greatly to the food and Nutrition security of the African continent.

It noted that addressing those inequalities would help ensure a more food and nutrition

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

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Agribusiness

The innovative FLEDBAG® lets you empty big bags easily, quickly and precisely. The innovative FLEDBAG® lets you empty big bags easily, quickly and precisely. It is suitable for animal feed, fertilizer, seeds, pellets, salt and granules. Any residual amounts can be left in the big bag for the next dispensing task. FLEDBAG® is available individually or as part of a practical combined package. For reusable big bags we recommend the use of the FLEDBAG® Easy. It was specially developed for use with reusable big bags. The most helpful innovation is the flexible, folding handle. Sometimes the big bag is still swinging slightly on lowering so that the FLEDBAG® Original can easily tip on penetrating the bag. The moving handle gives in, and nothing breaks. Skewed depositing of the big bag is no problem anymore. The Reinforced chisel tip makes it easier to penetrate into Big Bag fabric. Furthermore the material is of enormous stability. The CModified Polyamide GlassFiber Mixture withstands the highest loads and provides for indefinite service life when properly used. There is no corrosion. The FLEDBAG® is steady and stable. The flat state is ensured by a submerged connecting screw. Equipped with an innovative Vario gate valve the product

extensions and additional functions, like the electrical Funnel Box Opener or the Funnel Slide, a power-coated, 9 kg light slide which enables easy emptying into various seed drills or other containers.

guarantees high tightness for flexible dosage. The functional principle is simple: Deposit the FLEDBAG® on a firm surface. Lift the big bag by its loops using front loader or forklift forks, and position above the FLEDBAG®. Lower the big bag so that the FLEDBAG® penetrates the big bag, then raise the big bag again. Pull the FLEDBAG® down slightly to make it easier to open and close the valve. By opening and closing the FLEDBAG®, you can simply meter the content of the big bag. The FLEDBAG® Funnel Box is the new seed box on the African market - designed for safety, efficiency and convenience. The reusable FLEDBAG® Funnel Box is the most efficient container for free-flowing materials such as seeds, pellets or granules. Reusable, heavy-duty and stackable. Also available with

The FLEDBAG® Funnel Box features a smooth, sloped interior and a generous center exit port, which allows safe, complete emptying of contents in as quickly as 30 seconds. Its high strength plastic construction handles loads up to 2,500 lbs. (1,134 kg). The containers stack and nest to eliminate wasted space. When nested, the container takes up 40% less space. Their modular dimensions maximize trailer cubing to reduce freight cost. Thousands of units are now in use for bulk product distribution, where the unique design provides a safer work environment, saves hundreds of work hours in handling flexible bulk bags and reduces packaging and disposal costs. Designed for safe, one person operation it guarantees not only efficient material handling, also excellent protection against rodents and contaminants. Durable construction ensures a long service life and eliminates waste and bag disposal costs. Last but not least it is 100% recycable.

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

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Agribusiness

How to Improve Hay Quality Delmhorst Instrument Co. is a 2nd generation familyowned business that has been manufacturing moisture meters for agriculture and the building trades/lumber industries for 75 years. Our products are known world-wide and have been accepted by the major schools of agriculture and forestry. They are proven for ruggedness and accuracy and will provide many years of reliability. Monitoring the moisture content of hay helps to preserve leaves, color, and feed value, and reduces the possibility of mold development while in storage. When harvest time comes, Delmhorst probe-type meters are proven, essential tools that are a critical component to ensuring high quality hay. The popular model F-2000

hand-held meter uses a 9v battery and offers easy to use controls, and a sharp digital display even in bright sunlight. For high volume producers who need the timesaving convenience of on-the-go monitoring, the FX-2000 adds the ability to check hay moisture during baling, without even leaving the tractor. It is powered by the tractor’s 12V system as well as a 9v battery for portable use. The F-2000 and FX-2000 hay testers are covered by a 3-year warranty.

for the windrow, small and large square bales, and round bales too. Delmhorst also produces moisture meters for the cotton, soil, grain, hemp/hops/ tobacco markets, as well as a temperature measuring probe system, ideal for grain, hay, and cotton. Download our complimentary guide How to Improve Hay Quality For more information on the F-2000, FX2000, and Delmhorst’s full line of moisture meters and accessories visit our website at delmhorst.com and click on the Speak to a Specialist link or email us at info@delmhorst.com

Whether in the windrow, while baling, or in storage, Delmhorst meters measure hay moisture every step of the way with speed, accuracy, and reliability. Prods are available

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

Agribusiness

Murang’a farmers reap big from expanding avocado business Farmers in Murang’a earned an estimated Sh8.8 billion from avocado farming last year, according to a new report. The income is more than half of the proceeds earned by farmers in the sector countrywide. Kenya’s avocado farmers earned Sh14.7 billion from international markets, up from Sh5.4 billion in 2017. Farmers in Murang’a County have doubled their avocado trees, eyeing the lucrative overseas markets.

Patrick Kamande, the chair of Gatanga Avocado Farmers has attributed the high earnings to increased demand for the fruit in foreign markets due to production of high quality Hass variety. Kamande said the maturity of the avocado trees planted in Murang’a between 2015 and 2017 through distribution by the county government has contributed greatly to increased production since last year.

said Joseph Wanjohi, the chair of Avocado Marketing Agents Association. He said farmers should be encouraged to harvest mature fruits not to compromise standards. Murang’a County Avocado Bill fronted by Governor Mwangi wa Iria met opposition from middlemen even as growers with 5,450 acres of land embraced it. AFA partnered with the county governments to increase production after the Chinese market was opened in 2019.

The World Bank has promised to facilitate the construction of a Sh100 million avocado processing plant in the county.

“I have more than 120 avocado trees that were planted between 2016 and 2018, out of which 100 are mature. Last year, I sold avocados worth Sh220,000, up from Sh150,000 the previous year,” Kamande said.

According to the Agriculture Food Authority (AFA), Kenya produced 72 million tonnes of avocados, up from 68 million tonnes in the previous year which earned the country Sh10 billion.

He said farmers are affiliated to the Murang’a County Avocado Cooperative Union, under which 227,062 growers benefited with free seedlings issued by the county government since 2015.

Iria said his administration had distributed more than 1,541,554 seedlings to 227,062 growers. He said he had contracted a Dutch company to spearhead certification process of avocado farmers.

This year, farmers have been warned against selling an avocado for less than Sh12 following increased demand as the harvesting season opened last Tuesday.

“Murang’a fruits have attracted buyers in international markets. We have come together and resisted the middlemen who used to offer us low prices,”

In 2019, the governor was crowned an avocado ambassador in recognition of his efforts to support small scale growers.

The Bill sought to stop the exploitation of farmers by merchants through registration of players in the sector, among other proposals.

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

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Agribusiness

Namibia: Nust Holds Workshop On Sustainable Farming THE Centre for Enterprise Development (CED) at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) held a two-day workshop for vegetable growers in the Kalkrand area of Hardap region, on sustainable farming. The workshop, the first of its kind in the area, was held on 5 and 6 March under the auspices of the Omomas Training and Care Centre (ATC). It was attended by 25 participants. According to CED director Godwin Chisenga, this kind of training is relevant because of the persistent poor rains that lead to droughts, resulting in poor yields and degraded pastures in most parts of the country. The workshop looked at sustainable ways of restoring natural fertility of degraded soil through the use of cheap local materials to achieve

increased crop output. Participants learnt how to apply kraal manure and mulch to their vegetable gardens. They were also taught how to grow seedlings the correct way. "The high cost of external inputs, limited knowledge on soil fertility management and overexploitation leads to diminished resilience of the soil to provide a suitable medium for crop growth. "Therefore it is important that crop farmers learn available methodologies to enrich the soil to improve their harvests," Chisenga said. He stressed the importance of such training, specifically targeting farmers who may not have extension services from the Ministry of Agriculture, in imparting knowledge to them.

Chisenga expressed gratitude to the ATC management for their foresight in organising such training. ATC director Ing-Anja Huppertz, thanked CED for providing such a practical and inspiring workshop for the participants. She said: "Organic farming technologies are an alternative agricultural system that advocates the use of appropriate and affordable farming techniques in improving soil fertility". She added that fertile soil is crucial for sustainable farming in Namibia because of the extent of land degradation in most of the regions. * Vehonga Ndjitaviua is the marketing officer at the Centre For Enterprise Development at Nust.

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

Agribusiness

Govt to secure Shs663 billion equipment for postharvest handling The government through the Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) is set to secure equipment worth 130 million pounds (about Shs663 billion) for postharvest handling and processing.

production and productivity where the government has given out a number of farm inputs including seeds and even mechanization but we are now focusing on adding value and processing,” he added.

“Government is in the process of procuring equipment for post-harvest handling and processing worth Shs663 billion, and once that is done, the challenges of farmers losing their produces will come to end,” said Mr Pius Wakabi, the permanent secretary MAAIF while meeting a delegation from Kenya National Defence College at the ministry head offices in Entebbe on Wednesday. The group is in Uganda on a study tour.

Mr Wakabi noted that they have geared up to go to villages to educate farmers on how to handle their products while still on the farm and also after harvest to reduce aflatoxins.

"The government has been paying much attention to

Col John Kiswaa Sankale who led the Kenyan delegation

said that they have managed to learn a lot during their visit to Uganda. “Besides military training, we engage in farming, therefore, we wanted to know how Ugandan government maintains its food basket, how’s food harvested, stored. What we have gathered will really be helpful,” he said.

The ministry intends to become net exporters of animal feeds in the region since beef, dairy, and aquaculture have become strategic commodities throughout the East African countries.

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

Agribusiness

Kenya: Kirinyaga Releases Sh117m to Boost Farmers' Projects Kirinyaga County has disbursed Sh117 million meant for the empowerment of farmers in the region. The funds will be invested in various farming development projects in a bid to increase agriculture production in the county. According to Governor Anne Waiguru, the funds will go into implementation of the second phase of the National Agricultural Rural Inclusive Growth (Narig) projects which include poultry, dairy, avocado, tomato and pig production among others. The projects are being implemented by 314 community groups. While disbursing the cheques to the various groups in Kutus on Wednesday, Ms Waiguru said that the funded projects are part of the Wezesha Kirinyaga programme which aims to make agricultural activities bring better incomes and improve the livelihoods of the county's residents.

Diversify activities She said that the projects will economically empower residents by enabling them to diversify their agricultural activities and reduce overdependence on traditional cash crops whose prices are unreliable. Among the 314 beneficiaries are 45 poultry farming groups, 60 tomato growers' groups, 30 avocado production groups and 60 dairy farming groups. The poultry farmers have been funded to a tune of Sh22.5 million to undertake mass egg production projects. The governor said that the county will provide each of the groups with 1,250 improved kienyenji chicks, adding that the project will complement the ongoing phase one project in which 32 groups are already producing eggs. Chicken feeds

The county will also provide chicken feeds to the farmers for the first six months of the project while marketing of the eggs is being done through Kirinyaga Investment Development Authority (Kida). The tomato growing groups will receive Sh30 million for construction of greenhouses and drip irrigation systems. The project is tied to the proposed tomato processing factory that will add value to the produce and address postharvest losses. Sh15 million will goes towards supporting avocado growing groups with seedlings, with an aim of increasing production. At the same time, Sh30 million will go to the dairy sector to improve cow breeds through an improved artificial insemination. Governor Waiguru said that with Kirinyaga being an agricultural county, her administration is committed to ensuring that farmers get value from their produce.

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

Agribusiness

AFRICA: ACF secures $115m syndicated loan for sustainable agriculture

The Netherlands Development Finance Corporation (FMO) has teamed up with the Development Finance Institute (FinDev Canada) and Oesterreichische Entwicklungsbank AG (OeEB), the Austrian development bank, to open a $115 million syndicated credit line. The funds, which benefit Agri Commodities and Finance (ACF), a subsidiary of Export Trading Group (ETG), will promote sustainable agriculture in Africa. The $115 million syndicated line of credit now available to Agri Commodities and Finance (ACF) has been opened by several development finance institutions. These include the Netherlands Development Finance Corporation (FMO), the Canadian government’s Development Finance Institute (FinDev Canada), and Oesterreichische Entwicklungsbank AG (OeEB), the Austrian development bank. The Export Trading Group (ETG) subsidiary will use the credit line to expand its activities on the African continent. ETG is an agricultural conglomerate with activities covering the entire agricultural value chain, i.e. from farm to table. The

group provides procurement, warehousing, processing and manufacturing of finished food products, transportation, as well as distribution of consumer goods. The group will leverage the credit line to improve processing capacity and logistics, thereby reducing crop losses.

produced but not consumed in the world consumes a volume of water equivalent to the annual flow of the Volga River in Russia and is responsible for the release of 3.3 gigatons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. At least 600,000 beneficiaries

Reducing agricultural losses Improved processing capacity and logistics will also help prevent food waste in the 26 African countries where ETG operates in the agricultural sector. According to the African Development Bank (AfDB), post-harvest losses account for 30% of agricultural production in Africa each year. Chiji Chinedum Ojukwu, director of the Africa Projects Development Centre (APDC), a Nigerian-based agricultural development institution, attributes these losses to inadequate post-harvest storage facilities and inefficient processing methods. Agricultural losses and food waste also have environmental consequences. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), every year, food

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

The funding from FMO, FinDev Canada and OeEB is expected to benefit 600,000 smallholder farmers. “ETG’s impact and success is helping to strengthen Africa’s agricultural sector, which will reduce poverty among smallholder farmers in Africa and improve their overall wellbeing through ETG’s sustainable and climate-smart agriculture and agribusiness programmes,” says Pieternel Boogaard, FMO’s director of agribusiness, food and water. ETG is a leading cashew exporter with supply, processing and distribution networks in countries such as Tanzania and Mozambique in East Africa and Benin, Burkina Faso, Togo, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Ivory Coast and Guinea Bissau in West Africa. The group also exports cocoa from Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Togo and Guinea.

Agribusness

Better prospects for Niger’s farmers Greater support for farmers in Niger is helping to improve food security, boost local economies and make communities more resilient. With the highest birth rate in the world, recurring droughts exacerbated by climate change and a lack of arable land and access to water, producing enough food to sustain Niger’s rapidly growing population is an enormous challenge. Roughly 80 per cent of the landlocked country lies in the Sahara desert and the majority of its 23 million people live in the arable areas in the south and west. Niger's economy depends heavily on agricultural activities and many people depend on animal herding and subsistence crops such as corn and sorghum to survive and earn a living. The various challenges the country faces are being intensified by global warming and present a persistent threat to food security, sustainable development and economic growth. “Climate change poses a major threat to communities in Niger, where more than 80 per cent of the population rely on agriculture for livelihoods. As we know, temperatures in the Sahel are rising 1.5 times faster than the rest of the world. It’s exacerbating already harsh climatic conditions, putting additional pressure on farmers and resources,” says Abdalah Adamou Maiguizo, Director of the Climate-Resilient Communities Project, MCANiger. To help improve food security for its growing population and address climate-related challenges, UNOPS is supporting the Millennium Challenge Account-Niger (MCA-Niger) to deliver an ambitious programme – funded by the Millennium Challenge Corporation – that aims to harness the country’s agricultural potential, boost

economic development and ensure a more sustainable approach to using natural resources.

irrigation capacity to 5,000 hectares of land.

The end goal: help communities become more resilient.

Improving the availability of water is only one part of addressing the challenges faced by these communities. Securing buyers for freshly harvested produce is another difficulty affecting farmers like Hamza.

BETTER WATER INFRASTRUCTURE Niger receives rainfall just three months of the year between June and September. This makes access to water one of the biggest challenges facing local farmers, who have to find other ways to irrigate their farms for the remainder of the year. In Birni-N'Konni, a department in the Tahoua Region close to the border with Nigeria, an irrigation system has supplied water to farmlands for more than 40 years. At one time, it provided irrigation to some 3,000 hectares of land in the area. But over the years, the system has fallen into disrepair, causing leakages that have reduced capacity significantly. This in turn has affected crop yields and farmers have been forced to seek alternatives to irrigate their lands – such as digging water wells, which can be vulnerable to flooding and are insufficient for large areas of land. For farmers like Hamza Saidou, repairing and developing existing irrigation infrastructure can help boost agricultural yield, benefiting local economies and enhancing food security. The crops that I cultivate require a lot of water, so I have to draw more water from the well. But with the rehabilitation project, I could even increase the moringa seeds. Hamza Saidou - Farmer To increase water supply to farms in Birni-N’Konni, two dams will be rehabilitated and the existing irrigation system repaired and extended – increasing the

ACCESS TO MARKETS

“Our concern right now is that the onions are ready for harvest and it’s been a week that I’m looking for a buyer, but nothing. It’s always a major worry,” says Hamza. To create better market access, a network connecting local farmers with private companies will be established, helping increase competitiveness and trade opportunities. As part of the MCA-Niger programme, the government also plans to open up its agricultural market to neighbouring countries to facilitate cross-border trade. This will particularly benefit farmers living around BirniN'Konni, given their close proximity to Niger’s border with Nigeria. SUPPORTING WOMEN FARMERS In the nearby Maradi Region, women traditionally play a crucial role in agricultural activities and form the backbone of local food production. Women comprise around 70 per cent of the country’s agricultural labour force. Yet, crop yields produced by women tend to be significantly less than those produced by men. Systematic gender inequalities in agriculture are prevalent throughout Maradi and elsewhere in the country, which can be seen in the lack of access women have to newer farming technologies, market loans and credit

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

Agribusiness

services, as well as in rates of land ownership.

households simply cannot afford.

Addressing these challenges is a key step in helping to empower women, increase food production and enable communities to become more resilient.

Sometimes, we must sacrifice, not eating in order to be able to buy food for the cows because we don’t have enough money and since there is not enough pasture. Rabi Abdou - Cattle breeder

Meri Mahaman is the head of a female farmers union in El Kolta, where food shortages mean residents often have to travel to neighbouring towns to buy vital supplies. This means more time spent travelling to get food and less focus on developing local agriculture. “If people here stop buying food elsewhere, it will help our [local] economy and food will be in abundance,” explains Meri. To help develop local agricultural production in Maradi, special grants and marketing loans are being provided to female farmers like Meri to help them develop their farms and agricultural capacity. The grants are typically used to purchase stock and build infrastructure like storage facilities and equipment. If every woman in this town found a job or had enough money, [...] their suffering would be over. They would flourish. Meri Mahaman Head of El Kolta Madalla Union HEALTHY LIVESTOCK The availability of grazing land is another issue challenging food security in Niger. Land shortages not only affect farmers, but herders as well, who have seen the amount of land available for pasture decrease over the years.

The creation of a 180kilometre transhumance corridor in the Maradi region aims to alleviate the lack of grazing land by providing dedicated pastoral land for herders. New infrastructure will help ensure the availability of drinking water along the corridor. A large-scale livestock vaccination programme is also helping prevent deadly diseases and improve the overall health of livestock. Before the vaccinations, they [the animals] were not in good shape. Before we started the vaccinations, we had a lot of problems because there was a disease that attacked our cattle. Harouna Garba Cattle breeder About the programme Delivered through the Millennium Challenge Account-Niger, the $437 million programme is funded by the Millennium Challenge Corporation. MCA-Niger is a special entity set up by the Nigerien government to manage the funds and is supported by UNOPS, which is providing technical and administrative assistance for the programme.

the five-year programme comprises two projects that aim to reduce poverty and promote economic growth. The Irrigation and Market Access Project aims to rehabilitate and construct new and existing irrigation systems, increasing irrigation capacity to 5,000 hectares of land. To create better access to markets, over 300 kilometres of roads will be rehabilitated through the project while sectoral reforms will help improve land and natural resource management, road maintenance and the availability of affordable quality fertilizers. Training for farmers will help ensure knowledge transfer of marketing practices and of irrigation infrastructure maintenance. The Climate-Resilient Communities Project will provide support to pastoral activities through better animal disease control, the upgrading of water infrastructure and pasture along transhumance corridors, and the modernization of livestock market infrastructure, benefiting over 3.4 million people. The project will also promote climate-resilient agriculture through grants and training activities to more than 300,000 households.

Set to benefit 4 million people in the regions of Dosso, Maradi, Tahoua and Tillabéri,

“You know, before there were not many residents here. But now, there are too many people. So, the little space there was left for cultivation and for grazing has now been totally cultivated,” explains Harouna Garba, a cattle breeder of 15 years. The lack of pastoral land means breeders must often buy animal feed to sustain their herds – an additional expense that many

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

Agribusiness

Ethiopia: Consolidating Efforts to Meet Rising Demand of Agricultural Inputs It is proved that utilizing agricultural inputs enables farmers to raise their products and productivity. Due to the created awareness, the demand for inputs is increasing from time to time. Mengistu Tesfa is working in the Ministry of Agriculture. He told The Ethiopian Herald that there are various types of agricultural inputs and among others: soil fertilizer, selective cereal and vegetable seeds, agro chemicals, and lime are frequently used besides the small and big machinery. Supplying inputs to farmers on time and the right place based on the demand by considering the types and the quality is essential. Most agricultural inputs are imported from abroad but they are also produced locally. For example, selected

seeds are produced here and lime is processed by the local industries while inputs such as fertilizers, chemicals, animal medicines are imported from abroad. In the 2012-2013 budget year Ethiopia imported 14.5 million quintal fertilizers. This year the nation imported 17.5million quintal. The demand for agrochemicals is also increasing. For the importation of input, the government renders prior attention and allocated the necessary hard currency in the early months of the year and to that end, it allotted 650 million US Dollar. In addition, for logistics purposes 30 billion Birr were allocated. Up to now, there are no difficulties in importing process but in case a problem occurs there is a way to solve with the cooperation of the government.

The sector serves as a means of employment for 80 percent of the working force. Therefore, the development of agriculture has a spillover effect on other sectors. As to Mengistu, history indicated that agriculture propelled the advanced countries to move to the higher level and transform the economy from primary level towards the secondary and tertiary level economy. The excess agricultural production and marketing gave way for capital accumulation which facilitates the flourishing of industries and services. Hence, similar to other countries to bring structural change in our country, the subsistence nature of the sector must be transformed into commercial and the stranded rural labor relies on small scale farming to

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

Agribusiness

move to the manufacturing and the service sector. Currently, the subsistence farming contributed 49 percent to the Growth Domestic Production and in such a situation achieving structural change is unthinkable. Therefore, to attain transformation modernizing the sector is undergoing. As to Mengistu, the introduction of irrigation farms during the winter season to cultivate wheat can be mentioned as the case in point. The irrigation projects are implemented in Amhara, Oromia, Somali and Afar regions and totally in 150 thousand hectare land wheat is under cultivation. In the future the practice will be scale upped in all regions. The government is providing the necessary inputs such as fertilizer, selected seeds, farming techniques and extension services. The projects are evaluated by the pertinent institutions from the woreda level up to the Office of the Prime Minister. Nevertheless, in supplying input value chain, numerous stakeholders are involved and obviously such a situation has its own drawback on price and ultimately the farmers will be disadvantaged. Therefore, unless the extended value chain shortened productivity might be affected as well. Reacting to this situation, Mengistu said that starting from the need for assessment of farmers, importing, transporting and supplying of fertilizer 22 actors are involved

and such cumbersome activities affects price and productivity. Therefore, to shorten the value chain studies are accomplished and they are on the way to be implemented. The 2011 E. C the Ministry of Agriculture studies proposed to transport fertilizer from abroad by the Ethiopian Shipping line up to the Port of Djibouti which was formerly conducted by foreign company. The company not only engages in sea transport but also it has the mandate to do the land transportation activities. In addition to this, the Ministry proposed the importation of fertilizer business to be owned by the private sector. Unlike the previous time, the government's role reduced to doing only the regulatory work and the Ministry will keep on such kind of reform. In the input transaction, there is inconvenience which could harm the business. Farmers may not purchase the inputs if the provision is delayed; this may incur additional cost on the importer. Reflecting on this, Mengistu said that in the beginning there is a soil road map which indicates the type of soil in each agro ecological zone and the right type of fertilizer that is conducive for that particular soil. Their road map is available in each region, woreda, zone and kebele.

conditions, the input is stored and will be supplied to them in the next season. If it happens due to a shortage of money, they will be provided by credit. When farmers quit purchasing chemicals after they announced their purchase, problems might occur. Because agro-chemicals have short life spans unless they are utilized on time; they will be spoiled and might bring disastrous consequences on the environment. Removing the spoiled chemicals also incurs additional cost and sending back to the exporting country also is expensive. Currently, the Ministry is preparing to send back huge packed outdated chemicals to the country of origin. Agricultural inputs raise productivity but they also have their own environmental impacts. During the rainy season, they will be taken by flood to rivers. When the polluted river water consumed by humans or animals it might bring health risks. As to Mengistu, utilizing organic fertilizer is preferable. Exporting organic agricultural products also has market advantage; currently, feeding the growing population without enhancing production by fertilizer is very hard. Therefore, to reduce possible environmental impacts due to utilizing chemical fertilizer, the government planned to change the non-organic fertilizer to the organic one through time.

Farmers due to natural conditions such as drought, flood and by other reasons may give up purchasing. If they give up by natural

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

Irrigation

RainFine Introduces Just-Fine Pipe Corrosive water, caused by a number of factors ranging from high or low pH to variable mineral content to waste water applications, can weaken and deteriorate standard galvanized pipe, leading to premature failure. RainFine Just-Fine irrigation uPVC lined pipes protect your irrigation pipelines from any corrosive components in your water, ensuring a long life for your machine. “Farmers drive everything we do at RainFine – and water quality issues continue to be an increasingly prevalent challenge for growers around the world. While several different options to handle corrosive water have existed in the market for years, farmers told us there was a real need to have a better solution,” said Wang Zhi, director of global sales at RainFine. “We looked at this issue with a new approach and redesigned an entirely different solution about which we are extremely proud and, even more importantly, that our farmer clients are telling us is an absolute gamechanger for them.” Other poly pipe type offerings in the market rely on polyethylene pipes and flanges for structural integrity, but the poly flanges create a gap between the steel flanges at the joint and can compress and crack over time, resulting in leaks. The new Just-Fine pipe features a manufactured insert uv-stabilised plastic flange that allows for positive flange contact and eliminates the potential for a gap between flanges at joints, resulting in improved strength and span consistency. It is the same span joint design used for existing RainFine galvanized pipe, but with the

added protection of the Just-Fine PVC liner through the span pipe to provide an unmatched level of quality and rigidity. To address the pipe expansion and contraction challenges that cause the liner to move within the pipe, potentially leading to cracks and leaks, RainFine introduced two additional new design innovations. 1. Rigid uPVC provides the solid base for the pipe, and does not expand or contract like the poly pipes do and will not crack after time at any deviation like at flanges or pipe ends; 2. Stainless steel fittings (304) are used at the pipe ends for rigidity and keeping with the corrosion free goals. The Riser Pipes and Elbows are also supplied with 304 stainless steel; 3. The pipe uses an insert type flange with double rubber seals which allow for any expansion and contraction in the pipes, it provides a perfect fit and seal, eliminating any leakage; and 4. 4he pipe sprinkler outlet uses a ¾” 304 stainless steel outlets fitting with ideal unrestricted flow characteristics; with a strong nut that will not break off over time as poly ones are inclined to do. Re-piping your older Lindsay or IrriFrance pivots with Just-Fine pipes and fittings can extend their life significantly, providing a longer-term solution to the conservative farm operator. Benefits • Just-Fine pipe is a comprehensive protection against corrosion made from an inert PVC material, making it ideal for chemigation, fertigation and resisting corrosive water. • No leaking – wide self-seating pipe flange, stainless steel

•

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self-locking sprinkler outlet couplers ensure a water-tight seal. Long lasting – the first machine with Just-Fine, installed in Australia is still operating with no leaks. All structural components – from pivot pipe to last pipe – are lined and uPVC protected. The joints are made of stainless steel maintaining structural integrity, while Overhangs are short and of minimum 6-5/8”. Pipes available are 8” and 65/8”. Not affected by abrasion from sand or sediment in irrigation water. Highly resistant to sunlight and humidity as the pipe is completely away from any UV. No substantial extra machine weight.

Features • Warranty: A 20 years pipeline corrosion warranty includes unconditional replacement due to corrosion for 20 years. This is the longest and most substantial warranty in the industry. • Robust design: Designed for agricultural, industrial and municipal water applications • Greater profit and productivity: Allows you to take advantage of corrosive water, and allows chemigation and fertigation with aggressive chemicals. • Minimizes pressure loss: Sprinkler outlets: Full size ¾” stainless steel self-locking couplings for minimal pressure loss and no leaks offering optimal flow characteristics. For more information about protecting your pipes with JustFine pipes, contact your local RainFine dealer today.

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

Irrigation

Simplify Temporary Irrigation with New MP Stake Kits

Native plant restoration projects and subsurface drip irrigation systems often require temporary overhead watering to support delicate plants. To simplify this process, two new stake kits are now available. All kit components except the nozzle are preassembled for ease of installation — simply install the MP Rotator nozzle of your choice for a flexible, highefficiency solution. Hunter also offers a riser-mounted solution for standard and pressureregulated PGP® shrub rotors. “We developed these innovative products to make temporary irrigation fast and easy,” said Kelsey Jacquard, Senior Product Manager. “They help support native plant restoration, slope

revegetation, nurseries, sprinkler relocation, and more.” New MP Stake Kits Designed for use with any water-efficient MP Rotator nozzle, MP Stake kits come preassembled for simple installation. Standard components include a 26" stake, ½" threaded connection, distribution tubing, and a nozzle adapter. For maximum water savings, add a built-in Hunter Check Valve and 40 PSI pressure regulator. Quickly give fragile plants the supplemental irrigation they need without adding significant labor.

Riser-Mounted Rotor Stake Kit For larger areas with higher flow requirements, pair the riser-mounted stake kit with standard or pressure-regulated PGP shrub rotors. Manufactured with durable, UV-stabilized plastics that hold up to extreme environments, the kit features a plastic cap that covers the exposed rebar. It also includes a plastic strap that is much safer than the typical metal clamps used to secure sprinklers. This makes it an easy and cost-effective method for temporary irrigation in areas where foot traffic may cause damage or customer liability is a concern.

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

Irrigation

New Rain Bird® Flow-Indicating Basket Filters Provide All-In-One Irrigation Solution

Rain Bird’s new Flow-Indicating Basket Filter product line makes irrigation systems easier to install and maintain by providing flow measurement, filtration and integrated pressure regulation in an all-inone, compact solution. “It’s important to monitor your irrigation system’s performance to ensure all areas are getting just the right amount of water,” said Whitney Braun, product manager for Rain Bird’s Landscape Drip Division. “However, it can be challenging to discover and diagnose issues quickly, before they become real problems. Our new Flow-Indicating Basket Filter product line provides easy, visual monitoring of irrigation system changes over time.” Ideal for drip systems, Rain Bird’s Flow-Indicating Basket Filters are designed to work with any residential or commercial irrigation system with a flow range of 3.0 gpm to 20 gpm (11,4 to 75,7 L/m). A dial at the top of the filter cap

provides diagnostic information about the zone’s operation, saving time and simplifying maintenance. During irrigation system installation, contractors can use the basket filter’s accurate flow reading to simplify design and scheduling calculations. Then, by using the basket filter’s indicator bezel to mark that zone’s appropriate flow rate on the dial, they can also quickly diagnose any future maintenance issues, such as weeping valves, system blockages, leaks/excessive flow or a clogged filter. Cleaning the filter is fast and easy thanks to its unique upright design, which also prevents debris from entering the downstream line during routine maintenance. Rain Bird’s Flow-Indicating Basket Filters are available in five models. There are three one-inch models – two with integrated 40 psi pressure regulation and one without. A fourth model is a full commercial control zone kit, including a one-inch Rain

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

Bird® PESB Valve, while a fifth model is a Retrofit Kit that makes it possible to upgrade existing Rain Bird Basket Filters by simply changing the filter and the cap. All five models provide flow measurement and filtration, with replacement stainless steel filters also available. “By installing these new FlowIndicating Basket Filters, irrigation professionals can determine when a system may need maintenance with just a quick glance at the filter’s dial,” said Braun. “As a result, they get additional control for better, faster troubleshooting, fewer callbacks and invaluable peace of mind.” For more information about Rain Bird’s Flow-Indicating Basket Filters, visit rainbird.com/products/ flow-indicating-basket-filter. To learn more about Rain Bird’s many other water-efficient products and solutions for landscape, golf and agricultural irrigation, visit rainbird.com.

Irrigation

BURKINA FASO: Buy-Us Solar launches solar-powered irrigation project

On February 4th, 2021, Buy-Us Solar launched a project in Burkina Faso to irrigate using solar energy. The Burkinabe supplier of solar motor pumps hopes to contribute to the development of irrigated agriculture in this Sahelian country. The project aims to “reduce farmers’ working hours while boosting their production”. This is the aim of the “Irrigate with solar energy” project recently launched in Burkina Faso by the company Buy-Us Solar. As part of this project, the Burkinabe company will offer farmers its solar-powered motor pump, called “Futurepomp SF2”. This equipment was presented to the public at the launch ceremony of the irrigation project. Each Burkinabe farmer will be able to purchase the motor pump for an average cost of 475,000 CFA francs, i.e. more than 724 euros. The support of AECF Africa “During our various surveys, farmers have expressed the wish to have a reliable solution that allows them to obtain

“During our various surveys, farmers have expressed the wish to have a reliable solution that allows them to obtain water at a lower cost. This was impossible with ordinary motor pumps running on expensive fuel. So, we set up ‘Futurepomp SF2’,”

water at a lower cost. This was impossible with ordinary motor pumps running on expensive fuel. So, we set up ‘Futurepomp SF2’,” explains Fleur Tapsoba, marketing manager of Buy-Us Solar. The device is equipped with two solar panels of 60 W each and a suction pipe 7 m deep and 8 m high. The solar motor pump has a capacity of 3.6 m3/hour with a horizontal delivery of more than 500 m and is capable of irrigating ½ hectare to 1 hectare depending on the crop and the watering plan. Buy-Us Solar benefits from the support of AECF Africa (The African Enterprise Challenge Fund) in the implementation of its solar irrigation project.

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

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Livestock

Prevention is better than cure

any stressors emerge throughout the life of a production animal: weaning, grouping, heat and cold stress all tax the immune system and increase the animal’s susceptibility to disease. You have seen it before – the first symptoms may occur two days after exposure to stress and the number of cases can rise dramatically within as little as two weeks. Hence, maintaining a healthy respiratory function during these periods is the key to economic success in production. Anta®Fresh can help you with this. Although it cannot compensate for management issues, it strengthens the animals’ immune system and airways, and increases their overall resilience. There is healing power in plants We know this from the many teas, cough drops and cough syrups: essential oils from thyme and rosemary have

probably helped most of us overcome respiratory troubles at least once. And because we learnt this from the pharmaceutical industry, you can now reap the benefits with the powerful plant-based product Anta®Fresh. Anta®Fresh effectively stimulates receptors in the digestive tract, thereby promoting mucus secretion in the lungs. This improves the immune function and ensures that mucus is expectorated

more easily. This reduces the risk of recurrent respiratory infections, noticeably relieving the animal’s organism. Anta®Fresh helps save money Since Anta®Fresh is a valuable tool in preventing respiratory trouble, there is less need for a cure. Practical experience shows that more than 50% of treatment costs can be saved by using Anta®Fresh in a timely manner.

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

Livestock

Nigeria: Govt Begins Pilot Implementation of Livestock Transformation Plan in Nasarawa Following a €400,000 funding support from the Netherlands, the federal government has commenced talks with the Nasarawa State government for the kick-off of the pilot implementation of the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP). The plan, which includes the establishment of grazing reserves across the country is seen as panacea to the current farmer-herder conflicts in the country. The implementation will also help the country maximise opportunities in the country’s over N30 trillion assets in livestock which had been neglected over the years. The Special Adviser to the President on Agriculture, Dr. Andrew Kwasari, who met with key state officials in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital recently, said it was important for the state to understand the requirements for the establishment of the Awe Grazing Reserve billed to be located in state as pilot project. The move came on the back of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari recently to the Netherlands, whereby the Dutch Investment Agency (RVO) approved a grant of about €400,000 to cover 50 per cent cost of the pilot startup of NLTP model in Nasarawa State for 30 pastoralist households with a start date of March, 2021.

ensure that the state livestock transformation team was fully understood the requirements for successfully implementing the pilot. He added that the pilot would serve as a proof of concept for the livestock sub-sector transformation process. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development on Special Projects, further explained that the objective was to, “review in particular the project appraisal document for the start-up site and ensure that the state team is clear on the roles and responsibilities of Nasarawa State senior management team of the state livestock transformation office and the project office”. However, Akabe welcomed the initiative in the state and pledged government’s support to make it a success. According to the deputy governor:” We are quite enthusiastic about this programme starting in Nasarawa state. We feel it is a great honor that Nasarawa State was picked to pilot this project.

“We as a state have resolved not only to be in charge but also in control. We want to own it and make Nasarawa an envy of other states because we are supposed to showcase not only Nasarawa State, but the whole of Nigeria.” He further assured the team of the support of the state governor in making the project a huge success. Under the current initiative, Cownexxion, the lead consultant in the bilateral collaboration, leading the Dutch Consortium, will serve as technical partner for the implementation of the NLTP pilot ranches in four states namely Nasarawa, Adamawa, Plateau and Gombe. In each of these states, a pilot farm, which will also serve as a training centre, will be developed. The statement added that Cownexxion will work with the federal and state governments led by Kwasari to implement the pilot initiative.

Kwasari, during the meeting with Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe and the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Water Resources, Allananah Otaki, said the engagement was to further

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

Livestock

Safety key in controlling African swine fever The latest outbreak of the African swine fever (ASF) in Uganda has been depressing and dramatic. Whereas farmers are still counting the losses from the unpredictable Covid-19 and its related lockdown measures, the outbreak of the ASF announced first in northern Uganda is especially depressing. Pig farming is one of the fastest growing livestock activities in the peri-urban areas and among smallholder farmers. Uganda has the largest and fastest growing pig production in eastern Africa with the pig population standing at 3.2 million as of the 2008 census. But ASF is hampering the development of the pig industry. Kitgum District has reported 500 new outbreaks with further deaths of between 700 to 1,500 in Otuke District. According to a study published in the Journal of Veterinary Medicine in 2013, the African swine fever is ranked as the most important disease of pigs that mostly occurs during the dry season, as a result of movements due to trade and restocking as the major risk factors. Big threat ASF is a highly fatal viral disease of domestic pigs and can cause mortality of up to 100 per cent of affected pigs. The transmission of the African swine fever is both direct and vector-borne. The disease is highly contagious and is transmitted by direct contact between infected pigs and susceptible ones or by contact with or ingestion of infectious secretions. The virus is highly resistant in tissues and the environment, contributing to its transmission over long distances through contaminated material, vehicles, or visitors to pig farms. Despite being a deadly disease of pigs and wild boar,

good biosecurity at the farm level. This, they argue, is essential for reducing the likelihood of an ASF outbreak. These measures are primarily aimed at preventing entrance of infection into the farm.

it does not affect people but has severe consequences for those who are reliant on pigs as food and income. As a result of the outbreak, pork prices are expected to rise as production is limited to keep pace with demand. But secondary industries that deal with the supply of feed ingredients will also feel the pinch. Diagnosis The African swine flu can be suspected based on clinical signs but animal health experts assert that confirmation must be made by laboratory tests because signs of ASF are very similar to classical swine fever. Affected animals with acute symptoms have high fever, hemorrhages and high morbidity and mortality rates. The main clinical signs are fever, loss of appetite, lack of energy and sudden death with few signs beforehand. Affected pigs normally die of pneumonia while survivors are chronically emaciated, have stunted growth, and bony swellings on the skin, among other signs. Other signs can include vomiting, diarrhoea, red or dark skin, particularly on the ears and snout, discharges from the eyes and nose, laboured breathing and coughing, abortion in pregnant sows, weakness and unsteady gait. Safety first Currently, there is no approved vaccine and treatment options for ASF and experts caution that emphasis should be put on practising

According to Joseph Musisi, a mobile veterinary officer at Elite Veterinary Clinic, the recommended measures are limiting the number of visitors to a minimum and making any [visitors] that enter your pig sty to change into clothing and boots that are kept on the farm. He explains that feeding pigs on kitchen scraps puts them at risk of contracting the disease. “It is important to be cautious after visiting any premises where there are pigs. Therefore, immediately after you return, change or clean your clothes thoroughly,” he advises. Sanitary measures including early detection, culling and disinfection as well as movement controls. According to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), most times the soft tick vector should also be considered in the control programme. Animal health experts are concerned that although the desired interventions of biosecurity yield positive outcomes, they result in reduction of farmer profit margins making commercial pig rearing difficult. This is partly the reason why sometimes farmers may be unwilling to adopt biosecurity practices aimed at solely controlling African swine fever outbreaks. Advice Currently, there is no approved vaccine and treatment options for ASF and experts caution that emphasis should be put on practising good biosecurity at the farm level.

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

Livestock

FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE: LIVESTOCK MOVEMENT BAN LIFTED IN KAYONZA Movement and sale of livestock including cows is now allowed in Kayonza District after the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources lifted a ban that was imposed on livestock in the District over foot-and-mouth disease. The ban had been placed on the movement of cattle, pigs, goats, and sheep for any reason including breeding, selling or slaughter. According to a statement that was signed by the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Gérardine Mukeshimana on Friday, March 19, 2021, the decision was based on factors including a report of a team that monitored the implementation of measures that were taken in order to tackle the disease among cows kept in Mucucu Village, Buhabwa Cell, Murundi Sector of Kayonza District. The report findings indicated that 21 days had elapsed after the last cow infected with the disease was removed from the livestock. According to the law of 2008 determining the prevention and fight against contagious diseases for domestic animals in Rwanda, the area suspected to be infected with foot-and-mouth disease is considered as non-infected when 21 days have passed after the last infected animal is no longer among livestock. Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is highly infectious and deadly to livestock. It affects clovenhoofed animals – those whose hoof is split into two toes, such as cattle, goats, and sheep. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), salivation, fever, mouth and foot lesions are the most frequently noted clinical signs

of FMD, and are followed by the development of mouth and foot lesions and lameness. Speaking to The New Times, Solange Uwituze, the Deputy Director-General of Animal Research and Technology Transfer at Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB) 134 cows were found sick out of 695 cows concerned from 18 farms [in the affected area]. “Sick cows were removed from the farms and slaughtered,” she said, indicating that no other animals were affected, except cows. Containing the disease Uwituze said that among activities that were carried out to contain the disease, there is imposing the quarantine, screening for diseased animals, both clinically and in laboratory and remove them from the farm, as well as vaccinating all cows in highrisk zones. Earlier, Uwituze encouraged farmers to vaccinate their animals against the disease because it is the only remedy, indicating that at least 16,000 cows out of the total 17,000 in Murundi Sector had been vaccinated. She pointed out that the vaccine against the disease was free because the cost

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

was covered by the Government. Others are the protection of the area where sick animals were located, and mobilisation of farmers in prevention against FMD and other diseases. Going forward, efforts to protect livestock from the disease include to strengthen the epidemiological surveillance of FMD and other diseases while engaging farmers to continue guarding against the disease and other diseases. The law of 2008 determining the prevention and fight against contagious diseases for domestic animals in Rwanda provides that for public interests and with a view to stop the spreading of the foot-and-mouth disease, the management of the entity in charge of animal resources development may order that all infected animals or suspected to be infected be slaughtered and the owner can be given compensation. It should base that on a report by the District authority.

Livestock

Saving Nigeria’s Livestock Sector From Insecurity Recently, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mallam Sabo Nanono, revealed that the ongoing crisis between herders and farmers would affect livestock’s contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), TAIWO HASSAN reports Indeed, Nigeria is currently experiencing her biggest challenge in the livestock sector, no thanks to clashes between Fulani herders and local farmers. The crisis is contracting the economy as livestock sector has been in an unstable condition for a while now, thereby threatening food security in the country’s economy where agric sector plays a critical role. Turmoil Besides the herder-farmers’ crisis, the country’s livestock

sector has also been affected by COVID-19 outbreak, as well as the lack of support from stakeholders. Recall that at the peak of the recent land border closure, it was difficult for the country’s livestock farmers following the exorbitant import duties on animal products and their derivatives in the face of obvious comparative advantage of local feeds, as the practice was unsustainable. Reacting to the issue, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS), Prof Eustace Iyayi, told New Telegraph that “the growth of Nigerian animal husbandry has been stunted, aggravated by COVID-19 and the lack of necessary support despite a large number of trained animal scientists, with 6,000 registered with the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science and the huge potential for youth employment and, indeed,

national economic rebirth.” Iyayi noted that animal scientists believed that in order to arrest youth restiveness and perennial farmer-herder conflict post-COVID-19, there was need for application of technology and innovation to promote production, processing and agricultural trade through effective competitiveness, market access and penetration that will positively affect the national economy. Prospects Nigeria’s population is projected to hit 400 million by 2050, from the current 190 million. This is likely to create a huge demand for livestock and livestock products, opening up opportunity for growth of the country’s $12 billion animal feed market. The potential for an expanded animal feed sector in Nigeria is huge, underpinned by the

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

Livestock

current high livestock numbers now estimated at 10 million birds, 22 million cattle, 40 million sheep and 50 million goats. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates Nigeria’s poultry meat consumption will increase 10- fold by 2040, “assuming moderate feed costs, while domestic poultry production is expected to increase by eight billion eggs and 100 million kilograms of poultry meat per annum.” The department estimates Nigeria’s annual fish consumption to be two million tons, with over 20 per cent supplied through landbased aquaculture production. Currently, Nigeria is on the throes of streamlining the her feed industry after the December 2017 promulgation of new guidelines on the formulation, production, distribution of the products spearheaded by the Governing Council of NIAS and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. NIAS has gazetted the new feed industry regulations, which the institute says will enable livestock producers “achieve high levels of performance through use of consistent good quality feed.” The rules, NIAS insisted, would support efforts to “protect health of consumers of animal products and safeguard health of animals and ensure quality animal feed distribution from feed-mill to farm level and that Nigeria markets animal feed product that meets national and international standards.” Opportunities

sector has continued to attract both local and foreign investors and it is expected to remain the leading grain user in the country. Despite the huge opportunities available in the sector, the Fulani herders and Nigerian farmers crisis across the six geo-political zones is causing setback to achieving these potential easily. Economic implications However, last week, the Federal Government expressed its worries that the country’s livestock industry worth over N33 trillion was being depleted by the continued clashes between herders and farmers in the country. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Sabo Nanono, had at the inauguration of the 5th Council of NIAS in Abuja recently, expressed this concern, saying that governments at all levels must take proactive measures to save the livestock subsector from total collapse. Nanono noted that the idea of assembling scientists from different fields of animal science into the council was meant to reposition the livestock industry, reduce and find lasting solutions to issues relating to animal development in the country. He also called on all stakeholders to proffer solution to herders and farmers crisis. The agric minister lamented that Nigerians have allowed sentiments and emotions to

becloud their sense of reasoning in tackling the problem. He claimed that Funlani herders, who carry sticks, cutlasses and guns, were doing that to protect cattle from snakes and other dangerous animals contrary to speculations that they use them to instigate violence. Nanono said: “We are in a very dangerous era in this country, particularly in the livestock sector and development of cattle. Fortunately or unfortunately, cattle form a better part of livestock development because of its size, value and mobility. I think we have allowed ourselves to be derailed by emotions and sentiments because this is an industry that forms about 60 per cent to the GDP of the agricultural sector and worth over N33 trillion. “No country in the world will play with this industry and this kind of opportunity. This is an economy of its own. Up till now, we have not known the connecting role of the rural economy of cattle. If you do not know I will tell you. I am a Fulani man and I have been in this business in the last 43 years from the cattle inherited. Now I know the better quality of cattle. “I hate to see a situation where some people will not feel safe in some parts of the country while others operate safely in other sectors of the economy. We have lost our bearing in solving this problem long time ago.”

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) said Nigeria’s animal feed segment remained underdeveloped, mostly due to high production costs, inadequate public power supply, infrastructure deficiencies, high cost of borrowing, high inflation rate, weak consumer demand, and a concern for security in some parts of the West African country. Most poultry, aquaculture and other livestock operations in Nigeria spend about 70 per cent of their operational costs on feed, indicating its huge demand in the sector,” USDA said a report. Over the last five years, Nigeria’s animal feed

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

Livestock

Dry spell takes huge toll on smallholder livestock farmers Smallholder livestock farmers in Nakasongola district are struggling to access basic necessities due to a drop in milk production resulting from the prolonged dry spell. Several parts in the country including the Greater Luweero region where Nakasongola falls, have been experiencing a dry spell since November last year. Information from Nakasongola District Agriculture Department indicates that more than 60 percent of the entire population in the district is dependent on livestock for their livelihood. Livestock farmers need fodder and water for the survival of their animals. The dry spell has had a serious impact on the animals due to the lack of water and grass. Several dams in the district have dried up forcing livestock farmers to trek long distances in search of water and grass for their animals. This has in turn a huge toll on milk production and thereby affecting the incomes of the livestock farmers. Apparently, most of the livestock farmers can’t afford necessities such as Sugar, soap, food, treatment and pay school fees for their school-going children. Robert Lwanga is a livestock farmer at Kyangogolo village in Kyangogolo parish in Nabiswera Sub County, Nakasongola district.

According to Lwanga, in addition to livestock farming he is also involved in agriculture and apiary, which he practices on 100 Acres of land. Without mentioning the number of Cows he owns for security reasons, Lwanga says that his daily income is mainly from the milk. He, however, says that because of the dry spell, he only milks 3 cows, yet during the rainy, he milks more than 10 cows. Each cow, he says gives him between 20-30 liters daily during the rainy season, but during the dry season, he only gets between 2-3 liters. During the rainy season, a liter he says goes for between Shillings 300400 at the diary while in the dry season its fetches between Shillings 1, 000 and Shillings 1, 100. He, however, says that the cost of producing a single liter of milk is 50 per cent of the selling price.

According to Lwanga, as milk producers in the area, they formed Baliisa Kweterana Cooperative Society to strictly do collective marketing of the milk for their 70 members. He, however, says like his colleagues, he is struggling to survive with his family because of reduced daily income. Robert Kamara is also a livestock farmer based at Kagiyo village, Kyangogoro Parish, Nabiswera Sub County in Nakasongola district. Kamara belongs to Nabiswera

Livestock Cooperative Society Ltd, which comprises 45 members. Kamara’s experience is not any different from that of Lwanga. He says that during the rainy season, he collects between 3 to4 20 liter jerry cans of milk that is about 80 liters while during the dry season, he collects between 10-15 liters only. He attributes the problem to lack of water because all the dams have dried up. He says the long-distance the cows move in search of water and pasture weakens them and thereby affects their productivity. According to Kamara, the problem of pastures is worsened by the rampant bush burning by farmers clearing their gardens for planting, saying this denies their animals the little hay they would have eaten. He says they also face the challenge of ticks and diseases because their animals keep mixing with others and end up catching diseases. He says the 45 farmers in their cooperative society are going through the same experience because of reduced milk production, which has affected their income. Currently, the farmers sell a liter of milk at between Shillings 1600 and 1800 at diaries in Luweero up from the usual Shillings 1000.

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

Livestock

Advanced dosing syringes for veterinary use Nordson EFD, a Nordson company (NASDAQ: NDSN) and the world’s leading precision fluid dispensing systems manufacturer, has recently introduced of a comprehensive line of disposable dosing syringes for animal health products such as veterinary pharmaceuticals and nutritional supplements.

sealed for multi-dose use.

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The common uses of these syringes are: Veterinary drugdelivery for small companion animals to livestock, Primary packaging for equine paste (also known as horse dewormer), Intramammary syringes for mastitis treatment in cows.

In addition, Nordson EFD offers a wide variety of dosing syringe sizes (6cc to 100cc volumes) and nozzle types for oral, topical, and intramammary uses. Onepiece and two-piece plungers without “dialing” mechanisms are also available.

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For more information, call our Area Sales Manager in South Africa Mr. Preston Bowman (+27) 79 693 5572 or write to preston.bowman@nordson.com

Disposable dosing syringes for Animal Health Products Nordson EFD Dial-A-Dose™ and Posi-Dose® allow users to tailor multiple, accurate doses based on treatment requirements. • Wide range of nozzles for varied applications • Oral, topical, intramammary, and rectal uses • Self-venting feature prevents air entrapment • Reliable, accurate, repeatable dosing

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www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

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3/5/2021 10:18:32 AM

Poultry

Nigeria: How Covid-19, Border Closure Crippled Poultry Business in Sokoto – Farmers

Ankeli Emmanuel takes a look at the negative impact of border closure, coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic, on the over 50 poultry farm bussines in Sokoto State. For those in the food and beverage sector, aside from natural occurrences, envisaging loss in a large proportion is minimal in their calendar because of the market demands. This is more pronounced as most people venture into agric business, as an investment with little risk. However, the population in every state is enough for the farmers to sell their produce unhindered. Irrespective of this, poultry farmers in the Seat of the Caliphate enjoyed high patronage until the federal government closed it's borders with neighbouring countries.

"We produce as much as 500 crates of eggs with 56 staff capacity before the COVID19. We also supply eggs to states like Zamfara, Kebbi and even neighbouring Niger Republic". "But now, COVID-19 has reduced the egg production capacity to about 100 crates, hence, making us reduce our staff to 16. The price of feeds has also tripled". "Before COVID-19, we had 60,000 laying birds, which has reduced to 13, 000. My appeal however is that the federal government should try to look towards the direction of such farms that helps to reduce unemployment in the country".

It became worse with the outbreak of COVID-19 which forced economic cracks globally.

"The high cost of feed has reduced the production capacity. We get our feeds now from Plateau State. We get Vital food from them. Initially, we do buy from Olam in Kaduna but they increase prices at will and even without notifying customers, hence the need to look for an alternative".

Speaking to LEADERSHIP Friday, product and sales manager of Magatakarda Farms along Sokoto/ Birnin

On his part, the manager of Ibrahim Gusau Farms and Allied Agro, Ibrahim Gusau said he started poultry business

This development therefore led to the shortage of corn milled as chicken feeds.

Kebbi road, Alhaji Zaharadden Ahmed Rabiu said COVID-19 has affected their farm seriously.

recently with 12 staff and 2,500 chickens. Gusau, who noted that he gets about 120 creates per day, added that his challenge currently is the high cost of feeds. "Though, we have the engine that grinds the feeds but our challenge is getting the corn to grind into feeds". "The border closure was behind the increment in chicken feeds. Prior to the closure, we did buy a bag of corn for N15,000 but now it has increased to N25,000". "Back then when the borders were opened, we bought a bag of corn between N8, 000 to N10,000". On how the birds consume feed per day, Gusau said, "We fed 1000 chickens with five bags of feed everyday". "Before COVID-19, we had about 5000 chickens but now, we have reduced it because of the high cost of feed". "There is high demand for chickens and eggs and we cannot meet up with such demands. Farmers from Kebbi, Zamfara, Sokoto and Niger Republic buy from us", he added.

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

Poultry

Farmers cautioned against using toxic maize for animal, poultry feeds Farmers have been cautioned against producing animal and poultry feeds out of toxic maize that has been rejected on the market.

because these also retain the poisonous carcinogens that are produced by moulds. These poisonous chemicals will remain and grow in soil, contribute to the decaying of vegetation, hay and grains and in the end, affect yields.

Uganda’s maize products received strong criticism this month after the Agriculture and Food Authority-AFA in Kenya banned imports from Uganda on account that they contained aflatoxins, which were dangerous for human health. Aflatoxins result from moulding on grain caused by poor storage of foodstuffs in warm and humid conditions, and to a lesser extent, planting of affected seeds. In the process, the grain is contaminated with poisonous compounds known as Mycotoxins. But Agricultural Officers in Mukono fear that whenever there are such setbacks in trade, dealers end up selling the less quality maize at cheaper prices to farmers who produce feeds for animals and poultry. A Veterinary Doctor Steven Lule Kibuuse, says that

feeds contaminated with aflatoxin affect the production and weight for both poultry and piggery which are commonly fed on maize brand. “They will develop stunted growth, lose weight and accumulate bills for treatment at the farmer’s side which affects the output in terms of production. In poultry, the egg production rate will reduce, pigs lose fertility and once the situation is poorly managed can cause unexpected death.”

Ronald Musoke, a Mukonobased poultry farmer says that sometimes it becomes hard for farmers to avoid such produce after investing in several other expensive requirements needed for productive poultry keeping. The Mukono District Veterinary Officer David Kiryabwiire advises farmers to always involve veterinary and extension workers in the process of producing animal and poultry feeds for proper guidance and examination. “We should not wait for our products to be rejected on the international market to wake up for the better but also to change our wellbeing,” he said.

Dr Kibuuse also cautions farmers against planting affected maize seeds

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

Poultry

KUDOS FOR CBN OVER INTERVENTION TO RESCUE POULTRY SECTOR The poultry industry players have lauded the intervention of the Federal Government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), on the release of 50,000 metric tonnes of maize, to cushion the effect of the current challenges facing the industry. They described the intervention as timely and commendable, as it will reinvigorate the ailing poultry industry that has been weakened by high cost of feed. Late January, the CBN announced that about 300,000 metric tonnes of maize would be ready for supply from strategic anchors under the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP), in a bid to modulate the price of the produce per metric tonne. The intervention was to ensure that the price of maize drops, thereby bringing it to a level that is sustainably affordable in the market, while bailing out the industrial sectors from supply gap induced high maize price. The General Manager, Administration and Corporate Affairs, Amobyng Nigeria Limited, a major feed miller, Dr. Agboola Belgore, described the development as “most commendable, and we hope the intervention is sustained till we get market price of the commodity to a level that is sustainable for both farmers and end users. “This price level in my opinion should not be above N130, 000 per metric tonne, unlike the current N195, 000 per metric tonne the good intentioned intervention. You will recall that prior to the news that CBN intends to intervene by releasing up to 300,000 metric tonnes into the market sometime late last year, maize price that would normally not exceed N90, 000 per metric tonne in previous years post-

harvest, went as high as N200, 000 post-harvest with a trend that was poised to go higher. “This high price is unprecedented and led to feed millers adjusting finished feed prices accordingly since maize account for about 70 per cent of feed production. In the period between October 2020 and February 2021 feed millers adjusted prices of feed upward almost weekly to keep up with prices of maize and soya.” He noted that despite this incessant feed price increase, poultry farmers could not increase product prices due to storage constraint, a development that led to massive contraction of the poultry industry. “With the news of the CBN intervention, price of maize stopped climbing and by the time of actual release of the 50,000 metric tonnes, price crashed to around N180, 000 per metric tonne, providing a welcome relief to feed millers and by extension, poultry farmers. “I am also aware the CBN is driving increased yield in dry season maize cultivation concurrently, significant harvest from this initiative will increase supply to the market before traditional harvest period thus helping with further price modulation so that the CBN doesn’t have to do direct intervention perpetually.” General Manager, Premier Feeds Limited, Austin Daylop, said the intervention by the CBN was apt, coming at the right time. “But it is like a drop in the ocean, saying the

50,000 metric tonnes released from the 300,000 volume of maize announced though actually brought the price down a bit for about two weeks, but it went back to the initial price of N190, 000 to N200, 000, but we appreciate the gesture, our prayer is that we really get more of the intervention. “Secondly, there is information flying around that some maize merchants who have stock of maize in their warehouses are waiting for a time to sell at higher prices, we appeal to such people to release more of this maize so that the industry users can be able to get such maize because the price of feed today has doubled. Daylop said the poultry industry alone consumes about 27 per cent of the agric value chain, emphasising the need for government to understand the importance of the poultry industry in Nigeria’s economy. To the Chairman, Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Lagos Chapter, Godwin Egbede, the intervention is laudable, “it has been able to cut off the middlemen. In terms of pricing, the rate is still very high. He maintained that if the middlemen were not cut off, they would still buy from the released stock and resell at a higher price. “CBN can still help to further reduce the price because a metric tonne is N160, 000, excluding the cost of logistics to get it down here from the North.”

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

Poultry

KENYA ADDS MAIZE, CHICKEN ON LIST OF BANNED UGANDAN EXPORTS Kenya has added maize on the list of exports from Uganda that are banned from its market. This comes after the country in January banned importation of poultry and beef products from within and beyond East Africa. In a January 14 memo, East Africa’s biggest economy stopped all chicken, meat and egg imports on the pretext that it needed to support its “producers to recover from disruptions in their livestock enterprises occasioned by Covid-19”.

The ban on maize will see Uganda lose an average of $121m (Shs447b) in annual revenue, according to data from Bank of Uganda.

The figure could have increased significantly during 2020 as more products from Uganda were denied entry into some EAC markets.

Uganda exports at least 90 per cent of its maize to Kenya with a cumulative average of 330,620 tonnes. For instance, between January 2020 and January 2021, Uganda’s maize exports stood at 351,420 tonnes with a monthly average of 50,203 tonnes. Of the $121m export earnings, $99.5m came from Kenya while the rest was realised from South

For instance, sugar, milk products, cement, steel and beauty and household products have encountered blockades and prevented from entering markets of countries within the EAC bloc.

“We have instructions to suspend importation of frozen chicken carcases and cuts and chicken table eggs for human consumption. This … is to instruct you to suspend further approval of the said importation by issuance of import veterinary certification until further notice,” Dr Obadiah N Njangi, the Director of Veterinary Services, wrote in a memo, in which he notified all heads of veterinary services, officers in charge and ports of entry to implement the instructions without exception. Last Friday, Kenya also banned importation of maize from Uganda and Tanzania, noting there had been an acute increase in chronic aflatoxinrelated illnesses, some of which have resulted into death. “The authority [Agriculture and Food Authority] has been conducting surveillance on safety of food imports to Kenya. The test results for maize imported from Uganda and Tanzania have revealed high levels of mycotoxins that are consistently beyond safety limits … we wish to bring it to your attention that the Agriculture and Food authority has stopped any further maize imports into Kenya with immediate effect,” a letter by Mr Kello Harsama, the Agriculture and Food Authority director general notifying Kenya Revenue Authority, reads in part.

At the weekend Trade Minister Amelia Kyambadde, said that whereas she was aware of the letters banning maize, chicken and meat exports, she needed more time to study the situation to comment on the matter. Mr Emmanuel Mutahunga, the Ministry of Trade commissioner for external trade, said Kenya had not formally notified Uganda about the ban, noting they would challenge the ban as and when it is communicated.

Sudan and eastern DR Congo, among others. Uganda has been a victim of trade blockades, many of which border on trade barriers and protectionists tendencies. The blockades, especially by East African member states, which are bound by EAC protocols, have created problems for Uganda’s export sector, losing billions in foreign exchange in the process.

“Kenya has just assumed leadership of the [EAC] community at secretariat and executive levels, I doubt they would be choosing to do this at this moment. If indeed it is authentic, we expect them to formally notify us in line with international trade protocols. If, and when they do and we find that they are in violation of protocols [WTO and EAC], we would have every reason to exercise our rights under the protocols in such circumstances,” he said. Since the measures, he said, appear to also target Tanzania, they would consider sharing ideas and agree on a common response. Attempts to get a comment from Kenyan authorities were futile by press time.

According to data from Bank of Uganda, Uganda Revenue Authority and Uganda Coffee Development Authority, trade blockades within East Africa cost Uganda $454.7m (Shs1.6 trillion) worth of export revenue in 2019.

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

Poultry

SOUTH AFRICA’S CHICKEN TARIFF INCREASES HIT CONSUMERS’ BOTTOM LINE Less than a year after South Africa’s poultry import tariffs increased, ITAC has announced that it is launching an anti-dumping investigation at the behest of the South Africa Poultry Association (SAPA), against Ireland, Spain, Poland, Denmark and Brazil. An editorial from the Association of Meat Importers and Exporters (AMIE) explains why tariff hikes on poultry may not be an effective way to strengthen the poultry industry. While all countries have the sovereign right to investigate dumping allegations, they must be rooted in two fundamental values: fairness and accuracy. This is critical, as without these values, consumers end up paying more for chicken and South Africa could run the risk of running foul of its bilateral relations with strategic trade partners. These are partners that we rely on for our own South African exports. When poultry import tariffs were introduced in 2020, the

South African National Consumer Union warned that these tariffs would push up chicken prices – a prediction that has come true. A bag of Individual Quick Frozen (IQF) chicken portions has risen from R63.87 to R77.61 – an increase of 9% – in one year. This means that minimum wage earners will struggle to afford what should be an affordable source of protein.

The industry needs help, but not protection. As AMIE (Association of Meat importers and Exporters), we do not believe that imports are harming the local industry, and we do not believe that tariffs or anti-dumping duties are the way to solve the industry’s problems. AMIE’s focus is on the impact of prices on consumers.

Now poultry producers are asking for even more tariff protection on certain chicken imports. Poultry price increases – which are already exceeding inflation – would make chicken completely unaffordable to the 40% of South African consumers that are already regarded as poor.

Botswana has banned poultry imports from South Africa and Zimbabwe in the past in order to protect the local industry, even though only 5% of the country’s poultry is imported. However, even that small reduction in imports led to a significant rise in price and the re-introduction of imports as soon as it was feasible.

“These tariffs are aimed at cutting out imports completely,” said Paul Matthew, CEO of AMIE, “and creating a monopoly in the local industry. We need to ask why the local industry pursues protectionism to this extent despite the increases in price to the consumer.”

“If you cut imports out, what will happen to poultry in this country? It will just become so controlled, the prices will just increase so that the lower LSM who enjoy the product will be unaffordable for their baskets.”

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

Section

The local poultry sector could generate 150,000 jobs by 2025

BREEDING FOR 1ST QUALITY EGGS

In Togo, the poultry industry could create around 150,000 new jobs by 2025. The estimate released by the ministry of animal production is ten times more than the jobs the sector currently accounts for. Nonetheless, the projection is likely to become a reality only if “local poultry is sold more” across the country. Also, importers should purchase more local products. Indeed, while the sector has recorded some improvements in recent years (output soared from 8 million to 25 million heads between 2011 and 2017), there is more room for progress, both in terms of output and job creation. In this framework, the ministry of animal production banned last month, imports of poultry to the country.

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

Institut de Sélection Animale B.V. Villa ‘de Körver’, Spoorstraat 69, 5831 CK Boxmeer, The Netherlands-EU. +31 485 319 111 layers@hendrix-genetics.com hendrix-genetics.com isa-export.com

Fertilizers

NitroStim: Discover the innovative bio-stimulant.

What is NitroStim? NitroStim is an innovative biotechnology product, that is the result of research conducted by HUMOFERT S.A. R&D department in collaboration with Agricultural University of Athens. It is a microbial solution which stimulates plant growth thanks to the activity of specific beneficial nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which can penetrate into the above-ground plant parts (phyllo sphere) and become endophytes. It is important to say that NitroStim can be applied on all crops (Wheat, Barley, Oat, Rye, Hop, Maize, Cotton, Energy crops, Alfalfa, Clover, Fodders, Medicinal herbs, Rice, potato, fruit trees etc) by foliar application at the early stages of growth.

Figure 1: Application of Nitrostim on maize led to 27% increased yield per hectare, proportion corresponding to a higher yield by 3 tn/ha in comparison with the control.

MODE OF ACTION Nitrogen-fixing phyllo sphere endophytes fix atmospheric nitrogen and convert it into a readily assimilable by plants form, ensuring a rapid, intensive and balanced growth. In addition, they produce phytohormones intracellularly, which stimulate plant cells functions and unlock the potential productivity of plants that is

encrypted in their DNA. The combination of nitrogen fixation and bio stimulation provoked by NitroStim results into an impressive increase of crop yield with low cost and environmental safety.

production source, which produces Nitrogen readily available to plant tissues. 2.

Continuously provide plants with nitrogen, as the process of nitrogen fixation can continue throughout the biological cycle of plants.

Produce growth hormones (e.g. auxins) which

The Nitrogen fixing endophytic bacteria of Nitrostim: 1.

Provide plants with an internal nitrogen

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

Fertilizers

stimulate and promote growth 4.

Increase nutrients uptake by the foliage.

BENEFITS • •

•

• •

•

It stimulates plant growth. It increases crop productivity while at the same time decreases the production cost It reinforces plants against adverse environmental factors, such as drought, salinity etc. It improves plant resistance against biotic stress factors. It decreases the applied quantity of nitrogen fertilizers whilst in many cases it can fully replace them. It contributes to the reduction of nitrate environmental pollution caused by the application of chemical fertilizers.

Figure 2: Application of Nitrostim on maize under severe corn rootworm attack, led to 30% increased yield per hectare, proportion corresponding to a higher yield by 1.8 tn/ha in comparison with the control.

TRIAL RESULTS The effect of NitroStim on yield increase has been tested on maize cultivation in Greece. The first experiment was performed on a healthy crop during a year of low yield expectations due to drought and the second experiment on a crop suffering from a severe infestation by corn rootworms (Diabrotica Virgifera). NitroStim was applied once by foliar spraying (2.50 L/ha) at the growth stage of 20-30 cm height. In the first experiment, the application of NitroStim resulted in 27% increase of yield per hectare. More precisely, the yields of NitroStim-treated plots reached 14 tn/ha, in contrast to the untreated ones, which yielded 11 tn/ha. (Figure 1). In the second experiment, where the crop was severely damaged by corn rootworms attack, application of NitroStim resulted in 30% increase of the yield per hectare. So, while the control yielded 6 tn of seed per hectare, NitroStim-treated plots yielded 7.8 tn/ha. (Figure 2).

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

News

Case IH Seeding and Planting Lineup Boosts Efficiency, ROI As the 2021 planting season nears, growers are looking at how to drive efficiency, boost yields and make the most of their equipment investments. Case IH shares how to achieve early, consistent soybean emergence to drive yields, and provides equipment investment recommendations for growers to consider to maximize ROI on their operation this year. In addition, new configurations of Precision Air™ carts bring the largest capacity in the Case IH tow-between model lineup for greater in-field efficiency, while new features for 2000 series Early Riser® planters enhance accuracy and minimize compaction. Plant soybeans earlier to maximize yield potential While many growers prioritize planting corn before soybeans, studies from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign show that planting soybeans earlier can be critical to maximizing yield potential. When soybeans are planted early, they reach stage V1 earlier, resulting in more potential pods and seeds per acre.1 One effective way producers growing both corn and soybeans can expand soybeanplanting windows is by adding a lower-investment, highefficiency air drill to their operation. The Case IH Precision Disk 500T single disk, single-rank air drill, for example, is an ideal option to help plant soybeans earlier or into tough no-till seedbeds — all while maximizing ROI. “For years, growers have traditionally prioritized planting corn before soybeans. Recent studies showing the significant benefits of early soybean planting, however, are causing some producers to reconsider their planting practices and plant soybean crops earlier,” said Trent Nowosad, Case IH marketing manager for seeding equipment. “Adding an air drill to a producer’s operation for soybean seeding can add valuable days to the growing season.” Late-emerging soybeans can be costly In addition to earlier planting,

capacity of 725 bushels, while the Precision Air 4765 carries 760 bushels — the largest capacity in the Case IH tow-between model lineup.

key drivers to soybean yields that producers have control over are accurate seed placement and consistent emergence. Studies from North Carolina State University and the North Carolina Soybean Producers Association show that late-emerging soybeans can be costly — with a potential loss of up to $140 per acre when soybeans are just four days behind.2 Case IH Precision Disk 500T single disk, single-rank air drills are designed to deliver the most accurate seed placement in the industry, allowing growers to set up their soybean crop for success and help plants emerge earlier and more consistently to boost yields. Case IH Precision Disk 500T single disk, single-rank air drills are agronomically designed with a parallel link row unit — a feature that sets this model apart from competitors. This row unit is built to efficiently cut through residue, open a uniform seed trench, accurately deliver the seed and effectively close the trench. For growers looking for a soybean-special air drill, a singlerank configuration with 15-inch spacing is now available for the Model Year 2021 Precision Disk 500T. “With the Case IH Precision Disk 500T single disk air drill, producers don’t have to sacrifice accuracy and agronomic performance for efficiency,” Nowosad said. “Each feature and component is designed to contribute to earlier, more-uniform emergence to help growers boost their bottom lines.” New Precision Air 5 series air cart models Delivering more capacity to help small grain producers make the most of their time in the field, Case IH is expanding the Precision Air 5 series air cart lineup with two new wide-body, tow-between models. The new Precision Air 3725 offers a

Each new model features a three-tank design, while the Precision Air 4765 air cart also is equipped with an auxiliary tank. The new models are available with a hydraulic jack to raise and lower the air cart, making it easy to hook up to the tractor, even when the cart is fully loaded. A multiposition rear hitch allows for proper drill height for added flexibility, accommodating varying types of drills. Case IH also offers a new rice roller, available on all Model Year 2021 Precision Air 5 series air carts. Designed to meter both hybrid and conventional rice with unmatched accuracy, this option is available to order factory-installed. Current owners of Precision Air 5 series air carts can install the roller on their current models. New features for Early Riser planter To help producers achieve accurate seed placement, Case IH is offering the Precision Planting® WaveVision® seed sensor as a factory-fit option for the 2000 series Early Riser planter. Available for Model Year 2022, this feature is especially valuable for growers in high-dust or extreme residue conditions where a standard optical sensor might provide erratic feedback due to interference. In addition, Case IH offers a 2x2 frame-mounted liquid fertilizer factory-fit for Model Year 2022, ideal for growers looking for precise placement of starter fertilizer with their planter pass. Available for 2160 Early Riser planters, new track offerings include a 24-inch-wide track spaced at a gauge width of 132 inches to help growers minimize compaction. For more information, contact your local Case IH dealer or visit www.caseih.com to learn about how Case IH seeding and planting equipment is agronomically designed to maximize ROI.

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

News

Could Toyota’s latest battery announcement change tractors forever? Toyota announced in 2020, that it is in the late stages of developing solid state battery (SSB) technology that, it claimed, would enable a recharge time of just 10 minutes from empty to 100% full. Lack of range and long charging times are seen as the main barriers that stop people from dipping their toe in the electric vehicle (EV) world. Therefore, this news from Toyota is a game changer in the EV/ battery technology world and brings into focus the question: At what point does it become feasible to replace the suck/ squeeze/bang/blow internal combustion engine in agricultural vehicles with solid state rechargeable batteries? Tesla is the world leader in EV range. It uses Panasonic-made lithium-ion batteries in their vehicles which Tesla claims to achieve an energy density of 260Wh/kg (watt per hour). Solid state batteries are reported to have approximately 2.5 times the energy density of their lithium-ion equivalents. That effectively means a possible energy density of 650Wh/kg for the soon-to-be released SSB. What Does This Mean For The Tractor Owners? There are obvious benefits to a tractor using battery power. A farmer using a conventional tractor will often leave it idling while they are opening gates, opening bales, or loading a fertiliser spreader. All the while the farmers hardearned money is being blown out of the exhaust. However, for an EV when it’s not in use it doesn’t use or waste power. Operating an EV in enclosed spaces like a shed for example, won’t pollute the air leaving a safer and healthier environment for the farmer to work in. So how much work should a farmer expect to get out a fully charged tractor with a solid state battery? Bearing in mind

the removal of the engine and fuel tank, it is reasonable to assume that it would be possible to place a 1t (1,000kg) solid state battery in a mid-sized tractor.

However, haulage work such as drawing silage would demand peak power at certain times but almost certainly not all the time, thus likely extending the working block.

This would equate to a theoretical total energy capacity in the battery of 650,000Wh or 650kWh (there are 1,000W in 1kW). The performance in terms of power output and how long this lasts for depends very much on the task at hand for the farmer.

Other contractor work such as umbilical slurry spreading would require a fraction of the available 173hp which would increase the working block further.

Tractor Battery Charge For the purposes of this analysis, let’s first assume an eight-hour working day. With 650kWh contained in the battery, this effectively means that the tractor operator would have 81.25kW or about 109hp (horse power) available for the duration of the eight-hour working day. A tractor completing the typical farm tasks like feeding animals; topping; or spreading fertiliser would in all likelihood not require 108hp all of the time. Any reduction in power requirement increases the theoretical length of the working day to allow for a longer time between charges of the battery pack. Agri Contractors What does this mean for the agricultural contractor? A tractor outputting 108hp will not do the job – increasing the power requirement will reduce the theoretical running time. Working from 8:00am to 1:00pm is a five-hour working block. Considering that it is claimed in Toyota’s announcement that it will be possible to recharge in 10 minutes, this effectively means that it could theoretically be recharged while the driver is having lunch. Dividing 650kWh by five is 130kW or 174hp. Heavy draft work like ploughing or power harrowing would require all or a large majority of the 174hp available obviously save for turning in the headlands.

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

Cost It’s important to note that in carrying out this analysis, fuel consumption rates may not be 100% accurate. Fuel consumption rates will vary between tractors, and the price of fuel will fluctuate so there is no rate that is absolutely correct. Using a night rate electricity cost of €0.09+VAT (9c) per kWh for 81.25kWh for charging, leaves a running cost of €7.31/hr for a 108hp electric tractor. The 108hp diesel-burning tractor burning approximately 12.5L/ hour at €0.57+VAT/L has a running cost of €7.12/hour. Using equivalent rates, the 174hp electric tractor has a running cost of €11.70/hour while its diesel rival burning 20L/ hour will cost €11.40/hour. As can be seen above, there is no appreciable cost difference between the different power units. It’s feasible in the future for a farmer using a tractor doing light work to choose a solid-state powering option. However, the logistics and the unwieldy equipment requirements of remote charging make it unlikely to be a runner for larger horsepower tractors in the foreseeable future. If Irish farmers follow their European counterparts and begin installing electricity generating solar panels on farm building roofs, then the EV project becomes a much more economical option.

News

Mzuri strip tillage celebrates its 10th Anniversary in 2021 British strip tillage drill manufacturer Mzuri prepare to celebrate their 10th anniversary of the popular ProTil drill in 2021. Developed by farmer and engineer Martin Lole on his farm in Worcestershire, the Mzuri strip tillage system has since gone on to export to more than 20 countries worldwide spanning four continents. From its first appearance at Cereals in 2011, the Pro-Til has won multiple awards across the UK & Europe for its contribution to sustainable agricultural innovation. Including the IAgrE Ivel Award for the best new innovation at LAMMA 2018 for the Mzuri ProTil Xzact which won the award for demonstrating the most positive contribution to the environment. But whilst innovation is at the forefront of the Mzuri range, it is the Pro-Til’s roots at its home farm in Worcestershire that focuses its core message. “I am fortunate to have seen first-hand the effects that converting to a single pass establishment method can have on a deteriorating arable unit.” Says Martin Lole speaking of his conversion of Springfield Farm to strip tillage in 2010. “When I first purchased the farm in 2005, I

set about ploughing and combination drilling the Evesham Lias Clay, but after rising input costs and dwindling yields it was clear that this approach was no longer financially viable.” From there, with a background in engineering from starting the hedgecutter company Spearhead, Mr Lole was inspired to develop a better way to manage his farm and improve its margins. Focusing on the area that was causing the greatest concern, he developed the single pass drill now commonly known as the Pro-Til to consolidate seedbed preparation, fertiliser application, and seed distribution into a single pass. “Under conventional establishment methods we were burning fuel and wearing metal like it was going out of fashion. Not to mention the huge power and labour requirements that were needed to create a blanket seedbed.” Suggests Mr Lole. “Engineering a means of seeding directly into stubble whilst targeting tillage to promote quick establishment at a fraction of the cost has been the driving force behind the Pro-Til’s development ever since, which has gone on to become a world-renowned

solution for single pass establishment.” Shortly after the Pro-Til, a succession of new additions to the range followed including the Rezult stubble rake and the Rehab sub-soiler. “Over the last ten years we have refined our products whilst staying true to our message. Establishment doesn’t have to cost the earth – in more ways than one! The improvements to soil health seen on our own farm have demonstrated the importance of reduced cultivations for not only practical reasons but also in promoting healthier, more productive ‘factory floors’. Our soils are now much more resilient to changing weather patterns and are able to support higher yielding crops in difficult seasons.” It is this universally resilient approach that makes it is easy to see why the Mzuri system has gained notoriety across the world. From the harsh winters of Eastern Europe, the short growing season of Scandinavia to the moisture deficit in Africa and challenges faced by New Zealand and the UK, the Pro-Til combines excellent design and agronomic merits to produce unparalleled seedbeds now and in the future.

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

News

Fendt combine harvesters will soon be available to order with special headers from Geringhoff As demand for specialist combine harvester headers has increased in recent years, Fendt is now expanding its range to include special headers from Geringhoff. To this end, a long-term partnership was recently agreed between the agricultural equipment manufacturer AGCO/Fendt and Carl Geringhoff Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG, based in Ahlen, Westphalia, Germany. Geringhoff is known worldwide as a premium manufacturer of draper headers, corn pickers, headers for special crops and folding headers – a perfect complement to Fendt units. Geringhoff’s products include draper headers with flexible

cutterbars, and with a split frame and reel for the best ground adaptation, and an optional flexible cutterbar for the lowest pickup losses in stalk and bean cutting. These units adapt perfectly to the ground contour. Fendt customers will also be able to use headers with a working width of up to 13.70 m with their Fendt combine harvester in the future. Geringhoff also provides special sunflower and millet heads. The existing range of Fendt headers – FreeFlow, PowerFlow and CornFlow – is still available. “Geringhoff is known worldwide as a pioneer in professional headers and attachments for maximum harvesting speeds at the

www.afriagrimagazine.com | April- June Issue 2021

lowest pickup losses. These headers are an excellent complement to our existing range, and we can now provide solutions for all our customers”, says Christoph Gröblinghoff, Chairman of the AGCO/Fendt Management Board, referring to the collaboration with Geringhoff. Geringhoff’s headers are sourced through sales partners and fully managed by Geringhoff, with them or the sales partner taking care of the purchasing, processing, service and after-sales side of Geringhoff products. Geringhoff headers are sold in Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand and Africa.

Advertiser’s Index

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www.afriagrimagazine.com | April - June Issue 2020

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Grain Cleaning

Grain Storage Feed Mixers Feed Mills

African Agri Magazine April-June issue

Articles inside

Kudos For Cbn Over Intervention To Rescue Poultry Sector

Mzuri strip tillage celebrates its 10th Anniversary in 2021

Farmers cautioned against using toxic maize for animal

Advanced dosing syringes for veterinary use

Dry spell takes huge toll on smallholder livestock farmers

Safety key in controlling African swine fever

Simplify Temporary Irrigation with New MP Stake Kits

Prevention is better than cure

How to improve Hay Quality

The innovative FLEDBAG® lets you empty big bags easily

A Big Success for the 20th Edition of the JOSKIN Pro Days

Govt to secure Shs663 billion equipment for postharvest

An Agricultural Company Increases Its Cherry Production In