Farmers Review Africa Nov/Dec 2018

Volume 4. Issue 6. November/December 2018

In this issue...

Kenya’s ICIPE Researchers discover new edible cricket species

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FARMERS

Sorting above the standard: when optical sorting is the last resort

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REVIEW AFRICA

Tru-Cape chairman is South Africa’s National Farmer of the Year 2018

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Volume 4. Issue 6. November/December 2018

FARMERS

Sorting above the standard: when optical sorting is the last resort

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REVIEW AFRICA

Tru-Cape chairman is South Africa’s National Farmer of the Year 2018

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KMAP’s animal husbandry initiative boosts aquaculture in Kenya................................2

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Please visit the website

om wafrica.com farmersreviewafrica.c

Editor’s Note

Tanzania Mechanization pays verified cashew farmers.......................................................2

In this issue...

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Volume 4. Issue 6. November/December 2018

News

Demystifying anaerobic digesters of agricultural waste

Kenya’s ICIPE Researchers discover new edible cricket species

CONTENTS

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Cover: Demystifing anaerobic digesters Executive Editor Lee Daniels editor@farmersreviewafrica.com Writers - Silimina Derick, Bertha M. Contributing Writers Nqobile Bhebhe Zimbabwe Oscar Nkala Botswana Bertha M South Africa Nita Karume Kenya Advertising Executive Russou Billiard, Cleopas M., Mkhululi K., East Africa Advertising Executives Mercy Cherono, Ken Tobby, Anthony Kiganda Project Manager Victor Ndlovu sales@farmersreviewafrica.com Graphic Design & Layout Faith Omudho Art Director Augustine Ombwa austin@arobia.co.ke Correspondents - Isabel Banda zambia@farmersreviewafrica.com Sales & Marketing Cleopas Moyo cleopasm@farmersreviewafrica.com Mandla M. mandlam@farmersreviewafrica.com Mthokozisi M mthokozisim@farmersreviewafrica.com East African Liaison Arobia Creative Consultancy P. O. Box 2922-00200, Nairobi Kenya Tel: +254 772 187334, 790 153505 arobia@farmersreviewafrica.com eastafrica@farmersreviewafrica.com Published by Mailing Times Media +27 11 044 8986 sales@farmersreviewafrica.com

Indian investor to pump US$200m into Zimbabwe agricultural sector...................3 Burkina Faso and IFAD to boost rural productivity.............................................................4 Kenya’s ICIPE Researchers discover new edible cricket species...................................5 Moringa to invest US$5m in B-BOVID Limited Ghana.....................................................6 US - funded US $44m Livestock Market Systems Launched in Kenya.....................7 Kenya’s Crop Protection Industry Fears New Pesticides Tax.........................................8 Tanzania’s Gmo Maize Field Trials Show Promise...............................................................10

Personality AkinwumiAdesina.................................................................................................................................11

Event “Net-House”: RRIGONI brings innovation to EIMA 2018........................................12

Features Demystifying anaerobic digesters of agricultural waste................................................14 Neptun Boot; Setting a new standard in safety footwear..............................................16

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here is no question on the impact 2018 has had on agriculture in general across Africa. The agricultural sector has had its ups and downs coupled with strategies and innovations that have served to make it thrive. From the disasters brought about by the fall armyworm across Africa to Maize scandals in Kenya and finally the promise of cashew farming in Tanzania, technology has been more or less a beacon of hope in the modernization of agricultural practices and the promise of high turnovers as well as increased yields for respective farmers across the continent.

The November/December issue will be focusing on anaerobic digesters in agriculture, and more specifically Biogas. The feature will help debunk some of the myths surrounding this outstanding venture as well as offer advice on how to set up the same. Get your notebooks ready, it’s time to diversify your sources of fuel.

Sorting above the standard: when optical sorting is the last resort........................18

Nita Karume

Transnet and AFGRI partner for the operation and maintenance

editor@farmersreviewafrica.com

of Transnet port terminals in South Africa............................................................................ 23 BLTWORLD introduces TXLS series log trackers.............................................................24 Irrigation in Kenya.................................................................................................................................26

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

wishes you a

Tru-Cape chairman is South Africa’s National Farmer of the Year 2018..............30 Robust pre-assembled panel systems for pumping applications................................32 Agroforestry in Africa.........................................................................................................................33 Butterfly farming in Kenya.................................................................................................................35

and a prosperous 2019

Conservation Agriculture.................................................................................................................36 Solar pumps: get expert help!.......................................................................................................40

Mailing Times Media (Pty) Ltd makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the contents of its publications, but no warranty is made as to such accuracy and no responsibility will be borne by the publisher for the consequences of actions based on information so published. Further, opinions expr essed are not necessarily shared by Mailing Times Media (Pty) Ltd

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REVIEW AFRICA

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November - December 2018 | 1

NEWS

Tanzania

pays US $434,687 to verified cashew farmers

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he Tanzanian government has disbursed US $434,687 to verified cashew farmers. The Agriculture minister Japhet Hasunga said that at least 2,168 cashew farmers from 35 verified primary societies have so far been paid their cash.

Mr Hasunga made the comments when addressing journalists about the progress made in buying cashews from farmers under an operation run by the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF). He further added that the payment process was still going on in different parts including Tunduru District in Ruvuma Region. This, he said, is towards ensuring that farmers get what is rightfully theirs.

The minister also reassured Mtwara residents, who were carrying cashews, that their jobs were secured and that they should not worry about the coming of TPDF soldiers.

He explained that among the duties to be carried out the TPDF is overseeing the process of taking cashews from main cooperative societies into warehouses. He however added that the work of unloading and carrying the cashews into warehouses would strictly be carried out by civilians.

Meanwhile, earlier on last week at least 20 tonnes of cashews, which were in the Olam warehouse, were impounded while being ferried illegally to the Mnyawi Primary Society.

Following this, the minister vowed that no cashews from outside the country would be given a chance in the country. This, he said, is because the market was already saturated as it is. The minister warned that anyone caught smuggling in cashews would be faced with legal action.

TPDF’s Lieutenant General Mohammed, who was also present at the press conference said he went to Lindi Region for inspection purposes.

He further added that he would look into the various cashew processing plants to see how his force would implement the operation.

KMAP’s animal husbandry initiative boosts aquaculture in Kenya

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he Kenya Market-led Aquaculture Program (KMAP) has introduced an initiative involving animal husbandry that is set to boost aquaculture in Kenya. KMAP, which runs from 2016-2019, is a program by Farm Africa, a charity organization. It covers 14 counties in Kenya’s central and Lake Victoria regions.

The program serves to provide training on aquaculture. This has since enabled the farmers to to harness the sector’s opportunities. In addition to the training, KMAP also provides valuable links to farmers.

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Demand for fish in Kenya is on the rise courtesy of fast population growth of around 3% on yearly basis and increased awareness of the nutritional value of fish. Unfortunately, the country’s fish production is heavily reliant on wild fish caught in its lakes whose stocks are sharply declining.

Furthermore, earlier on this year, the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics reported that over the last five years fish landed, has declined from over 163,000 tons in 2013 to 135,000 tons last year. This has since led to scarcity and high costs. This is

despite the country having over 1.14m hectares of land ideal for aquaculture as per the 2017 Aquaculture Report of the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI).

Teddy Nyanapa explains that the program encompasses all players in the fish value chain. These include farmers, feed manufacturers and fish traders. He further added that apart from fish husbandry practices, farmers are also trained on book keeping and financial matters. They have enlisted some 1,100 farmers so far.

NEWS

Indian investor to pump US$200m into Zimbabwe agricultural sector

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r. Harinder Pal Singh Bajwa, an Indian investor, is set to pump US $200m into Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector. The move has since been attributed to the new economic policies put in place under the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa.

The investment in Mashonaland West’s agricultural sector is projected to create 5 000 jobs.

According to media reports, the established Indian spent two months exploring business opportunities in Zimbabwe. Mr Bajwa met Sable Chicken group chief executive Mr Sean Eastwood and the Zanu-PF provincial leadership in Chegutu to discuss his

immediate investment plans in the area.

Some of the projects are expected to start at the beginning of next year. Moreover, one of Mr Bajwa’s investment vehicles, Flamingo Farms, will be moving into citrus production.

currently being prepared in Chakari, which when complete is projected to provide 1000 jobs. This, he says, is in addition to plans for setting up a fruit processing plant in Chegutu.

This includes mango, banana and potato seed. Mr. Bajwa said that he will major in vegetables in orchards.

He further added that the mover will be a joint venture with local farmers in areas like Chegutu, Chakari and Kadoma.

Mr. Bajwa explained that there will be both direct and indirect forms of employment, especially in the case of the fruit processing plant. He added that the products will be exported to Europe and the Middle East, especially in Dubai, where they have ready markets.

According to him, the initiative will work such that the joint venture will share the proceeds equally after expenses. Currently, he has land

The businessman said he also has plans to import latest state-of-the-art agricultural infrastructure once he fully sets up base in Zimbabwe.

November - December 2018 | 3

NEWS

Burkina Faso and IFAD to boost rural productivity and smallholder farmer incomes

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new project targeting 57,000 of Burkina Faso’s most vulnerable smallholder farmer households will be launched 23 November in Ouagadougou, and will help toward improving food security and incomes in the Boucle du Mouhoun, Cascades and Hauts Bassins Regions.

The Agricultural Value Chain Promotion Support Project (PAPFA) will be presented at a workshop organized by the Government of Burkina Faso (GoBF) and IFAD. Sommanogo Koutou, Minister for Animal Resources and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources ad interim and Lisandro Martin, Regional Director of IFAD’s West and Central Africa Division, will open the workshop, which will involve smallholder farmers, government officials, development partners and IFAD staff.

Among the major challenges facing Burkina Faso in the coming decade is modernization of the agricultural sector, both as a means to drive the transformation of the national economy and to bring about strong, sustainable and inclusive growth. By developing four agricultural value chains – rice, vegetables, sesame and cowpea – PAPFA will contribute to achieving this objective. In particular, it will improve smallholder farmers’ productivity,

4 |November - December 2018

support value addition processing and promote entrepreneurship to spur growth in rural areas.

organizations engaged in production, processing and marketing, but also agro-entrepreneurs.

The total cost of the new project is US$71.7 million, including a $19 million loan and a $19 million grant under the debt sustainability framework from IFAD. PAPFA will be cofinanced by the OPEC Fund for International Development ($20 million), the Government of Burkina Faso ($6.4 million) and the beneficiaries themselves ($7.3 million).

About 27,500 households will receive production support, 27,000 will be assisted in setting up or consolidating rural microenterprises and 2,500 will be supported in value chain development. PAPFA aims to ensure that at least 50 per cent of the project’s participants are women and 30 per cent are young people.

“PAPFA is well-aligned with Burkina Faso’s National Economic and Social Development Plan, which aims to boost the economy and create jobs,” said Jacob Ouédraogo, Burkina Faso’s Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources. “With the support of the IFAD, we intend to sustainably reduce poverty and stimulate economic growth for the benefit of rural populations.”

PAPFA builds on the gains made by previous projects, such as the Agricultural Commodity Value Chain Support Project, the Rural Business Services Development Project, Neer-Tamba and the Agricultural Diversification and Market Development Project. It targets not only smallholder farmers and their

“To develop agriculture and make it sustainable, scaling up our impactful investments is key. We designed PAPFA based on lessons learned from other IFAD-funded projects including those from Burkina Faso,” said Martin.

“The project will help create decent jobs for women and young people and support the development of rural enterprises along the four value chains.

We consider agriculture as a business.”

Since 1981, IFAD has financed 14 rural development programmes and projects in Burkina Faso at a total cost of $548.4 million, with an IFAD investment of $276.7 million. These projects have directly benefited 563,200 rural households.

NEWS

KENYA’S ICIPE RESEARCHERS discover new edible cricket species

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esearchers at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) in Nairobi, Kenya, have discovered a new, previously undescribed edible cricket with great promise for mass production for human consumption and inclusion as an alternative protein ingredient in animal feeds. The species, which was collected and reared for experimental purposes at the Centre’s campus, has been named Scapsipedus icipe Hugel & Tanga nov sp.

The cricket was discovered by icipe’s insect for food and feed programme that is implementing the following projects: GREENiNSECT, funded by the Danish International Development Agency; ILIPA supported by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research, WOTRO Science for Global Development (NWO-WOTRO); ENTONUTRI, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ/GIZ); and INSFEED, supported by the Canadian International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Australian

Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).

“Scapsipedus icipe is widely farmed across Kenya. However, until now its true scientific information was unavailable, and it was erroneously mistaken for a different cricket species known as Acheta domesticus L.,” notes icipe scientist, Dr Tanga Mbi, who found the insect as part of his postdoctoral research.

Scapsipedus icipe, which is commonly found around the buildings and fields, is characterised by a distinctive yellow band between the eyes and differs from other species within the genus Scapsipedus by a characteristic call and territorial nature of its males.

“Through GREEiNSECT, over the past three years we have conducted research on the potential of farming of edible insects as an important contribution to nutritious food now and in the future,” says Nanna Roos, Associate Professor, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports,

University of Copenhagen, Denmark, which is leading the initiative at the university.

She adds: “We have tested indigenous Kenyan cricket species to investigate their potential to become ‘minilivestock’ for mass production for feed and food. Therefore, the discovery of Scapsipedus icipe is exciting and important, not just because it is a new species to science, but because the species already has demonstrated great potential large-scale farming.”

The researchers aim to conduct further studies on Scapsipedus icipe towards its incorporation into insects for food and feed initiatives in Kenya. So far, studies being conducted at icipe by a doctoral student, expected to be published soon, have established the best rearing conditions under different temperatures for Scapsipedus icipe.

The Centre is also advancing research on the nutritional quality and safety of Scapsipedus icipe.

November - December 2018 | 5

NEWS

Moringa to invest US$5m in B-BOVID Limited’s polyculture project in Ghana B-BOVID’s credibility and viability as a social enterprise. He further added that the partnership will go a long way towards providing sustainable solutions to deforestation, unemployment and poverty in the country.

Mr. Ouedraogo also explained that Moringa was an investment company that provided equity financing for sustainable agroforestry projects in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. He added that B-BOVID was committed to transforming agribusiness in Ghana and called for support from the government and the banks to make agriculture attractive to the youth.

B-BOVID Limited, which was established in 2004, produces crude and palm kernel oil from fruits harvested from more than 2,000 farmers and trained several farmers and students on climate smart agriculture.

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oringa SCA SICAR, is looking to invest US $5m in B-BOVID Limited’s polyculture project.

The investment firm announced its ownership of a stake in the Ghanaian Company earlier on this week. This, according to a statement released by the company, will serve to enhance and strengthen the B-BOVID Limited’s out-grower palm oil polyculture model that is aimed at engaging up to 4,000 farmers within the next few years.

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Additionally, the investment would support the modernization of B-BOVID’s manufacturing plant. This is in addition to expanding its production capacity to meet growing local and regional demand as well as improve the livelihood of the out-grower farmers.

Managing Director of B-BOVID, Issa Ouedraogo, said the agreement with Moringa was recognition by the international investor community of

The Investment Director of Moringa, Adrien Henry noted that the cooperation with B-BOVID was the first investment in Ghana. He also added that it aimed to reinforce its presence in Western Africa as part of the strategy to create strong sustainable practices on the continent.

Currently, Moringa is reportedly working to strengthen B-BOVID’s human resource base. This is in addition to and increasing its overall efficiency.

NEWS

US - funded US $44m Livestock Market Systems Launched in Kenya

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pproximately five counties from Northern Kenya are set to benefit from US- funded US $44m Livestock Market Systems that was launched recently. The US Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec said that under the Livestock Market Systems program, pastoralists will receive grants, undergo vocational and technical education, business support services, and policy expertise to expand and diversify economic opportunities.

The five-year project funded through the US Government’s “Feed the Future program” will strengthen market systems in Northern Kenya. The initiative is also projected to benefit well over 240,000 households in Garissa, Isiolo, Marsabit, Turkana, and

Wajir counties.

Presently, a total of 94,000 households in the five counties have already benefitted from USAID’s investments. The investments go towards supporting pastoralist communities to cope better with and recover from climate-related stresses.

Godec further added that the US Government is committed to unlocking the full economic potential of the ASAL counties. As such, they continue to support the trade of livestock, livestock products, pasture and fodder production, and fishing. He was speaking earlier on this week at the opening of the Lodwar livestock market in Turkana County that was upgraded to the tune of US $ 375,020.

According to Godec, the improved structures and facilities will encourage economic growth in the livestock industry. They will also create wealth, employment and resilience within the community.

He also emphasized that support to entrepreneurs and local businesses are a key component of the United States Government’s global hunger and food initiative.

The Feed the Future program initiative works to reduce hunger and poverty, increase social stability. This is while building strong foundations for economic growth through strengthened social, economic, and environmental resilience.

November - December 2018 | 7

NEWS

Kenya’s Crop Protection Industry Fears ‘Dire Consequences’ of New Pesticides Tax (AAK), the industry met Members of Parliament and lobbied for the review of the Tax Law (Amendment) Act 2018 in which agricultural pest control products have been deleted among products that do not attract 16% VAT. “The new tax measure will increase the cost of agricultural production for the resource-poor farmers because VAT is a pass-on tax,” AAK CEO Evelyn Lusenaka says. She adds that with fertilizers, insecticides, and pesticides accounting for as much as 50% of production cost, increasing prices will further squeeze the margins of farmers, ultimately making agriculture unattractive.

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he agrichemicals industry in Kenya is up in arms over a decision by the government to impose a 16% value-added tax (VAT) on crop protection products.

In a move that has stunned the industry, the government has removed pesticides from the category of products exempted from VAT and backdated the effective date to July 1, a development that has ignited fury and opposition from formulators and importers.

Effectively, it means the retail cost of pesticides is bound to increase by at least 16%, something the industry reckons will make pesticides unaffordable to farmers and trigger spiral effects not only in food production but also in the survival of companies.

“The immediate impact is decline in demand because farmers may no longer be able to afford to buy the inputs, and food production might decrease. If farmers buy the products, then the cost of food will definitely increase. This is a very bad decision,”

8 |November - December 2018

says Eric Bureau, Bayer Managing Director and Country Head East Africa.

By imposing the new tax, the government has bowed to pressure from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). However, the industry has vowed to fight for its repeal on the basis that it has the potential to wipe out investments and expose the country to food insecurity.

In recent times IMF has been exerting pressure on Kenya to undertake fiscal reforms that include doing away with tax exemptions to increase domestic revenue collections, reduce budget deficits, and slow public debt pile up.

While pesticides, which for years have been exempted and zero-rated, have become targeted products, the agrichemicals industry is pushing for the repeal of the law, which has already taken effect to safeguard investments and ensure products remain affordable to farmers.

Under the auspices of the Agrochemicals Association of Kenya

The agchem industry has received backing from the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), which contends implementation of the new tax measures and backdating commencement date to July 1 will have dire consequences on the operations of companies.

“Backdating the taxes to July 1 has left the industry in confusion since sales of pesticides have been ongoing since July 1 where no VAT was charged,” KAM CEO Phyllis Wakiaga says.

No doubt, the imposition of VAT on pesticides has come as a shocker for agrichemicals companies. The move was contrary to the industry’s expectations, considering that pest control products were exempted from VAT until April last year, when the status was changed to zero-rated.

Despite the industry lauding the decision to zero-rate pesticides, something that made products affordable and accessible to farmers, the celebrations have been short lived.

“Favorable taxation of pesticides before the amendment contributed to enhanced affordability and increased use, thus ensuring improved farm production and

reduced losses associated with pests and diseases,” Lusenaka says.

Two Steps Forward, One Step Back The introduction of VAT now creates a totally different environment. Coming at a time when Kenya is struggling to transform the agricultural sector and has identified food security as a top national priority, the move has left a bitter taste with the nascent agchem industry, which was on a growth trajectory.

It is estimated that pesticides consumption in Kenya stands at about 14 million kilograms annually compared to a country like South Africa at 35 million kilograms.

“The gains so far achieved in the agriculture sector are likely to be eroded,” Lusenaka says. She adds that the compounded adverse effect would be felt in terms of reduced agricultural production, reduced incomes and

livelihoods for various value-chain players, increased food insecurity, and reduced agricultural sector growth and would ultimately affect gross domestic product.

Worse still, the industry, which is already suffering from problems of counterfeits and illegal imports, could witness an unprecedented surge in the menace, particularly with products entering from neighboring countries, such as Tanzania and Uganda, where they do not attract VAT. In Kenya a total of 18% of pest control products are counterfeits, with the situation being worse in Tanzania and Uganda, where up to 40% and 45%, respectively, are counterfeits.

“This is another risk for Kenya because more illegal products will come from neighboring countries because of the price difference and high rates of counterfeits,” Bureau says.

Another major concern is that, with pesticides being out of reach for farmers, pests and diseases will have a field day. This is quite alarming considering that pests and diseases already contribute for 40% to 100% of crop loss, a situation that is bound to get worse with the emergence and upsurge of new pests, such as the fall armyworm and tuta absoluta among others.

For companies, the inability to push products in the market could set in motion a tragic trend of downscaling, closing, or relocating to countries with favorable tax regimes. It goes without saying that, although Kenya takes pride in its 85 agrichemical companies, fewer than a quarter control about 65% of the market, with the others teetering on survival mode.

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November - December 2018 | 9

NEWS

Tanzania’s Gmo Maize Field Trials Show Promise

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-58.0 per cent than their conventional counterparts.

anzania’s confined field trials of genetic modified maize is showing promise. The crop has reportedly shown signs of withstanding stem borer and fall armyworm attacks this year, which marks 2 years since the beginning of the trials.

The confined field trials (CFT), which started in April 2016, are located in the semiarid area of Makutupora in Dodoma Region. The Dodoma region was selected so as to assess the potential of maize varieties to produce high yields in semi-arid conditions.

According to Senior Agricultural Research Officer, Dr. Justin Ringo, the genetic modified organism (GMO) maize is going to benefit Tanzanian farmers. However, this is only if the government reviews laws and regulations to allow the commercialization of Biotech maize seed in the country.

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Dr Ringo pointed out that the trial was in the final stage of tests of both drought tolerant and insect (stem borer) where the technology will continue with other procedures, by adhering to all laws and regulations before commercialization.

Field trials In order to ensure that maize is attacked by pests, 20 stem borers of maize were introduced twice (3 and 5 weeks after planting). In addition, he said, another experiment involving infected maize and spraying seven times to control pest damage, where the evaluation of the amount of pests made by insects was held on the 1st and 2nd of October this year (7th week after planting). Transgenic hybrids showed higher yields to 8.3

The Senior Researcher added that both insect resistant and herbicide tolerant crops have helped to improve yields, cut costs, and enable more targeted pesticide applications.

Ideally, the GMO seeds not only improve farmers’ bottom lines, but also help lessen agriculture’s impact on the environment. He also pointed out that overall, pesticide applications have decreased, largely due to the adoption of insect-resistant genetically modified crops.

PERSONALITY

Akinwumi Adesina

Spearheading Good Governance by Leading Agricultural Innovation and Economic Growth of Africa •

•

Laureate Announcement was made in Cape Town, South Africa, on Thursday November 22nd 2018, at 5:00 PM at the Cape Town International Convention Center.

Akinwumi A. Adesina: President of the African Development Bank, committed to the eradication of poverty through agricultural innovation, and promoting Good Governance through the works of developing Africa’s economy.

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s an agricultural economist, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has been a leader in agricultural innovation for over 30 years. He has contributed greatly to food security in Africa, aimed at improving the lives of millions currently living in poverty, throughout the African continent.

The Sunhak Committee acknowledges Dr. Akinwumi Adesina’s achievements in promoting Good Governance of Africa, which boosts Africa’s capacity to feed itself and transform its total economies for generating wealth for millions of rural and poor African farmers.

At the Cape Town International Convention Center, the Sunhak Peace Prize Committee announced that the 2019 Laureates for the Sunhak Peace Prize would be Waris Dirie, 58 year-old world-class supermodel and anti-FGM activist, and Dr. Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina, 53 year-old president of the African Development Bank Group.

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has been a leader in agricultural innovation in Africa for over 30 years, bringing great improvement to Africa’s food security.

Contributing to Africa’s dynamic growth.

His leadership is building steppingstones for Africa’s dynamic growth.

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina pioneered major transformations in the agricultural field, including expanding rice production by introducing high yielding technologies, designing and implementing policies to support farmers’ access to technologies at scale, increasing the availability of credit for millions of smallholder farmers, attracting private investments for the agricultural sector, rooting out the corrupt elements in the fertilizer industry, and assisting in establishment of major agricultural policies for Africa’s green revolution.

The “Africa Fertilizer Summit,” which he organized in 2006, was one of the largest high-level meetings in Africa’s history that had a focus on solving Africa’s food issues. During this Summit, Dr. Adesina was instrumental in developing the “Abuja Declaration on Fertilizer for the African Green Revolution,” whereby the participants stated their commitment to the “eradication of hunger in Africa, by 2030.”

Dr. Adesina worked with various banks and international NGOs in order to create an innovative financing system, providing loans to small farmers, providing a way for them to rise out of poverty. This move leveraged $100 million in loans and provided opportunities for small farmers to

increase their agricultural productivity, and their income.

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina currently serves as the president of the African Development Bank Group which plays a central role in Africa’s development.

As an “economic commander” of Africa, he promotes the “High 5 Strategy” that include: light up and power Africa, feed Africa, industrialize Africa, integrate Africa and improve the quality of life for the people of Africa.

As a result of his work, the lives of millions of people throughout Africa have been improved.

Chairman of the Sunhak Peace Prize Committee, Dr. Il Sik Hong, stated that “the Sunhak Peace Prize was established based upon the vision of “One Family Under God.” The 2019 Sunhak Peace Prize gives special attention to peace and human development in Africa.”

Dr. Hong added “in order for us to build an era of peace and coexistence in the 21st century, we want to encourage continuous development in Africa. Africa is a rising star and its growth will contribute global progress and development throughout the 21st century.”

The Sunhak Peace Prize honors individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the peace and the welfare of the future generations. The Sunhak Peace Prize includes a cash prize totaling one million dollars. The 2019 Sunhak Peace Prize Award Ceremony will take place in February, 2019 in Seoul, Korea November - December 2018 | 11

EVENTS

also been completely updated to be more functional and provide a user-friendly browsing experience available from anywhere, including from mobile devices.

Specifically, the “Agrotextiles” section includes contents of interests to farmers, easily accessible to all industry users. Two new informationpacked sections, “applications” and “crops”, introduce visitors to ARRIGONI’s innovative textile screens and describe practical solutions for the professional management of each crop.

“Net-House”:

ARRIGONI brings innovation to EIMA 2018

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RRIGONI S.p.A., a leading designer and manufacturer of protective screens for agriculture, will be at EIMA 2018 (hall 34, stand B3) with a number of big innovations.

First and foremost, it will be showcasing the use of ARRIGONI screens to create net-houses, innovative growing structures that provide just the right halfway solution between open field and greenhouse growing.

“Because of the New Delhi virus, open field crops without insect protection are not possible”, explains ARRIGONI agronomist Giuseppe Netti, “with the need to guard against aphids, whitefly and thrip in particular. There are two possible solutions: one option is growing in plastic film greenhouses with AIR PLUS range insect screens, with the sides closed in autumn, winter and spring. However, the drawback is that in areas with a Mediterranean climate, on sunny days in spring and autumn the temperature peaks inside greenhouses are too high.”

“The second solution”, Mr Netti continues, “is growing in lightweight structures entirely covered with insect screens (which we call ‘net-houses’), and not only during the summer.

12 |November - December 2018

Thanks to the favorable climate created underneath the structure, in this case crops can be grown in a protected environment without too much change in temperatures. What’s more, in autumn the microclimate is still more favorable than in the open field.”

Apart from the advantage of being able to grow crops with total protection against whitefly, aphids, bollworm and other insect pests, net-houses constructed using ARRIGONI insect screens offer additional benefits: more vigorous plants with better resistance to some diseases; conditions unfavorable to the spread of fungal diseases (drier environment with lower relative humidity); possibility of starting organic and low environmental impact growing operations; higher yield thanks to more suitable microclimate than in greenhouses; water saving as plants are not exposed to excessive evapotranspiration; and much lower installation cost than a steel structure with plastic films.

The novelties do not end here, since the new website is also on-line, with two main sections, “Agrotextiles” and “Techtextiles”, providing users with full information about these two application families. The graphics have

There are also absolutely new multimedia contents and the chance to sign up to receive additional high-profile updates directly from the ARRIGONI agronomists.

What’s more, through its sister company SACHIM, the ARRIGONI Group has received an award from the Puglia Region President Michele Emiliano, “for its excellent results in Research and Innovation”.

“It is very satisfying to see our commitment to offering high added value solutions in the agrotextile field recognized in this way”, comments Paolo Arrigoni, CEO of the Group of the same name, “but at the same time the award also encourages us to keep offering agriculture professionals a partner they can trust.”

FEATURE

Demystifying anaerobic digesters of agricultural waste

By Nita Karume

A

gricultural waste represents one of the largest anthropogenic sources of methane present in the atmosphere. Anaerobic digesters can turn these wastes into biogas as renewable energy, containing at least 50% of methane, and the solid residues into fertilizers rich in nutrients. Anaerobic digestion has a long history and many different digesters are implemented all around the world in farms.

There is no standard designed digester for different reasons: in one hand, the situations are very diverse in operating conditions and in the other one, there remain many research issues still incomplete concerning microbiology, microbial ecology, metabolic pathways, modelling, technology.

14 |November - December 2018

Biogas industry in South Africa The South African biogas industry is in its infancy. One of the factors hampering the development of the industry are general poor impressions in the Food and Agro-industries, including the notion that Biogas does not work. This is either as an organic waste management technology, or as a source of renewable energy. Another would be the belief that biogas is prohibitively expensive and that Solar Energy is a more reliable and more cost-effective technology in its stead.

South African renewable energy scene, biogas as a technology has been highly successful in both Europe and the developing world. The Anaerobic Digestion process, wherein organic compounds are broken down through the inter-action of colonies of anaerobic bacteria to produce biogas (a mixture of approximately 65% Methane, and 35% Carbon Dioxide), is naturally occurring. A modern biogas plant simply contains and controls this naturally occurring process, to regulate and optimise the production of biogas.

Global Energy is determined to debunk these myths and present an alternative, fact-based, perspective.

In Germany alone, there are over 10 000 biogas plants in operation, and in countries such as China and India, the number of biogas digesters runs to tens of millions. So clearly there is little doubt that the process

Biogas does not work While a relative new-comer on the

can and does work. Unfortunately, there have been some well-publicised early failures in the South African space, primarily due to attempts to apply Euro-centric technology in the South African context, without an appreciation of local factors.

Global Energy have adapted wellproven European technology and practices, to make them somewhat simpler and better-suited to the local environment, and in the process have developed true “home-grown� technology that has been demonstrated to be both reliable and cost-effective.

Biogas is expensive Through a broad-minded approach, understanding of the process, simplification of management thereof, and a concerted effort to adapt and utilise local products and technology, Global Energy has managed to significantly reduce the cost of a fully-functioning, fully automated, safe and efficient biogas plant. The typical cost of a full turn-key project, including commissioning, is around R35 000 per installed kW(electrical).

Further energy is available for heating purposes.

Solar Energy is more costeffective: While it is true that the quoted R/kWh of solar energy is somewhat lower than biogas, the effective power output of such an installation need to be clearly understood. Typically, for a 100kW solar installation the output of this system will be quoted as 100kW(peak).

What this means is that clean panels, on a clear day, at noon, during midsummer, will produce 100kW. However, what needs to be factored in is the fact that this solar installation will only start electricity production an hour-or-two after sunrise, and that is depending on panel orientation. It will also only generate at peak out-put for 3-4 hours around mid-day, and will stop generating completely an hour-ortwo before sunset. At best, a 100kW solar electricity installation will produce an average of 450kWh per day.

By comparison, a 100kW biogas plant could produce as much as 2 400kWh per day. The maths is not

complicated. The cost of the energy from the biogas system is 3.6 times less expensive than from the solar system. Furthermore, the power output from the biogas system is continuous, it includes integrated storage so that when production exceeds consumption, it is automatically stored for later use. Up to twice the electrical power output is available for heating purposes, and there may be significant savings on organic waste disposal.

The technology can be applied to any organic wastes, such as animal manure from feedlots and dairies, waste from food processing and packing factories and abattoir waste. The energy derived from the process is specific to the waste stream in question.

The biogas plants are specifically designed for each waste producer’s site and is sized based on the waste stream quantities and energy consumption of the waste producer.

The design ensures that the waste producer does not export electrical power and so eliminates the need for power purchase agreements with the utility.

November - December 2018 | 15

FEATURE

Neptun Boot; Setting a new standard in safety footwear

N

eptun Boot was established in 1977 in Westmead, Pinetown, South Africa in order to supply high-quality PVC gumboots to general industry with a focus on the agricultural sector. Over the years, the business has grown and developed to become the leading gumboot manufacturer in Southern Africa.

Neptun’s market reach has grown along the years to include territories as far afield as Ghana, Australia, China, UAE, Peru and the Republic of Ireland, making Neptun a truly global player.

The mainstay of Neptun’s agricultural range of products are the ShovaTM and Marina product lines. ShovaTM is a full length unisex gumboot and Marina is Neptun’s ladies range of gumboots. Both are available in general purpose and blood and fat resistant variants. The ShovaTM range is also available in Chelsea, fishing, shoes and clog variants. The Marina range also comes in a number of fashionable colour combinations as well as in clog and shoe variants.

Neptun also has a range of children’s gumboots known as Clipper, which, variant dependant, services a wide range of markets from schoolshoe substitutes in the cold, wet, mountainous, rural regions of Southern Africa to fashionable boots sold at South Africa’s leading retailers.

16 |November - December 2018

In 2005 Neptun launched the Shosholoza mining gumboot which won a design award from the Design Institute of South Africa. It revolutionised the mining gumboot industry by introducing patented ankle and metatarsal protection as well as bringing shoe comfort levels to a gumboot. The Shosholoza gumboot is available with a steel toe cap, a steel midsole and a metatarsal protector.

It is also available in a wader variant.

This boot is sold all over South and Southern Africa to all the major mining houses.

Further capitalizing on the success of the metatarsal protection offered in the Shosholoza Metaguard gumboot, Neptun developed and launched the Stimela XP boot in 2013. It is the world’s first metal-free, heavy-duty mining boot with an integral metatarsal protector and has been patented globally. The Stimela XP gumboot is available with a composite toe cap and an anti-penetrative textile midsole.

This flagship boot is now in demand across Southern Africa and into Europe as well.

In 2015 Neptun further expanded its product offering by launching the Strident metal free, dual density PU safety boot with a textile upper. This boot was designed specifically for the harsh mining conditions in South Africa where the traditional leather alternatives were failing after just a few months. This safety boot is available with a composite toe-cap and an anti-

penetrative textile midsole. Strident is available in an Ankle Boot, Chelsea slip on and Combat boot versions to serve a wider range of industries where the user demands the highest levels of durability and comfort. Miners, security forces, hunters and game rangers can now enjoy the benefits of a light weight flexible and water resistant full safety boot.

Neptun also offers a comprehensive aftersales service for its customers with a dedicated team of technical sales representatives that are on call for any opportunities or challenges our customers face. We pride ourselves on supporting our customers in delivering the best possible product and service to the end user.

All of Neptun’s safety products are certified to the latest EN 20345 and SANS 20345 certifications. Both the PVC and the PU manufacturing plants are internationally certified plants by SAI Global.

Please contact Allister Robertson at marketing@neptunboot.co.za or on +27 (31) 737 4500 so that we can help find the right boot for you.

FEATURE

November - December 2018 | 17

FEATURE

Sorting above the standard:

when optical sorting is the last resort

T

he future of seed and grain sorting is a bright light. Is it?

Indeed, advanced optical sorting systems with divergent optics and illumination techniques are a booming trend. The range of optical sorting systems is increasing and more and more vendors are on the market.

Sometimes, general promises such as steady sorting accuracy levels of > 99% are proclaimed. Theoretically it is possible.

Often it is also practically possible.

But as nature is highly variable and never constant, accuracy levels for all lots or sorting tasks of 99% are not realistic. But fact is, that optical sorting

can rescue production and prevent tremendous revenue loss.

In certified oat seed production in Europe, there is a zero tolerance for wild oat. A Spanish oat seed producer faced the issue of having 5714 kernels of wild oat in 1 t of mechanically cleaned oat seed (0.02%). The official certificate would have been labelled with “not certified”, as his own 5.5 kg sample analysis with 31 wild oat kernels indicated. Ten hectares of seed production most probably lost and to be sold as commodity.

With an average oat yield of 2 t/ha and a commodity price on the CBoT stock

exchange with € 250 /t, the difference in revenue between commodity oat and seed oat would have been € 5,600; excluding the higher price of the field production. With a yield of 5 t/ha, the difference would be € 14,000.

The sample was sent to the ROEBER Institut GmbH, a member of the PETKUS Group, in Wutha-Farnroda (Thuringia/Germany) where it was analysed before and after optical sorting with the OS 901 with one resort cycle. Wild oat could be completely separated by the OS 901. The “accept” fraction showed a purity level of > 99%.

There were no kernels of wild oat left in the sample after sorting.

©PETKUS GROUP The brand-new PETKUS/ROEBER OS f-class was presented at the “Seed meets Technology” fair in Zwaagdijk/Netherlands in 2018 (source: PETKUS Group).

18 |November - December 2018

©PETKUS GROUP

The PETKUS/ROEBER facility in Wutha-Farnroda (Germany) for testing clients’ samples and machine prototypes (source: PETKUS Group).

According to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s Agriculture and Food Division (DPIRD) in Western Australia, the annual costs to the industry of wild oats was estimated to be 80 mill. USD, and wild oats having the potential to decrease yields by up to 80%.

Sorting results above the standard Optical sorters are doing a great job where mechanical cleaning reaches its limits or a specific or high quality is needed. In addition, weather conditions or cultivation flaws can cause field production failure which can only be offset in some way by optical sorters. ROEBER can give vast examples for those rescue operations: • Deoxynivalenol (DON) level reduction due to fusarium infestations to below threshold limits of 200 µg/kg for baby food purpose; • Separating paddy rice kernels with a red coloured bran from white

• • •

•

rice (reduction from 13% to 0.11% contamination); Sorting a rye lot with 15% contamination of triticale to final 0.25% contamination; Separating durum from soft wheat for seed or commodity pasta production; Removing off-types of sweet corn originating from commercial sweet corn volunteers with a final purity level of target sweet corn grains of > 99%; Counting and analysing statistically the nature and amounts of defects and impurities in Arabica coffee beans such as sticks, cherries, black seeds, pergamino, fermented seeds etc.

The list for optical sorting applications is long. The machines became an integral part of the seed and grain processing industry. Optical sorters are often considered as easy to operate machines which can do all sorting jobs easily: colour, shape, seed size and

ingredient detection and separation.

Nevertheless, it all depends on the composition and the material to be sorted. Sorting results can differ substantially in purity levels between crops, but also between varieties.

“You have to be aware that results can differ even within crop lots or for all variants”, says Dr. Kai-Uwe Vieth, Sales and Development Manager at ROEBER Institut GmbH, knowing about the influence of input contamination level, required ratio of good material in the reject and differing characteristic traits of varieties.

“Living organisms are too variable per se.” In addition, high sorting quality or purity are at the expense of good seed loss in the reject fraction. The last 1% of purity costs “accept” kernels.

The development goes on “Obviously, the sorting results of some optical sorters on the market are above November - December 2018 | 19

FEATURE

©PETKUS GROUP

the standard compared to common cleaning technologies”, says Vieth.

“But that doesn’t implicate that the development is at its end.” That is the reason why in the PETKUS Group, a dedicated team is continuously evaluating optical components to scrutinise their own technologies, whether they are the benchmark or how they can be further improved.

“We are in permanent exchange and partnership with scientific institutes in order to future-proof our optical sorter portfolio”, says Vieth.

The market is constantly screened for advanced components, and cameras are tested in the ROEBER optical laboratory in Karlsruhe (Germany) that is not only associated but also locally in close touch with nearby research and development partners.

The Karlsruhe office successfully applied for the “Karlsruher Business Innovation Program”. Within this “Innovation Program”, the office for economic development of the city

20 |November - December 2018

of Karlsruhe cooperates with the European Organization for Sustainable Development GmbH (EOSD).

High resolution cameras and longlife LEDs alone are no assurance for good sorting performance. The synchronisation of the optical system, the hardware-software package as well as the design of the optical boxes and the ejection play an essential role when it comes to clear recognition of defects. On the hardware side, it means that the sensitivity of the cameras and the power of the illumination have to be sufficient.

Regarding software, the deep or machine learning offers new possibilities, and there is a steady development noticeable. Big data analysis is especially for optical sorters a great chance for improved software programs. Automatic teach-in programs help operators to adjust the machine more easily to different sorting tasks.

The easier it looks for the operator, the more complicated it is in the

background and the more knowledge is needed with regard to the evaluation and validation of algorithms. “When I compare our first TeachNSort software package with the actual TeachNSort Smart+, there was a lot of work done and improvements for the benefit of our clients and the sorting accuracy”, says Vieth.

Camera resolution is widely discussed and is considered to give information about sorting accuracy. “That is true to a certain degree”, says Vieth.

“But without appropriate object splitting algorithms, a single seed analysis during high capacity operation is weak, just to give an example.”

Knowing about the details and the pitfalls of optical sorting systems, Vieth is sure about the PETKUS/ROEBER optical sorter series “OS”, that the package is the most sophisticated and complete.

Optical sorting systems Another key component is the illumination. The wavelength, the

spectra, the power of the light source and from where the light is sent make the difference. This range of illumination characteristics offers a more precise selection of illumination system for individual sorting tasks.

For example, often it is impossible to separate sunflower from sclerotia by using standard RGB systems.

Therefore, a NIR system is recommended. To separate red rice from white rice in paddy production, where the red coloured bran is beneath the rice husk and can only be seen after husking, a powerful translucence system is needed.

A combination of RGB and shape could be successfully applied where two different soybean varieties with different hilum colour and seed dimensions have to be separated.

Optical sorting can be even more precise than the human eye when

defect type and illumination systems fit to each other. Absorbed, reflected and/or transmitted light can provide the information that is needed for defect detection. Light source, optic design and machine construction decide which illumination can be used in respective optical sorters.

When results with shape and wavelength in the visible range of 400 – 700 nm (RGB) become limited, then the OS 901i with NIR/SWIR camera technology can be a solution that has a 950 – 1,700 nm wavelength bandwidth. The state of the art RGB and NIR technologies can only detect defects on the seed surface.

But when defects in the inside of the kernel have to be detected and the kernel has some translucence properties, than the PETKUS/ROEBER OS 901 t comes into play. The strong, homogeneous and high quality LEDs inside the OS 901 t as well as the

special light configuration allows for a look through some grain species.

Only the PETKUS/ROEBER OS 901 can offer variable luminance for variable defects, combined in one platform.

OS f-class as an example for new optical sorters A new type of optical sorter is launched by PETKUS/ROEBER in 2018. The OS f-class is the first in optical sorting for small seeds such as vegetables, flowers, grass and spices.

It allows cleaning of small seeds to the highest quality level where nowadays standard colour sorters fail due to unprecise ejection of standard air nozzles, low resolution or insufficient particle orientation. Excellent sorting results are even possible for small seeds like Origanum vulgare (TKW ~ 0.1 – 0.13 g).

Intensive testing with various species

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Mr Nathan Douglas from Lions Den Farms, Zimbabwe, said: “Perry use the highest quality materials on their equipment. The technology and touch screen user interface makes it extremely easy to use and monitor, one unique & extremely helpful feature is the ability to link the control panel to the internet to remotely control the drier. I have been pleased with the technical support & training we have received, they have a very personal way of doing business. I highly recommend Perry & its equipment.”

November - December 2018 | 21

FEATURE

©PETKUS GROUP The synchronisation of the optical system as well as the design of the optical boxes and the ejection play an essential role when it comes to clear recognition of defects (source: PETKUS Group).

were done in the ROEBER optical test centre with impressively high results. Inter alia, a client conducted comparative tests with the OS f-class and the client’s existing machine.

The results were analysed by the client himself. Tested species had a diameter of around 0.5 mm. The proportion of defects in the accept fraction was reduced by a factor two by simultaneously doubling the throughput related to sorting area.

Compared to what is possible with existing machines in that area of application “the precision is very exciting”, concluded the trial team around Vieth.

In the OS f-class, seeds are transported from the feeder along a stainless steel chute down to a specially designed profile belt system to be scanned at the end and ejected nearly immediately behind the inspection line. The belt aligns the seeds to the ejector nozzles to ensure precise positioning. Custom designed

22 |November - December 2018

by ROEBER, the OS f-class has got a new ejector-nozzle technology with an incredibly narrow pitch.

support and by using built-in LAN, the sorter has the capability of true remote control due to real image analysis.

“You could put the nozzle block in your pocket”, says Vieth. Because of the special feeding system, the seeds can be round and tumbling or leafy or arbitrarily shaped. In addition, the density of the product can be high or very low. This makes the sorting system applicable to an enormous range of products and defects.

“An important point is that we really can give effective remote support and help with product set-up because we can see the real pictures of the client’s product on the screen. Sorters that don’t have the real imaging have limited possibilities for remote support”, says Vieth.

A high resolution full color camera system based on latest high-tech components detects tiny differences to ensure purest seed lots. The product is not only scanned by a high resolution camera but also embedded into an innovative light and optics combination. The high contrast allows to distinguish tiny differences.

Details of the small seeds are easy to see and can be easily evaluated on the large 19” touchscreen. Over internet

The complete TeachNSort software can also be installed on customer’s office PC. It has the advantage of just taking the images of good seeds and if necessary also bad objects at the OS f-class or OS 901. The data are easily exported to a USB stick and imported at the office PC. Then the user can perform the teach-in while enjoying a cup of coffee and while the OS f-class or OS 901 is working in production.

This makes the whole teach-in process more comfortable and more efficient.

FEATURE

Transnet Port Terminal, among other things, will provide the funding needed to restore or reconfigure the quayside plant and equipment and provide efficient rail capacity for private sector partners.

The East London Grain Elevator, situated on the West Bank of the Port of East London, is the largest port based grain elevator in South Africa with a potential capacity of 720 000 tons per annum. Currently the facility handles between 80 000 and 100 000 tons of grain per annum.

Transnet and AFGRI partner for the operation and maintenance of Transnet port terminals in South Africa

T

ransnet SOC Limited has announced its intent to enter into a fifteen-year concession agreement with AFGRI Operations (“AFGRI’) for the operation and maintenance of landside operations with Transnet Port Terminals. In a press statement released by the former, the agreement will focus on two strategic agri-ports in the country, the East London Grain Elevator in the Port of East London and the Durban Agri-Port at the Port of Durban.

This initiative will go in phases divided to refurbishment, funding, and marketing projects. Agri-ports are regarded as strategic facilities for the country, impacting on critical needs such as food security, transformation and long-term growth within agricultural logistics.

According to media reports, the lack of capital investment as well as a decline

in market share has pressed Transnet to look for a private sector partner to turn these facilities into integrated and efficient agrilogistic supply chain services.

The fifteen-year contract with AFGRI will allow the company sufficient time to recoup its capital investment, which is currently required to give the terminals a face-lift and install the necessary processes to ensure efficiency. In addition to this, AFGRI will be in charge of customer engagements, contracting maintenance, repair and overhaul of the terminals landside equipment and plants.

The East London agri-port is a natural market for maize export originating from the areas of Kroonstad, in the Free State and the servicing of the Eastern Cape milling industry. It also acts as an overflow terminal for the Port of Durban during peak harvesting seasons.

This partnership will also further strengthen Transnet’s road-to-rail strategy, which is already witnessing a slight volume increase in the Port of East London. The Durban Agri-port is one of the three agri-bulk terminals in the Port of Durban; the other two terminals are operated by South African Bulk Terminals and Bidvest Bulk Terminals respectively.

The Port of Durban is known for its excellent road and infrastructure connections to inland provinces such as the Free State and Gauteng. The terminal has an installed capacity of 156 000 tons which translates to 1.8 million tons per annum of capacity assuming the product is turned every month of the year. Potential capacity at the terminal is projected to be between 600 000 to 700 00 tons per annum.

The terminal also has the ability to handle wheat and soya bean imports as well as ad-hoc projects on request.

Both AFGRI and Transnet Port Terminal will be in charge of planning and scheduling of landside and quayside operations, health and safety as well as legal matters. It is intended that the operations will be integrated from April 2019.

November - December 2018 | 23

FEATURE

BLTWORLD introduces TXLS series log trackers The Taylor range of materials handling equipment, distributed exclusively in South Africa by BLTWORLD, encompasses the TXLS series log stackers, designed to efficiently handle a full log load, from truck or rail, in a single pass.

“These robust log stackers, which are used for loading, stacking, transporting

24 |November - December 2018

and unloading heavy loads of logs, offer improved productivity and safety, as well as fuel efficiency, reduced exhausted emissions and low maintenance requirements,” says Ken Mouritzen, managing director, BLTWORLD. “There are three models in the TXLS range – TXLS-800, TXLS900 and TXLS-1000 – which are built

on an all welded, high strength steel chassis and frame, with heavy duty drive and steer axles.

Features “The key focus in the design of these machines has been on the production of high performance log stackers that offer the forestry and timber sector

noise levels during operation and a built-in shut down system for the engine and transmission (high coolant temperature and low oil pressure) is standard. A high performance nonmetallic pusher fan blows dust and debris away from the operator.

The transmission for the TXLS series is a remote mounted, 3-speed, fully reversing, modulated powershift system. An operator controlled electric declutch feature enables precise vehicle position control and full directional modulation ensures soft directional changes. There is a separate air to oil transmission cooler and a remote mounted filter reduces oil spills.

This series is fitted with a large capacity heavy gauge steel wall fuel tank with an integral strainer. The hydraulic tank, which promotes system cooling has full flow in-tank return filtration.

Operator-friendly Standard Taylor ULTRA-VU rigid masts are designed for clear visibility for the operator. There is pressure compensated lowering control for near equal lowering speed, whether the stacker is empty or loaded. A mast tilt angle indicator is standard and a tilt lock control valve is fitted to prevent mast twist. An additional forward mast tilt allows high tiering and stacking of logs.

This series has been designed for easy maintenance procedures to reduce downtime. An electronic diagnostic

and maintenance monitor on the engine has a fault code history for fast problem location. The mast pivot housing is a two piece bolt-on structure for easy and safe service removal.

For enhanced comfort and safety, the operator’s station mounted is in an offset position for greater visibility over centre mounted machines. Other new ergonomically designed features include fingertip full hydrostatic steering, an air suspension seat for reduced vibration and a tilt steering wheel and hinge down instrument panel. Anti-slip steps and handrails ensure safe three point mounting and dismounting Other standard safety features are forward and reverse motion alarms, a high mounted tilt cylinder for mast stabilization, a manual lowering valve system in case of emergency and dual flow control valves that prevent the load from failing. The parking brake, which doubles as an operator controlled emergency brake, has a brake saver system that prevents the operator from driving through parking brakes. Optional accessories for the TXLS series include rail car clamps, log pushers and a carriage hold down feature.

BLTWORLD supports the Taylor range of log stackers, loaded and empty container handlers, rough terrain forklifts and reach stackers, with a technical advisory, support and spare parts service in South Africa.

efficient duty cycles, low operating costs, extended service life and improved operator safety and comfort.�

Taylor TXLS-800, TXLS-900 and TXLS-1000 models have rated lift capacities of 36 288 kg, 40 824 kg and 45 360 kg respectively.

These log stackers are fitted with Tier III turbocharged diesel engines, with low emissions and efficient fuel economy. Standard engine features include an fuel/water separator, a high capacity cooling system for operation in all environments and engine/ transmission protection systems.

Lower fan and engine speeds reduce

November - December 2018 | 25

FEATURE

Irrigation in Kenya

By Nita Karume

E

arlier on this month, the Hungarian government established an organic Water Retainer solution plant in Kirinyaga County in Kenya. The plant, which is aimed at enhancing water storage is expected to in turn increase yield and crop health in the Mt. Kenya region.

According to agricultural experts, the prevailing technology will also reduce cases of soil degradation.

It will also aid in the regulation of soil water balance. This, they say, will go a long way towards ensuring endurance of crops during dry weather patterns. The initiative is seen as a huge step forward towards achieving food security. Moreover, the organic water retainer plant is expected to not only scale up water harvesting but also increase yield.

Over-reliance on rain fed agriculture coupled with erratic weather conditions have been a major pain for farmers for years. This has since seen the Kenyan Government intensify irrigation efforts. The

26 |November - December 2018

organic water retainer innovation is part of an agricultural cooperation between Kenya and Hungary. This move will no doubt revolutionize irrigation and farming in Kenya. It will also serve as a yardstick for organic agriculture in the East-African region.

Irrigation development in Kenya Kenya has a relatively limited irrigation tradition as the majority of existing irrigated areas were developed between 1960 and 1980. Since then, the rate of irrigation has reportedly declined. This is despite the irrigation growth over the years. According to

FEATURE

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Irragtion pumps are used to pump water from a lower to a higher level from which the water then flows through channels to the fields requiring irrigation (lift operation) or to raise it to the required pressure head so that it can be sprayed on the fields via piping systems (sprinkling). The heads involved range from approximately 1 m for normal lift operation to 40 m for sprinkling. In special cases, heads exceeding 100 m may be required.

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FEATURE

research, the lag can be attributed to the fact that the area already under irrigation is far below the potential irrigable area. Be that as it may, irrigation has been making a significant contribution towards the national agriculture goals; food security, increased income for smallholder farmers as well as the generation of employment.

Irrigation methods used in Kenya Irrigation in Kenya is being used as a means to enhance farming and boost agricultural productivity in the country. Several methods are used

by Kenyan farmers to practice irrigation include surface and sub-surface irrigation, sprinkler and drip irrigation methods.

Technological advancements for irrigation An initiative pioneered in Israel, drip irrigation has been proven to save on water and fertilizer utilization. This is through delivering droplets of water to the base of plants. Unfortunately the off- grid farmers aren’t able to use the technology without expensive diesel generators.

The only plausible solution for this hindrance, as proven by SunCulture,

28 |November - December 2018

is the utilization of solar power.

The company is also dispelling the misconception that solar is expensive by making it available to smallholder farmers, the startup sells affordable solar-powered irrigation products and a one-stop-shop of services to farmers in Kenya.

Kenya has 5.4m hectares of arable land. However, only 17% of that is suitable for rain-fed agriculture; the rest needs to be irrigated. Moreover, alternatives such as petrol, electric, and manual systems are unfortunately constrained by high input costs and labor inefficiencies.

SunCulture designs and installs irrigation tube networks and solar panels on farms (typically a threepanel 300 watt system on a one-acre lot). It also offers training and brings in agronomists to maximize yields.

The company has set up 350 systems in Kenya, and recently put down its first system in Ethiopia. It claims to increase crop yields by as much as 300% and produce water savings of 80%, compared to other local farmers.

SunCulture sells its “one-stop” package for US $3,000 per acre.

This is unarguably an investment farmers are able to make back within one growing season. According to Samir Ibrahim, one of the founders, their approach is holistic and does not only depend on technology. Ibrahim says that even with technology you still have to build systems around that.

The startup is yet offer its own financing, though that is definitely the plan. The question is just how to structure the repayments, given that farmers have little money at beginning of the season and lots of it at harvest time.

SunCulture is also looking to develop an irrigation-as-a-service business model as opposed to just being an installer. This, Ibrahim says, will work as an irrigation subscription for lack of a better word. The move will not only help match farmers’ cash flow cycle better, but will also help SunCulture expand more rapidly.

One undeniable fact that remains is the combination of drip irrigation and solar comes as a huge reprieve for farmers who are not able to rely on the rain.

FEATURE

Tru-Cape chairman is South Africa’s National Farmer of the Year 2018

Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing chairman Pieter Graaff with managing director Roelf Pienaar and Freshmark managing

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t a gala event held in Stellenbosch the Agricultural Writers SA announced the winners of the 2018 National Farmer, New Entrant into Commercial Agriculture and Agriculturist of the Year. The main sponsors of the event are Bayer, Santam Agriculture, Sanlam and Rovic Leers.

The three national winners are: The 2018 National Farmer of the Year is Pieter Graaff, a farmer from Ceres in the Western Cape.

The 2018 New Entrant into Commercial Agriculture is Leonard Mavhugu, a farmer from the former Ciskei region of the Eastern Cape.

The 2018 Agriculturist of the Year 30 |November - December 2018

is Wandile Sihlobo, an agricultural economist from Gauteng.

Annually, the Agricultural Writers SA acknowledge outstanding achievements of commercial farmers, new entrants into commercial agriculture, and agriculturists. One of the aims of these awards is to give prominence to the role that farmers and agriculturists play in the agricultural sector in South Africa. It is also important to note that the award recipients also impact on the broader economy of the country and the southern African region.

This year’s candidates were: Agriculturist of the Year • Gauteng – Wandile Sihlobo

• Limpopo – Frits van Oudtshoorn • Mpumalanga – Johann du Preez • Western Cape – Prof. Eugene Cloete • New Entrant into Commercial Agriculture • Eastern Cape – Leonard Mavhugu • Gauteng – Mbali Nkabinde • Western Cape – Wayne Mansfield Farmer of the Year •KwaZulu-Natal – Joseph Baynes Estate (Pty) Ltd (Myles van Deventer) • Limpopo – Mahela Boerdery (Edward Vorster & seuns) • North West – Johan Styger • Western Cape – Pieter Graaff “Every day we are met with the challenge of feeding a growing world population. With these awards,

Agricultural Writers SA acknowledges the role that farmers and agriculturists play in the agricultural sector and in addressing food security.

with its own infrastructure. The combined production of the separate farming units makes Pieter Graaff the single largest individual apple producer in South Africa.

I am sure, that although we will not hear the words, future generations will thank you for your contributions and efforts to create an enabling environment that facilitated growth, success and food security in our lovely country,” said Magda du Toit, chairperson of the Agricultural Writers SA.

Other farming activities includes the cultivation of pears, nectarines, peaches, cherries, wine grapes, vegetables, grain, forestry with a sawmill, cattle, sheep and a thoroughbred stud.

“The ultimate measure of a person is not what they do in moments of comfort and convenience, but rather what they do during times of challenge and crisis. That shows resilience and that is the match that ignites hope, excellence, innovation and forward thinking. And that is what all our regional winners managed to do.”

The 2018 Farmer of the Year in the Western Cape and National Farmer of the Year Pieter Graaff took over the farming business, Witzenberg Properties, just outside Ceres from his father dr. Jan Graaff, in 1984. Under his leadership five farming units were added to the original farm resulting in better productivity and an increase in the total turnover and profit. Pieter Graaff also expanded his farming business vertically into the complete value chain.

The six farming units are all situated in four unique climate zones within the Ceres area, spreading the climate risk of the farming business. Each of the six units are operated independently

Properties chose to develop in partnership rather than alone. With this philosophy a business was built with far greater influence across the whole value chain.

Witzenberg Properties has a proud tradition of taking care of its people.

It is an employer of choice within the greater Ceres area and renowned as a company where people work until retirement. It provides employee benefits beyond the minimum requirements, to provide every employee of Witzenberg Properties the opportunity to live a life of dignity.

Since the onset of his career, Pieter Graaff has made the conscious decision to rather be “a small fish in a big ocean, as opposed to being “a big fish in a small pond”.

Unlike many other entrepreneurial farming companies, Witzenberg

I am sure, that although we will not hear the words, future generations will thank you for your contributions and efforts to create an enabling environment that facilitated growth, success and food security in our lovely country,” says Magda du Toit, chairperson of the Agricultural Writers SA.

Tru-Cape managing director, Roelf Pienaar says: “Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing was over the moon when our chairman Mr Pieter Graaff was confirmed as the Western Cape Farmer of the Year, earlier this month, but the news now that he has been awarded by the Agriculture Writer’s Association as South Africa’s National Farmer of the Year has filled us with pride at our close association with him. Our heartiest congratulations go to Pieter.

“As the largest exporter of South African apples and pears, Tru-Cape needs innovative growers like Pieter Graaff and others to maintain our competitive edge. His forwardthinking and business-like approach to growing the best South African fruit is a large part of our success.”

November - December 2018 | 31

FEATURE

Robust pre-assembled panel systems for pumping applications

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he range of pump panel systems from EM not only reduce energy costs, but also conserve water and maximise productivity, comments Automation Manager William Cameron. Additional benefits are automatic ‘sleep’ and ‘wake’ functions, and enhanced motor and pump protection such as Class II surge protection.

The standard features of the irrigation pump panels are: a panel mount isolator, drive and control circuit breakers, power and control terminals, manual off/automatic selector switch, run and trip indication, cooling fans and vents, and a rotary setpoint selector.

Typical applications are irrigation, domestic water supply, fish farming, water livestock, solar-powered fountains, sprinklers, misters, and soakers, ground dewatering for excavation, and construction sites.

The standard features of the solar or photovoltaic pump panels are: a multi-status indicator lamp, an on/ off selector switch, DC fuse protection (including a spare), no-flow input and underload protection, and maximum power point tracking software and manual override.

“Using Huba’s 528 pressure transducers, and Delta’s CP2000 pump-purpose drive, creates a robust combination that is exactly what the industry demands,” Cameron stresses. The drive’s customised keypad layout means operational data is displayed on one screen, while sub-menu settings are easy to navigate.

simplify installation, commissioning, and servicing.

With virtually every panel builder in South Africa using ubiquitous technology distributed exclusively by EM, the supplier continues to build on its strategy of providing the right product at the right price, for the correct application and specification at hand.

The pump panel systems are enclosed in weather-tight sheet-metal enclosures that are available in various sizes and variations, depending on the particular requirements of the installation. The uncluttered panel layout means there is sufficient working space in order to

Preconfigured Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) reduce the energy drawn by the pump motor controlling the speed, while maintaining a constant pressure on the line. This is critical in terms of overall efficiency, as even a small reduction in speed result in significant cost-savings.

Cameron concludes that the niche irrigation and solar pump panel system market is aimed at not only diversifying into additional markets, but to be able to offer the full benefits of its latest technology and products to the full spectrum of South African industry.

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32 |November - December 2018

FEATURE

By Nita Karume

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groforestry is known as the management and integration of trees, crops and/or livestock on the same plot of land. It has also been proven to be an integral component of productive agriculture. It may include existing native forests and forests established by landholders. It is a flexible concept, involving both small and large-sized land holdings.

In Africa, agroforestry farms and landscapes have been proven to be an important part of the continent’s rural landscapes. For instance, the trees on farm and in the landscape provide income and environmental outcomes.

monocultures. Agroforestry systems are continuously being adopted in many parts of the continent and the world at large.

Some of the known benefits of agroforestry include but are not limited to: Soil protection The planting of trees amongst crops helps control runoff and soil erosion, thereby reducing losses of water, soil material, organic matter and nutrients.

The trees can also maintain soil organic matter and biological activity at levels satisfactory for soil fertility.

However, this is dependent on there being an adequate proportion of trees in the system. Normally, it takes at least 20% crown cover of trees to maintain organic matter over systems as a whole.

Trees are able to maintain more favorable soil physical properties than agriculture, through organic matter maintenance and the effects of tree roots. This, in turn, leads to more closed nutrient cycling compared to agriculture. As such, there is more efficient use of nutrients.

When interplanted with crops, trees

Furthermore, the practice can be used to ease the effects of climate change as well as help mitigate food security challenges. This makes the practice important since many parts of Africa have continued to experience food insecurity, declines in per capita farm income, as well as land and soil degradation.

Benefits of Agroforestry Over the past two decades, a number of studies have been carried out analyzing the viability of agroforestry. The combined research has since highlighted that agroforestry can reap substantial benefits both economically and environmentally. This is through the production of more output and proving to be more sustainable than forestry or agricultural November - December 2018 | 33

FEATURE and pruning can substantially contribute to maintenance of soil fertility.

Soil fertility Agroforestry provides a more diverse farm economy while stimulating the whole rural economy. This leads to more stable farms and communities.

Economics risks are also reduced when systems produce multiple products.

can check the development of soil toxicities. They can also help in the reduction of exiting toxicities. This is because both soil acidification and salinization can be checked and trees employed in the reclamation of polluted soils.

Water logging Agro forestry can increase soil water availability to land use systems.

Through water removal, established

trees can substantially reduce water logging in their immediate area, which may result in improved land uses.

Nutrient enhancement Nitrogen-fixing trees and shrubs increase nitrogen inputs in agro forestry systems. Similarly, trees can increase nutrient inputs through retrieval from lower soil horizons.

Moreover, the decomposition of tree

As well as building on practices used in forestry and agriculture, agroforestry also works towards land protection and conservation through more effective protection of stock, control of soil erosion, salinity and water tables and a higher quality control of timber.

Generally, agroforestry can have immense benefits for the environment and the farmer. For farmers, the ability to maintain some sort of control over land and production in the face of climate change means agrofrestry could hold huge promise for the agricultural sector.

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34 |November - December 2018

that automatically reduces engine speed to match power and to maximise fuel efficiency. These transmissions are sized for high horsepower demands, to achieve maximum reliability and durability. Choose from a wide selection of five models ranging from 250 to 380 hp.

FEATURE

farming in Kenya

By Nita Karume

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utterfly farming for commercial purposes has proven to be an appealing business venture. This is especially when you consider the fact that the returns start from Ksh.70 and Ksh.30 for an active pupae and a dormant one, respectively.

According to the butterfly manager at Kakamega Environmental Education Programme (KEEP), Bernard Muhalia, one butterfly can lay up from 300 eggs. However, this is highly dependent on its species. Be that is as it may, one butterfly could very well lay up to 1000 eggs in its lifetime.

In Kakamega, the butterfly farming project is conducted by KEEP and has been equipping residents in the area with skills on how to rear butterflies.

Kipepeo Project Most of the butterflies are rared for export purposes. For these, the pupae are sent to Arabuko Sokoke Forest Kilifi County. Here there are over 300 species of butterfly in the forests. 75% of these are found in Arabuko Sokoke.

Currently, most butterfly farmers are clustered in one particular area and therefore there are seasons with limited yield and others where there is saturation. One of the pioneers of butterfly breeding in Kenya’s Watamu says having people in different parts of the country farming butterflies, in different seasons, would boost the business by giving better yields all year round.

High returns It is estimated that the farmers will start earning US $ 428,425 from the project, which receives pupae from over 700 farmers. According to Mombasa Butterfly House Project manager Mr Anthony Githitho, the project will provide a local sustainable market for farmers and also reduces costs of shipping and air freight charges that were incurred for exports.

Media reports also indicate that the project also provides and alternative market for the buyers over and beyond the European and American markets.

However, investing in the business right now would end you up the quail

way, a lot of pupae in the market but nowhere to sell. This is considering the fact that the market is already saturated as it is.

Breeding Butterflies The butterfly rearing process starts with farmers catching a few female butterflies and transferring them to an enclosure where they can lay eggs on host plants. The room or enclosure must be temperate and humid, fully dedicated to raising the insects.

For export purposes, the breeding house, is assessed by KWS to gauge how many butterflies it can hold and if it meets all the necessary specifications before a go ahead is granted.

Once the breeding house is set up and the butterflies have laid their eggs, the farmers wait form them to hatch.

The caterpillars that emerge are placed on new plants. These must be regularly replaced to satisfy their appetites where the butterflies continue to feed until they pupate, and are ready to be transported

November - December 2018 | 35

FEATURE

Conservation Agriculture

By Givemore Ndlezane, Agricultural crop and livestock extension officer (givemorendlezane10@gmail.com)

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onservation Agriculture is a farming system that promotes maintenance of a permanent soil cover, minimum soil disturbance (i.e. no tillage), and diversification of plant species.

It enhances biodiversity and natural biological processes above and below the ground surface, which contribute to increased water and nutrient use efficiency and to improved and sustained crop production.

The principles of conservation agriculture principles could be applied to all agricultural lands and practiced in all agro-ecological zones.

It entails optimum usage of agrochemicals, organic and inorganic fertilisers in ways and quantities that do not interfere with, or disrupt biological processes, in addition minimizing or totally eliminating mechanical disturbance to the soil.

Conservation agriculture (CA) facilitates good agronomy, such as timely operations, and improves overall agricultural land using both irrigation and rain-fed production.

It counters the concept of soil tillage/ ploughing prior to planting, additionally marking it as being responsible for destruction of soil organic matter, a crucial element for the stabilization of soil structure.

It is worthy to note that a soil left without tilling for long allows crops 36 |November - December 2018

residues/mulch to remain on the soil surface, as such protecting the soil from rainfall, heat from the sun and wind. It also stabilizes temperature and moisture which becomes conducive for beneficial small and large organisms that help in decomposition of the mulch for stabilizing the soil structure.

Soils under conservation agriculture have significantly higher water infiltration capacities, with high reduction in surface runoff that causes soil erosion.

PRINCIPLES OF CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE Minimum mechanical soil disturbance • Direct seeding or planting Direct seeding involves growing crops without mechanical seedbed preparation and with minimal soil

disturbance since the harvest of the previous crop. The term direct seeding is understood in CA systems as synonymous with no-till farming, zero tillage, no-tillage, direct drilling, etc.

Planting refers to the precise placing of large seeds (maize and beans for example); whereas seeding usually refers to a continuous flow of seed as in the case of small cereals (wheat and barley for example).

The equipment penetrates the soil cover, opens a seeding slot and places the seed into that slot. The size of the seed slot and the associated movement of soil are to be kept at the absolute minimum possible. Ideally the seed slot is completely covered by mulch again after seeding and no loose soil should be visible on the surface.

Land preparation for seeding or planting under no-tillage involves slashing or rolling the weeds, previous crop residues or cover crops; or spraying herbicides for weed control, and seeding directly through the mulch. Crop residues are retained either completely or to a suitable amount to guarantee the complete soil cover, and fertilizer and amendments are either broadcast on the soil surface or applied during seeding. • Soil organic cover Keeping the soil covered is a fundamental principle of CA. Crop residues are left on the soil surface, but cover crops may be needed if the gap is too long between harvesting one crop and establishing the next.

Cover crops improve the stability of the CA system, not only on the improvement of soil properties but also for their capacity to promote an increased biodiversity in the agro-ecosystem.

Photo Credit: David Croft

While commercial crops have a market value, cover crops are mainly grown for their effect on soil fertility or as livestock fodder. In regions where smaller amounts of biomass are produced, such as semi-arid regions

or areas of eroded and degraded soils, cover crops are beneficial as they protect the soil during fallow periods.

In doing this they not only mobilize and recycle nutrients, but also help

November - December 2018 | 37 74674 conti Trackman_Farmers review ad_hor.indd 1

2018/03/06 16:51

FEATURE

improve the soil structure and break compacted layers and hard pans. The cover crops also permit a rotation in a monoculture and can be used to control weeds and pests.

Cover crops are grown during fallow periods, between harvest and planting of commercial crops, utilizing the residual soil moisture. Their growth is interrupted either before the next crop is sown, or after sowing the next crop, but before competition between the two crops starts. Cover crops energize crop production, but they also present some challenges.

The presence of a mulch layer (of dead vegetation) in conservation agriculture inhibits the evaporation of soil moisture, yet leads to greater water infiltration into the soil profile. The percentage of rainwater that infiltrates the soil depends on the amount of soil cover provided.

As different cover crops produce different amount of biomass, the density of the residues varies with different crops and thus the ability to increase water infiltration.

Cover crops are useful for protecting the soil, when it does not have a crop. They also act as an additional source of organic matter to improve soil structure. While recycling nutrients such as potassium and phosphorus, these crops make the nutrients readily available to the crops that follow.

Vegetative cover is important in CA for the protection of the soil against the impacts of raindrops; to keep the soil shaded; and maintain the highest possible moisture content. We have seen their importance for nutrient recycling; but they also have a physical and perhaps allopathic effect on weeds such that they reduce their incidence leading to a reduction in agrochemical use.

Different plants, with diverse rooting systems, explore different soil depths within the profile. They may also have the ability to absorb different quantities of nutrients and produce distinct root exudates (organic acids) resulting in benefits both for the soil and for the organisms.

Species diversification Crop rotation The rotation of crops is not only necessary to offer a diverse “diet” to the soil micro organisms, but as they root at different soil depths, they are capable of exploring different soil layers

38 |November - December 2018

for nutrients. Nutrients that have been leached to deeper layers and that are no longer available for the commercial crop, can be “recycled” by the crops in rotation. This way the rotation crops function as biological pumps.

Furthermore, a diversity of crops in rotation leads to a diverse soil flora and fauna, as the roots excrete different organic substances that attract different types of bacteria and fungi, which in turn, play an important role in the transformation of these substances into plant available nutrients. Crop rotation also has an important phytosanitary function as it prevents the carry over of crop-specific pests and diseases from one crop to the next via crop residues.

Crop rotation results in a higher diversity in plant production and thus in human and livestock nutrition. It also causes a reduction in risk of pest and weed infestations. With crop rotation there is a greater distribution of channels created by diverse roots. This then ensures better distribution of water and nutrients through the soil profile.

CHOOSE THE CORRECT PRESERVATIVE TREATED TIMBER FOR YOUR END APPLICATION (H classes)

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8/12/15 10:56:48 AM

FEATURE

Solar pumps: get expert help!

By Dr Philip Olivier

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ariable-speed drives (VSDs) have been used in agricultural applications for a long time.

In recent years, many farmers have employed them with solar power to run borehole pumps. When converting a borehole pump to solar power, it is far better to use standard equipment as it is modular and relatively cheap.

This makes repairs and maintenance easier in the long term. Frequently, it is only a single component such as a pump, motor, solar panel or VSD that needs to be repaired or replaced.

Harnessing South Africa’s sunshine There are several reasons that solar pumps have become so popular.

The price of solar panels has decreased by more than 70% over the last five years or so. Furthrmore, a solar pump is generally cheaper, requires less maintenance and is less labour-intensive than other types of water pump such as a wind pump or generator.

should therefore be oversized in relation to the pump. Moreover, the panels need to be configured to supply the voltage and amperage required by the VSD. An incorrectly designed system can result in poor performance or damaged components.

Secondly, sunshine is a more constant factor than wind across most of South Africa. solar panels and VSDs: getting the ideal match If you purchase goodquality equipment and the borehole pump has been converted to solar power correctly, you should have many years of trouble-free water pumping.

Unfortunately, solar pumps do not always run at full speed, as is the case with pumps that run off a constant power source. The main function of the VSD is to adjust the speed of the pump to the available energy from the sun; this means that when an existing pump that worked efficiently on Eskom power or a generator is put onto solar power, its performance may not meet your expectations. It is important, therefore, to seek expert advice on the type of water pump for your requirements.

Cautionary measures Some energy loss takes place when an external VSD is used to power a borehole pump. The solar panels

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