Volume 3. Issue 8. March - April 2017
NAMPO Harvest Day 2017 May 16-19
PREVIEW SUPPLEMENT
PAGE 17 - 34
The 3.0 V6 Amarok will be waiting for you at Volkswagen's stand, number 144, at NAMPO 2017. page 26
t Please visi te si b e w the
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HARNESSING GENE EDITING TO SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE. P13
rica
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ZIMBABWE THE ONCE BREAD BASKET OF AFRICA. P37
CATCHING UP WITH HIGH-FREQUENCY TRADING. P46
Contents 18
37
64
News
Events
6 Uncertainty in South African credit ratings downgrades
18 imagery from NAMPO
Market Info
New Product & Services
40 AFGRI acquires banking capability Bank of Athens
40 New trigger gun for high-pressure cleaners
Tech & Innovation
Cropping
66 John Deere launches real-time monitoring app
60 Producing more with less
Livestock
Country Focus
55 What’s more important.... time or money
37 Zimbabwe the once bread basket of Africa
24
46 March - April 2017
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68 www.farmersreviewafrica.com
Volume 3. Issue 8. March - April 2017 C A R ME R S
RE VI E W AF RI CA
I S S UE
8
NAMPO Harvest Day 2017 May 16-19
PREVIEW SUPPLEMENT
FARMERS
Please visit the website
REVIEW AFRICA
HARNESSING GENE EDITING TO SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE. P13
Editors note
PAGE 17 - 33
a
farmersreviewafric .com
CATCHING UP WITH HIGH-FREQUENCY TRADING. P44
ZIMBABWE THE ONCE BREAD BASKET OF AFRICA. P35
We would like to welcome or readers to March/April issue of Farmers
Front cover :
Review Africa in the year 2017, We at Farmers Review Africa are
The 3.0 V6 Amarok Courtesy of Volkswagen Of South Africa
feeling proud to always give you enlightening news and insights on the agricultural sector.
Executive Editor
In its pages, you'll nd information on products, services, equipment
Lee Daniels
and trends and technology in the sector, in addition to an extensive
lee.daniels@farmersreviewafrica.com
preview of NAMPO Harvest Day.
Writers
e annual NAMPO Harvest Festival has become the biggest
Bertha M.
agricultural exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere and organisers
Maxin Fourie
expect more than 70 000 visitors over the four days of the exhibit. It
Advertising Executive
will take place in Bothaville, South Africa from the 16th-19th of May
Russou Billiard
2017.
russoub@farmersreviewafrica.com
In our country focus, we take a look at the Zimbabwean agricultural
Cleopas M.
economy which was once the bread basket of Africa but due to land
cleopasm@farmersreviewafrica.com
reform policies, drought, oods and the recent army wormy invasions,
Mkhululi K.
the nation has failed to feed its populace.
info@farmersreviewafrica.com
Harvesting of the 2017 cereal crops is expected to commence in April,
Project Manager
with the bulk of the maize crop to be harvested in May and June.
Victor Ndlovu
Early production forecasts for maize point to a strong rebound from
sales@farmersreviewafrica.com
last year's reduced output. e more positive outlook this season
Correspondents
mostly re ects wetter conditions, which are predicted to continue
Deward Sitali dewards@farmersreviewafrica.com zambia@farmersreviewafrica.com +260 96 187 4888 Himanot Kelemu
until harvesting. On technology and innovation, John Deree has revolutionised the sector through the introduction of new Connect Mobile App with the aim of helping growers monitor, adjust and learn from the performance of their planter or sprayer while it moves through the
eastafrica@farmersreviewafrica.com Sales professor@farmersreviewafrica.com Graphic Design & Layout
eld. When it comes to producing high-quality milk, clean milking equipment is a crucial part to achieving this goal, and we give an insight on how to clean milking equipment.
Que Gibson
Farming is evolving faster than any of us realize, with farmers solidly
gibson.q@farmersreviewafrica.com
in charge. To see how, just read the stories our latest issue and apply
Published by
their messages to an entire industry.
Mailing Times Media +27 11 044 8986
Bertha M.
sales@farmersreviewafrica.com
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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 expressed are not necessarily shared by Mailing Times Media (Pty) Ltd
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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
March - April 2017
News
Uncertainty in South African credit ratings downgrades Downgrading will also have regional impact, says Agri SA. “e full impact of the South African credit ratings downgrades is still uncertain but it will be short-sighted not to expect that it will have an impact on our region and that it will most certainly also be felt by our neighbours especially in the Southern African Development Community (SADC)”, says Johannes Möller, president of Agri SA. He said that South Africa was in the past oen viewed as the gateway to Africa in terms of investment and logistics, whilst also being a major trading partner for many of these countries. “On the investment front, the country's downgrading and also those of major local banks will most certainly not be conducive towards obtaining international funds for on lending into Africa nor can expansion of the banks into Africa be expected”, says Möller. “Local interest rates also seem likely to March - April 2017
increase which will aggravate this situation”, he added. He said that if the economy is to move into a recession, which seems likely, it will lead to a reduced demand for imports in general and equally so for our neighbours. “Livestock imports is a case in point as it is general knowledge that meat consumption is directly correlated to economic performance in South Africa; if we were to move into a recession the impact on our neighbours, some of them being heavily reliant on South Africa for these kinds of exports, is obvious. In the customs union (SACU) reduced imports will also impact negatively on the customs pool – a major source of income for the BLNS countries. A depreciated Rand is also, despite its normal quality of supporting exports, not going to save the day for the region”. Möller says that infrastructure in our country
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is for the most part of it in a dilapidated state likewise that needed for proper interconnection in our region. Our scal space to deal with these matters will, as a result of the downgrades, become further cramped not only because of the general impact on the economy but also as a result of higher interest rates crowding out funds availability for capital expenditure by government.” “It is clear that the full impact of the downgrades will also be felt outside of our own borders. Not only is the current situation deserved of focused attention by the social partners inside South Africa but members of especially SADC should also, in their own interest, contemplate joint solutions to deal with this situation”, Möller said. “We trust that the government and speci cally also president Zuma will take the lead in devising plans to restore the dignity of our country also in the interest of the region.” www.farmersreviewafrica.com
News
Ms Phiri
Dangote will be the largest exporter of rice in 5 years to come - AFDB President Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African
and processing rice in Nigeria. I said yippee! I
the Federal government to revive agriculture as
Development Bank (AfDB), says billionaire
went home, I told my wife, my best day as
the mainstay of the economy, and reduce
businessman, Aliko Dangote, may become the
minister,” he said.
importation of foods that could be produced
largest exporter of rice in the world by 2021.
“He comes back three months aer that, he
locally.
Speaking at the Mo Ibrahim Forum in Morocco
says I have changed my mind, I said 'what in
He lamented that Nigeria consumes 6.5 Mtn of
over the weekend, Adesina said Africa must
the world happened?' He said no, I have
rice which costs the nation over 2 billion dollars
focus on agriculture to drive growth and create
changed my mind from $300 million to a
annually pointing out that it is heartening that
jobs on the continent.
billion dollars.
the government now has policy direction that
“I remember when I was minister of
“If they continue that policy, he would
Agriculture in Nigeria. Aliko Dangote was
probably be the single largest producer of rice
encourages private sector's active participation in agriculture.
there, and he was our biggest importer at the
in the world, in about four years. e reason
He disclosed then that “In the next three years
time, and he and I used to have all the time to
why I was so excited about that is that
we want to produce one million tons of quality
dialogue,” Adesina said. “One day, I was in my office, about 10 O'clock, Aliko walks in, Ngozi was minister of nance.
agriculture is cool, agriculture is a
rice and make it available and affordable to the
business…agriculture pays.”
people. We hope to do 150, 000 ha and when we
Adesina was named Forbes Africa Person of
Aliko bangs on my door and said 'minister I
the Year 2013, while Dangote won the same
came to see you', and I said 'what are we going
award in 2014.
to disagree on this time?'
“Dangote Rice outgrowers scheme is committed
It would be recalled that a tripartite agreement
“He said no, I have actually looked at the
put together by the Dangote Rice limited to
policies, and the policies you put in place for
create jobs for 16,000 outgrower rice farmers
import substitution are very right policies. So, I
in Sokoto was recently signed with the Sokoto
have changed my business model from being
State government and rice growers in the
an importer to being a local producer.”
country aer which he launched the rice
Adesina narrated the role Dangote played in his happiest day as a minister in Nigeria. “I said what exactly are you going to do. He said I will put in $300 million into producing www.farmersreviewafrica.com
are done, Nigeria will not have anything to do with importation of rice.
outgrowers scheme in Sokoto. Aliko Dangote , the Chairman of Dangote Rice Limited, Asaid he was moved to go into rice cultivation because of the genuine interest of
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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
to creating signi cant number of jobs, increasing the incomes of smallholders farmers and ensuring food security in the country by providing high quality seeds, fertilizers and agro-chemicals as well as technical assistance on best agricultural practice to farmers. “is Scheme will help to diversify the economy, alleviate poverty and reduce the nation's import bill. e scheme has been designed as a one stop solution for the rice value chain," Dangote stated. March - April 2017
News
Africa’s food security challenges driving technological innovation Climate change, severe drought, water scarcity and the invasion of Fall armyworm sees Africa's food security under threat, but technology tools are available to help solve the continent's food security problems. Lawrence Kandaswami, Managing Director, SAP South Africa says: "Smart farming solutions will become the cornerstone of global food production over the next decade. By using cloud-based computing, big data, analytics, and IoT devices, and bringing together key industry players, we are able to deliver new innovations across the entire agricultural ecosystem to boost food production in a sustainable manner." Africa faces enormous challenges to food security In 1950 Africa's population of 229 million people accounted for just 9% of the world's population. In 2015, less than three generations later, Africa's 1.16 billion people March - April 2017
account for 16% of the globe's 7.3 billion people. By 2050, Africa's population will have more than doubled to 2.4 billion people. In addition, two-thirds of Africa is arid or semi-arid, and 38% of people in subSaharan Africa live in a water-scarce environment.
caterpillar that eats crops before turning into a moth. e Fall armyworm outbreak could not have come at a worse time for Southern Africa, as the region has also recorded two years of record drought that has already affected more than 40 million people and reduced food supply by 15%.
"is creates enormous challenges in terms of food security. In fact, the Africa Union Commission recently highlighted the fact that, at current growth rates, by 2050 Africa will only be able to feed 13% of its population with its own resources. ere is an urgent need for a radical overhaul of agriculture and food production on the continent."
"e sheer speed and scale of the infestation are likely unprecedented. According to the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation, it took only eight weeks for the pest to spread to six African countries where there are suspected infestations, namely South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, Namibia, and Mozambique. And since it targets maize a primary food staple in many of the affected areas - the region's food security has been put at tremendous risk." Adapting modern tech to rural Africa According to Kandaswami, crop production in
Battling a plague of Fall armyworms African farmers are currently battling a plague of Fall armyworms, a type of
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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
www.farmersreviewafrica.com
News Africa is greatly dependent on a large number of small-scale or subsistence farmers, for whom access to technology can be problematic. "However, we have shown how modern tech can be adapted to the rural African farming context with great success. Ghana's StarShea scheme, for example, connected over 3,000 women farmers to the global Shea nut supply chain using soware combined with simple feature phones. is enabled buyers to procure directly from small-scale farmers in economic quantities while the farmers saw their incomes increase by as much as 60% in six months."
moisture content, humidity data, seed type, hours of sunshine and forecast weather. e ability to store and process this amount of historic data and to build complex models that optimise the relationships between these factors helps to improve yields while minimising input costs." Precision farming the cornerstone of sustainable agriculture For Kandaswami, precision farming will be the cornerstone of sustainable agriculture. "Precision Farming is the only lasting and
effective way to feed an African population that will require food production to increase by 200% in 2050. With Zero Hunger being the second goal of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that were adopted at the UN Sustainable Development Summit 2015, the responsibility rests on all of us to ensure Africa is able to feed its growing population in the years and decades to come. rough the use of technology driven by a digital transformation imperative, we are con dent that the continent's food security can be secured for the generation to come."
SAP's Smart Farming solutions are built on a number of key technologies, including the S/4HANA Cloud Platform, big data analytics, IoT (especially mobility and telematics) and applications that provide the capabilities required to drive more efficient and effective agriculture. "ere is a huge volume of data across the agricultural value chain. Collecting and processing this data in our in-memory platform and making the key insights available in a cloud-based model makes it possible to deliver greater value, increase production, reduce risks and lower costs. is opens the door to a wide range of soware applications: for example, we are able to calculate the optimal fertiliser quantities for an area based on soil type,
fertiliser.advisory@sugar.org.za
www.farmersreviewafrica.com
www.sasa.org.za/sasri
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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
March - April 2017
News
African governments must prioritize agriculture to drive inclusive economic growth & development Governments across Africa, private sector actors, donors and development partners were today urged to step up efforts to accelerate Africa's path to prosperity, inclusive growth and de cent j obs cre at ion by moving f rom agricultural commitments to action. e call was made at the official unveiling of Côte d'Ivoire as the host of this year's African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF), hailed as premier continental agriculture gathering, to be held on 4-8 September 2017. e west African nation, a leading agricultural powerhouse and a hub of expertise in improving smallholder farming, will be the rst francophone African country to host the annual Forum. Chosen for its leadership in placing agriculture
March - April 2017
at the heart of its economic transformation, Côte d'Ivoire is among a few select African countries that have made the biggest investments in agriculture resulting in sizeable increases in both farm productivity and overall economic performance. ese countries provide a shining example of agriculture's potential to turnaround the continent's economic fortunes. Under the leadership of His Excellence President Alassane Dramane Ouattara, the AGRF 2017 will focus on Accelerating Africa's Path to Prosperity: Growing Economies and Jobs through African Agriculture. Mamadou Sangafowa Coulibaly, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Côte
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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
d'Ivoire, emphasised his country's commitment to continually improve the agricultural sector which is key to its economic development. "Five years of signi cant investments through the National Agricultural Investment Plan have enabled the country to empower farmers and place them at the heart of Côte d'Ivoire's economic transformation. e rst phase of the NAIP contributed to a signi cant boost in our agricultural production, with more than 17 million tons of food crops in 2015 compared to 11,886 million? Tons in 2012. We are delighted to see that our efforts are being recognized internationally. We are con dent that Phase 2 of the NIP, based on a more integrated approach that includes water resources management, health, electricity and education, will help to li
www.farmersreviewafrica.com
News farmers out of poverty and further stimulate our economy. Côte d'Ivoire is committed to developing its agricultural economy, this needs to be consolidated. " Agriculture is the backbone of Côte d'Ivoire's economy and its robust growth is driven by sustained investment in agriculture and smallholder farmers. e sector contributes 26 percent of GDP, 40 percent of all export revenue, close 75 percent of non-oil export revenue and employs close to 60 percent of the population. e 2016-2020 National Development Plan (PND) aimed at guiding the country into emerging nation status by 2020, considers agriculture as a key pillar and speci cally calls for an increase in agricultural output. Speaking at the launch event in Abidjan, Agnes Kalibata, President of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), said "Agriculture is now back at the top of Africa's development agenda as an economic driver for inclusive and sustainable development. Aer Seizing the Moment at AGRF 2016 and securing political, policy, and nancial commitments of more than $30 billion. As agriculture is the surest path to Africa's prosperity, we now need to harness this
www.farmersreviewafrica.com
surge of support for agriculture and ensure it creates decent jobs and drives economic growth across the continent." Similar sentiments were echoed by the President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina. Highlighting the Bank's prioritization of the agriculture sector against its $24 billion Feed Africa strategy, Adesina s aid "AGRF 2017 will br ing toget her stakeholders in the African agricultural landscape to share lessons on countering the challenges being experienced in the
agricultural sector across the African continent. e forum, expected to host African Heads of State, ministers, farmer organizations, private agribusinesses, nancial institutions, researchers, development partners, and implementing organizations, will provide a platform where delegates can discuss and advance policies, programmes, and scalable investments for the enhancement of agricultural transformation and food security. rough its Feed Africa Strategy, the African development Bank will raise its nancing of agriculture to over USD24 billion in the next 10 years"
· Stronger political leadership and increased spending on agriculture required for Africa's economic transformation · Côte d'Ivoire to host the Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) 2017, a high level continental Forum. Smallholder farmers as agribusiness game changers expected to top discussions
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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
March - April 2017
News
New Farm Africa project to boost orange-fleshed sweet potato production in Uganda Farm Africa has received a grant from the Ajahma Charitable Trust to develop the production, storage and marketing of orangeeshed sweet potatoes in the Teso sub-region of eastern Uganda. e orange- eshed sweet potato is rich in vitamin A, as well as other essential vitamins, and is vital in the ght against vitamin A de ciency; a major health problem in Uganda. e de ciency affects 36% of women under 45 and 38% of children in Uganda, making it the leading cause of preventable blindness in children, as well as increasing the risk of disease and death from severe infections. “is project will have far-reaching bene ts for the people of Uganda,” said Rachel Beckett, Uganda Country Representative at Farm Africa. “Not only will it help farmers living in poverty to grow their incomes, but by ensuring there is a consistent supply of orange- eshed sweet potatoes, it will help ght against malnutrition in local women and children.” e soil and weather in Teso are well suited to March - April 2017
growing sweet potatoes, and Uganda is now the leading producer of sweet potatoes in Africa (CIP/CGIAR). Despite the fact that sweet potato is grown by over 44% of Ugandan farmers, many farmers fail to eke out of a living from its production. e majority of orange- eshed sweet potato farmers are all planted and harvested at the same time, which results in farmers selling their crops in over-saturated markets for low prices where supply is high and prices are low. A lack of affordable processing and storage facilities, as well as limited knowledge about post-harvest handling, mean there are very few opportunities for smallholders to extend the shelf life of their highly perishable harvest. is project will provide farmers with the relevant skills, resources and knowledge to practice staggered planting to extend their harvest seasons, and reduce losses through improved processing and storage facilities. Four new solar driers are being supplied to the local production centre where the sweet potatoes are taken to be dried. Once dried and
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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
cut into chips, the produce can be stored for three months and sold at a time when prices are more favourable to the farmer. A production manager for the centre will also be employed to work with the farmers to coordinate planting and harvesting over a longer period so the centre can service as many farmers as possible. Training on business planning, nancial management, marketing and contract negotiation by our local partner SOSPPA will help its member farmers, working as a collective, to negotiate supply agreements with commercial buyers such as millers who will pay good prices for a consistent supply of bulkprocessed orange- eshed sweet potato chips. Rachel Beckett, Farm Africa's Country R e pre s e nt at ive i n Ug and a , s ay s , “Demonstrating that farmers can continue to earn a good income by processing, collectively storing and marketing orange- eshed sweet potatoes will encourage other farmers to grow more of this vital crop well into the future, beyond the lifetime of the project.” www.farmersreviewafrica.com
News
Government to roll out loan acquired from AFDB
THE Government is in the process of rolling out the US$50 million loan acquired from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to small-scale sh farmers across the country. Meanwhile, Livestock and Fisheries Minister Michael Katambo has urged sh farmers to visit provincial coordinators' offices countrywide to access the application forms and be informed on how to access the loans. Mr Katambo said the money, which was meant for aquaculture development in the country, would bene t small-scale sh farmers to enable them stock sh for sale on the national and international markets. e minister said in an interview that this was in line with President Edgar Lungu's vision to have Zambia start exporting sh in the next two years. “We have received the $50 million loan from the AfDB and we are calling upon all small-scale sh farmers to visit provincial offices and get more information on how to access the loans,” he said. Mr Katambo said his ministry had implemented the decentralisation policy where farmers who were interested in sh farming would access information from various provincial offices. He urged all the small-scale sh farmers to take an interest and visit the provincial offices to access the application forms for the loans. Mr Katambo also said that his ministry was allowing whistleblowers to report any suspected case pertaining to its operations. He said allowing people to have access to offices was because the new ministry was being transparent, and allowing divergent views for development. Mr Katambo said the whistleblowers would be protected and that people should present factual reports and not just mere hearsay. By Mildred Katongo
The challenge ahead: Harnessing gene editing to sustainable agriculture e role of genetic engineering in agriculture and food has generated enormous interest and controversies, with a large-scale embrace by some nations and wholesale bans by others. Many studies have been done and much research remains to be done on the impact genetically modi ed organisms (GMO) can have on broader food systems. Fast-moving developments, however, suggest that lines drawn in the sand both for or against the broader use of GMOs risk becoming a distraction, particularly in Africa. e major novelty is the emergence of CRISPR, which stands for "clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats" and is popularly called "genome editing", which amounts to a much faster way to alter genomes. e method sharply lowers costs and amounts to a revolution for seeds. e second development springs from the rst: genetic engineering can now be deployed on a far vaster array of organisms and with more bespoke goals such as drought resistance or nutritional enhancement. Many GMOs in the market are for insect and/or herbicide resistance, as has been the case for many biotechnology products of the past. Game changing developments While formulating national policies on GMOs is the responsibility of governments, informed debate entails that we recognise these developments change the game. e International Institute of Tropical Agriculture and the Food and Agriculture Organization considers biotechnologies as potential tools in the toolbox, meaning they may be appropriate. Our primary interest is in boosting food production, food security, nutrition, climate resilience, and rural employment. At any rate, vast monocultures of cash crops such as maize, soy, and cotton - the main GMO varieties in the world today - are not our utmost priority. But CRISPR and related new approaches open the door to many more applications. To cite a few examples, all very recent: Researchers have developed a transgenic maize variety that keeps a atoxin out of kernels, thus tackling one of the world's single-largest food problems and source of farm-based agriculture loss.
www.farmersreviewafrica.com
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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
March - April 2017
News Elsewhere, scientists in Ghana have developed a GM cowpea that survives pests or needs less pesticide - is advanced and might be available at a commercial scale as early as next year. Currently, the Maruca podborer destroys a hey share - oen more than half - of cowpeas grown in West Africa. Or take cassava, which is one of IITA's favorite crops and is the second-most important source of calories consumed in sub-Saharan Africa. A recent exploratory review found 14 potential genetic pathways that could improve the crop's yield which has proven stubbornly stable for decades. One of them involved optimising the plant's photosynthesis in the same way that has worked well with tobacco and other plants. e goal is to adjust the plant's canopy so that more of its energy goes into actual storage roots rather than stems. Another potential path is to tweak the cassava so that it can thrive better in soils with lower phosphorus,
to which it is notably more sensitive than other major staple crops. Working with Nigeria's National Root Crop Research Institute, IITA is conducting research on a disease-resistant cassava with higher vitamin A content. Nigeria is also running con ned eld tests for GMO sorghum forti ed to produce more iron, zinc, protein and vitamin A and to demonstrate greater nitrogen efficiency while growing. ese and other hypothetical developments - think salt-tolerant rice, or zinc-enhanced cassava, or zinc and ironforti ed pearl millet - may warrant pursuit. Field trials across the continent Similarly, several con ned eld trials of GMOs are occurring in Malawi, Mozambique, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda. African governments are taking cautious steps. South Africa grows GMO corn and soybeans, while non-food crops are legally
cultivated in Sudan. Last month, Kenya's parliament authorised local crop researchers to start growing GMO cotton, although instructed not to let related by-products enter the human and animal food chain. Lawmakers also welcomed experimental genetic trials aimed at solving endemic national problems affecting sweet potato and cassava crops, and suggested they'd look at legalisation on a case-by-case basis. Ghana recently authorised GMO guidelines a bill allowing them is not yet law - and other countries including Nigeria and Burkina Faso have moved even further. A changing debate on GMO crops Opposition in the past has come for a host of reasons, including fears that GMO crops required expensive inputs provided by multinationals and posed environmental risks as they were oen designed to be resistant to herbicides. Many of the new proposals come without such baggage, suggesting the policy debate will change. Norway has adopted an interesting regulatory approach to genetic engineering, which requires safety reviews, farmer consultations, and a litmus test of whether alternatives contribute better to sustainable agricultural practices. at's a far cry from the usually binary debate - stoked by stories about creating designer human babies - about GMOs. e subject matter is complex and the science even more so. It appears we are on the brink of a deluge of new discoveries - engineering bene cial soil microbes may soon be a booming research arena - many of which may not need the kind of capital-intensive agricultural operations where GMOs were rst developed and can instead directly address the needs of smallholders in developing countries and the speci c food and nutrition security and climate change challenges they face. Genome editing can now economically be applied to the crop cultivars that farmers in a given locale prefer, consisting of highly targeted interventions that can address speci c challenges, and don't take years of breeding to consolidate.
March - April 2017
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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
www.farmersreviewafrica.com
News
Joburg rooftop gardens bringing agriculture to heart of city living Food shapes the daily patterns of city life, and
of food security are principally related to
that would have been spent on food and oen
food production in urban and peri-urban areas
household income and the ability to access food
provide some income for participants.
is increasingly regarded as integral to resilient
through purchase.
and sustainable city region food systems, says
Officials of the City of Johannesburg (CoJ)
e rooop garden of the 3 Kotze street Night
United Nations Fo o d and Agriculture
Food Resilience Unit and the Johannesburg
Shelter for adults, in Braamfontein, located on a
Organisation (UN FAO) director-general José
Development Agency are, therefore, working
at roof of about 13 m × 52 m with 28 shade-cloth
Graziano da Silva.
to help establish rooop vegetable gardens to
covered tunnels, produces 40 kg of fresh,
“In such food systems, urban and peri- urban
ensure food security for vulnerable people in
deveined spinach each week for local restaurants
agriculture is crucial to the food and nutrition
the inner city and promote entrepreneurship.
security of poor households, supplying urban
and generates about R800 of revenue. e garden also grows cabbage, rape, morogo, basil, dill,
residents with fresh, high-value local food,
e city has several productive urban and
cauli ower, broccoli and lettuce.
generating employment and creating greenbelts
rooop gardens in Bertrams, Alexandra,
e project's main aim, however, is to produce
that improve the quality of urban life, and
Braamfontein, Orange Farm and Riverlea,
fresh foods for the local community, generate
stimulating local economic develop- ment,” he
among others. Further, the Johannesburg
some income for participants, and donate some
says in the UN FAO 'Growing greener cities in
Property Company and the Johannesburg
of the produce to the homeless shelter.
Latin America and the Caribbean 2014' report.
Social Housing Company have provided space,
“Urban farms can help in poverty allevia- tion,
funding and support for two more rooop
job creation and skills development,” says CoJ
Most urban farmers are from low-income
gardens that will be launched this year in the
Food Resilience Unit manager Simon Motsusi.
households and take up farming as a means of
inner city.
reducing their spending on food and making
ese gardens reduce the levels of food
Effective Engagement
extra income from sales. In Johannesburg, levels
insecurity, offset some of the household income
However, growing greener cities with agriculture
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[15]
FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
March - April 2017
News needs government from national to local levels
“Skills development is essential and has a huge
skills alone is not enough to ensure sustain-
to incorporate urban and peri- urban
impact on the success of a project, especially
ability and growth, Smith adds.
agriculture into city development planning, the
when training individuals who come from
“Entrepreneurship development, through
UN FAO report states.
different backgrounds,” says Ubuntu Business
training and coaching is essential to effectively
Governments set urban development policies
founder and MD Gary Smith.
support bene ciaries. Our programmes aim to
Further, the cooperatives that work and
namely food insecurity and unemployment.”
and priorities. As major landowners and managers of solid wastes and water supplies,
address two of South Africa's biggest challenges,
they can provide – or deny – the resources
maintain these gardens provide a sense of
Smith is personally involved in the Kotze street
needed for urban and peri-urban agriculture.
community to people who, in South African
project, but highlights that the sustainability of
cities, are oen from different regions of the
these projects hinges on timely disbursements of
“To realise urban and peri-urban agriculture's
country.
funding, overcoming bureaucratic delays and
full potential for generating income, stimulating
e gardens, therefore, serve as social networks
economic development and delivering food that
and centres for personal development, as the
is safe and of good quality, producers need
participants receive training and have access to
nding willing and dedicated participants. e Kotze street garden remains only a pilot
access to markets and technologies that add
the municipality's other support, training and
project and, using rooop gardens as places for
value to their produce,” the report emphasises.
skills development programmes, he says.
children to learn about agriculture and botany,
e 3 Kotze street project, which is a hydroponic
“Hands-on and experiential training enables
for youths to gain work experience and income
system, is one of several urban farming projects
participants to learn new skills, whether they
and for vulnerable people to access education,
t hat are helping t he city to re ne its
are well educated or not, but recruitment is
food and an income, is still a distant goal for the
development and food resilience programmes,
important to ensure the sustainability of these
city administration.
as well as its broader social development
projects over many years. is aspect of
“e city has to nd a way of making urban
funding, engagement and support models, says
individual training, development and growth is
agriculture work in each and every space in the
Motsusi.
a powerful tool that cities can use to empower
city. Since the inner city is lled with buildings,
Meanwhile, Kotze street rooop garden project
participants, their families and broader
rooop gardens is one of the ways we are trying
leader Catherine Khambule emphasises that the
communities.”
to green the city,” Motsusi says.
Impact Potential
farmers compete directly with fresh produce
depth of engagement, support and training are crucial to equipping participants with the required skills to grow the vegetables. “It is how they work with us that makes the
A speci c challenge, he says, is that urban Urban and rooop farming is a viable and
vendors, who buy vegetables and foods at lower
sustainable way to produce vegetables and
prices from fresh produce markets.
herbs. However, with stable funding and
difference. Our trainers were accessible and
support from governing bodies, urban farming
A competitive advantage that urban farms have
remained supportive and engaged with us even
can be leveraged to provide food security, an
over commercial agriculture is that the “food
aer training. is is invaluable for us, as we
income, training programmes and resources
miles” – the distance food travels from
experience problems from time to time that our
for urban communities, Smith avers.
production to plate – is signi cantly lower than
training does not cover,” she states.
Agricultural entrepreneurship development is
commercial agriculture, which reduces the need
Entrepreneurship training and consulting rm
an effective tool to empower potential
for cold-chain logistics without impacting on
Ubuntu Business provided entrepre- neurial
entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge and
freshness and taste, states Smith.
and business skills and practical, on-site
support they need to start and grow successful
e CoJ Food Resilience Unit states that some of
training and coaching to the members of the
agribusinesses, create jobs and support their
t he est ablishe d urb an far ms t hat have
urban farming cooperative who work in the
communities, he emphasises.
transitioned from food gardens to
Kotze street rooop garden.
However, empowering people with farming
microenterprises are already producing higher value products for local sale. However, in the next phase of the initiative, the CoJ will aim to introduce agro processing into the supply chain of urban farmers and encourage value adding activities. To do this, it will leverage its network of academic, private and public sector partners to boost food security and job creation. e aim is to use the pilot projects and the network of urban farms and gardens to increase the scale of rooop and urban farming in the city, and thereby help to ensure food resilience in urban communities, concludes Motsusi.
March - April 2017
[16]
FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
www.farmersreviewafrica.com
NAMPO HARVEST DAY 2017
PREVIEW
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[17]
FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
March - April 2017
PREVIEW
NAMPO Harvest Day 2017
IMAGERY FROM NAMPO e annual Nampo Harvest Festival has
themselves to compete in a difficult
By 5pm the exhibitors start to pack up. And all
become the biggest agricultural exhibition in
market and conditions against
those vehicles in the parking area have to head
the Southern Hemisphere and organisers
subsidised international producers.
home along the R30 between Orkney and
expect more than 70 000 visitors over the four
·It is a great networking opportunity. Farmers
Bothaville. e guesthouses and farms of the
days of the exhibit.
can learn from each other. e show
district are fully booked and people pitch their
Food security is crucial for communities and
creates opportunities that help
tents wherever there is an open eld or patch of
families around the world. When we help
agriculture as a whole. It does not only
grass with ablution facilities. e Nampo
farmers increase their communities' and
help farmers, but suppliers can also see
Caravan Park, about 2 km south of the
families' food security we can play a part in
what the needs on grassroots level are.
showground, is packed with tents, caravans and
transforming the lives of countless people by liing them out of dependence on others
·It is a great opportunity to build the image of
vehicles. ere are braai res all over the place
agriculture. It demonstrates what a
and when jackals start calling it feels more like a
is event is hugely important to South Africa
complex science agriculture has become.
as a whole – not only to the agricultural sector.
In 2016, Nampo attracted more than 650
holiday in the Kruger Park than a farmers' gathering.
Maize has a vital in uence on the total
exhibitors and 70 000 visitors. John Deere was
It's still dark in Bothaville at 6 am, but the
economy, as it determines food in ation in
one of the original exhibitors and the
morning traffic is already picking up. Up ahead
South Africa.
company is still involved. eir green and
you can see light aircra touching down at the
But the Nampo festival is not about maize
yellow tent is also one of the most popular.
Nampo air eld, guided in by a professional air
anymore, every perceivable crop is represented
rongs of people enter to see the tractors and
traffic controller. During Nampo this is the
and some of the heavyweights of the most
combine harvesters, and to buy branded
busiest airport in the country. If you visit most
important livestock breeders' associations are
shirts, trousers, belts, hats, toys, backpacks,
of the stalls you'll walk about 17 km!
exhibiting prime examples.
knives, watches, cellphone cases, coffee cups
Nearby, on the parade grounds, cattle and
e show has three main objectives:
and corkscrews. Every child under six seems
horses are being shown. Every breed has a
·To ensure sustainable and pro table farming in the context of food security. Farmers
to leave on a green plastic scooter with yellow
representative who mans the loudspeaker while
wheels.
they're in the ring.
can compare latest technologies and
At the patent competition, farmers enter
e rst Harvest Day was held in June 1967 on
services in one day on one site, do their
home-made inventions to be exhibited and
the farm Donkerhoek near Bloemfontein, with
planning for the ye ar and enable
judged. e best in each category wins a cash
eight exhibitors and about 200 visitors.
prize.
March - April 2017
[18]
FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
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Stand 213
NAMPO Harvest Day 2017
MultiOne SA exhibits at NAMPO 2017 MultiOne SAis proud to announce that this year marks no exception, we will be attending the NAMPO har vest day agricultural exhibition as we have done last few years. e exhibition takes places between 16-19 May 2017. We are also super excited to introduce new model loaders and attachments at this year's show, never showcased before in South Africa. In addition, we have a much larger play area for demonstrations and a bigger stand altogether was secured. Unlike last year you will be able to not only view our extensive range of farming loaders and attachments but will be able to participate in the demonstration areas and operate our l o a d e r s a n d at t a c h m e nt s . Po p u l a r attachments will include augers, trenchers,
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mini diggers, bale handlers, green care attachments, mulchers, ail mowers, feeders, manure handlers, sweepers, small loaders, all terrain forklis and many more. Agricultural machines never looked this good ever. 'Grain SAs NAMPO HARVEST DAY is one of the largest agricultural exhibitions under private ownership in the southern hemisphere and it takes place annually, just outside of the town of Bothaville, in the Free State province of South Africa. Grain SA's NAMPO Harvest Day enables producers and other role players in the agricultural industry to experience the latest technology and products on offer in the farming industry rst-hand and on one terrain. e
[19]
FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
NAMPO Harvest Day also offers producers the opportunity to obtain knowledge from experts in their various agricultural elds by means of debating and discussion panels. We will be conduction daily demonstrations of our range of farming equipment, mini tractors, mini loaders and other farming equipment during the course of the show. To view the latest technology in skid steer alternatives, articulated multifunction loaders and small tractors pay us a visit at stand 213 at Nampo park this year.
March - April 2017
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website: www.masisizane.co.za
Stand 65c
NAMPO Harvest Day 2017
Farmer first for Hydraform at NAMPO 2017
Marketing Director, adding, “e show facilitates the demonstration of all the latest technologies available to the sector, not only to grow this market, but to play their part in facilitating the constant improvement of the quality of produce. NAMPO is thus an ideal platform for suppliers and manufacturers to access invaluable direct market input from their customer base and vice versa and, with the show's new international p av i l i on , t h e e nte r pr i s e i s g row i ng it s
]: Grain SA's NAMPO Agricultural Trade Show
agricultural community from across the African
international visitor and exhibitor base
is a staple on the calendar of the South African
continent. As such, it offers exhibitors direct
tremendously.”
agricultural community and those who serve it.
access to the who's who of the agricultural sector
Hydraform International, leading alternative
and a platform for networking not only within
building technology company in the developing
this industry, but with the many other
As a sector vital to the economy and the food
businesses that are critical to its success.
security of South Africans, the farmer's practice is
“e products and innovations on display at
variables like the weather, pestilence and the
world, will have the agricultural sector top of mind as it exhibits and demonstrates its brick and block making machinery at the show for the 21st consecutive year. NAMPO, the largest agricultural show in the
a fragile one contingent upon unpredictable
NAMPO are of a world class standard,” remarks, Nazlie Dicks on, Hydrafor m Sales and
southern hemisphere, is attended by the
March - April 2017
Food on the table
instability of the labour market. Nazlie Dickson remarks, “e local agricultural sector has faced a number of obstacles of late, due to the drought and more recently, the outbreak of the 'Fall
[20]
FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
www.farmersreviewafrica.com
Armyworm' in Limpopo and the North West
the show,” she adds.
Province,” adding, “And although there is an estimated 80% growth in maize production
e Hydraform HP1 is an entry-level block
compared to last year, many farmers may still
making machine that is aimed at small projects
struggle, since the maize price is expected to be much lower and catching up to losses will still prove to be difficult.” Another challenge in the sector is the development of emerging farmers' operations. Comments Dickson, “Unfortunately, over the
and has the agricultural sector in mind. e machine does not require diesel or electricity to operate and is done completely manually, without compromising on block quality. Being a Hydraform machine, it remains true to the original concept of manufacturing quality
course of the last two years or so, farmers have
interlocking building blocks from soil-cement
had many factors with which to contend and
technology.
spending has been restricted to other areas,” adding, “It is essential that emerging farmers are
“By nature, the successful farmer is an innovator
developed and equipped to set up and run
whose survival depends on nding solutions to
sustainable farming that can positively
his day-to-day challenges, making Hydraform
contribute to our country's economy. ese
technology an ideal companion for the players
farmers are hardest hit by drought and other
in this eld,” says Dickson, concluding, “We are
natural disasters due to the lack of insurance and
thus proud to have been associated with the
savings, which makes the topic of agricultural training and planning for various natural occurrences that could in uence farming activities top of mind at the show.”
“By nature, the successful farmer is an innovator whose survival depends on nding solutions to his day-to-day challenges, making Hydraform technology an ideal companion for the players in this eld,”
Vir al u plaasbenodigdhede Sedert 1968
* Verskuifbare beeskrale * Kalfkanteltoestelle * Selfvoerders * Landrollers * Hooi-ringvoerders * Baallaaiers en-vurke * Laaibanke * Tenkstaanders * Polibak vir kuilvoer * Skale en nekklampe * Spuitdippe * Suipkrippe * Honde-selfvoerders
NAMPO event for so long and are grateful to the growing enterprise for its support in connecting the agricultural industry with the tools it needs not only to survive, but to thrive.” Hydraform will be exhibiting at NAMPO from 16-19 May 2017. Visit us at stand 65c and learn more about Hydraform's brick and block making machinery and how it supports the farmer and the developing world. About Hydraform Hydraform has dedicated its more than 25
A growing partnership Hy d r a f or m h a s a l on g a n d s u c c e s s f u l relationship with the agricultural community, which is underpinned by the quality and toughness of its machinery which is used to build anything from staff housing, storage facilities,
years of experience in alternative building technologies to developing the Hydraform interlocking building system. rough continuous research and development with leading institutions, the company has
lodges and other buildings needed on farms.
developed a dry-stack interlocking building
“e challenges of the farmer represent
block, eliminating the use of mortar in 70% of
opportunities within the sector and the
the building structure with no need for
manufacture of quality bricks and blocks has
concrete or steel columns – saving money and
proven to be a viable business opportunity, not
delivering exceptional quality.
only in the construction of farm buildings, but in supplying bricks and blocks commercially,”
Contact:
Dickson notes, adding, “is is why we'll be
Moabi Rakosa
launching our new Hydraform HP1 block making machine at NAMPO, which will be demonstrated to the public for the rst time at
www.farmersreviewafrica.com
Tel: +27 (0) 11 913 1449 Email: sales@hydraform.com Web: www.hydraform.com
[23]
FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
Marketstraat 2, Mooirivier, Kwazulu-Natal, 3300, Suid- Afrika Tel: 082 890 6269 Faks: 086 548 4790 Sel: 082 871 0123 E-pos: info@nmreng.co.za Webblad: www.nmreng.co.za
March - April 2017
NAMPO Harvest Day 2017
Stand 139
Smith Power Equipment set to attend NAMPO 2017 Smith Power Equipment (SPE), South African importers and distributors of leading global specialist machinery, turf maintenance equipment and off-road vehicles, will be attending Grain SA's NAMPO Agricultural Trade Show taking place in Bothaville in the Free State from 1619 May 2017.
appear at NAMPO will boost mechanisation of agriculture in South Africa and fuel competition in the market,” remarks Keir. “Competition is a healthy ingredient for a growing economy and at SPE, we thrive on it, because it drives us to keep on bringing the best technology to the industry at affordable prices,” he adds. e state of the industry While the agricultural market has seen especially trying times over the past two years, there is plenty of room for optimism.
“We are very positive about what 2017 has and will bring and are already observing some positive trends in the market; the Rand is strengthening nicely and customers are spending more strategically than before,” comments Keir. “Even though we see disparate weather patterns and rainfall in different provinces, with the Western Cape still navigating a bad drought, it is encouraging that we have had good rains in the northern regions and that the crops are yielding,” he says.
Attracting close to 77 000 visitors each year, NAMPO is the largest agricultural trade show in the southern hemisphere. As such, Smith Power Equipment (SPE) nds great value in attending this event and will have a presence at the show this year as it has for the past 16 consecutive years. “We've identi ed agriculture as a key market for SPE, since every farmer needs the right tools to do their work effectively and mechanisation is vital to running a farm more efficiently from a nancial perspective.” So says Robert Keir, SPE Marketing Manager, adding, “NAMPO brings the whole agricultural industry, including importers, dealers and customers to one place, offering an array of products and insights for the farmer to make the best informed investments for his operations.” Apart from offering an agricultural networking platform, NAMPO is also an ideal event at which to launch new products to the sector. “Having new products, like our Kubota compact excavator KX080-3S,
March - April 2017
[24]
FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
www.farmersreviewafrica.com
16-19 May 2017
Smith Power Equipment (SPE), South African importers and distributors of leading global specialist machinery, turf maintenance equipment and off-road vehicles, will be attending Grain SA's NAMPO Agricultural Trade Show taking place in Bothaville in the Free State from 16-19 May 2017. at said, the agricultural market is still recovering and a challenge that comes with this is accessing nance. Keir asserts that creative scal offerings, like 'off balance sheet' funding are important in a climate such as this. “is type of approach to asset nance comes with bene ts to the farmer, such as not having to lay out any initial capital, which helps with essential cash ow. Furthermore, lease payments on the equipment are fully tax deductible and VAT is paid on a monthly basis,” notes Keir, adding, “Tailor-made nance like this can mean the difference between the disappearance and survival of the farmer.” While SPE look forward to topics such as greater agricultural mechanisation, the impact of emissions on the environment, product-buyer connections and nancial solutions in the sector being addressed at NAMPO talks, key discussions in which SPE will participate include the use of
“All our products are complementary to one another, supporting our vision to be a 'one-stop-shop' for equipment needs on a farm,” equipment in emissions management and
www.farmersreviewafrica.com
best practice usage of their equipment.
show,” he says.
As a solutions-driven company, SPE imports products that are well aligned with their customers' needs; with the ultimate goal of solving their day-to-day challenges by making their processes cheaper and f a s t e r . “A l l o u r p r o d u c t s a r e complementary to one another, supporting our vision to be a 'one-stop-shop' for equipment needs on a farm,” says Keir.
“Our products have been positioned, placed, promoted and priced speci cally for the agricultural sector, which makes our primary goal at NAMPO to meet with existing and potential customers, showing them what we have available on the market and learning how we can best serve their needs with our products. We have an extensive nationwide dealer network through which we distribute our world class products, which makes NAMPO an invaluable platform to meet directly with the end customer and to hear their thoughts and suggestions on how we can better offer our products to better their lives and businesses,” he concludes.
Bringing this to the NAMPO show, SPE will be showcasing all of its brands. “Polaris and Linhai quads and side-by-sides which service our customers' needs of getting around farm lands, security, farm work and hunting, will be on display at the show. ese are available in various models to suit any customer's needs and are available in both petrol and diesel.” remarks Keir. “Kipor generators (1kVA to 100kVA) and forklis (diesel and electric – 2t to 7t), which add value to a farmer's operation with power supply and material handling; the Kubota tractors range of 18hp to the 130hp for various farming activities as well as our TLBs and recently expanded compact excavators range will also be on
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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
Smith Power Equipment will be exhibiting at NAMPO from 16-19 May 2017. Visit us at stand 139. Smith Power Equipment contact: Robert Keir Marketing Manager Tel: 011 284 2024 Email: robertk@smithpower.co.za Web: www.smithpower.co.za
March - April 2017
NAMPO Harvest Day 2017
Stand 144
Amarok 3.0 V6 to be launched at NAMPO 2017
even with the Dakar-tested Bi-Turbo charged two-litre TDI engine.
In the six years since it was launched, the Amarok has proven that it can tackle the toughest terrain and the roughest conditions every day with ease. is is exactly why farming and 4X4 communities contain the biggest Amarok fans there are! But just because it's
Amarok's 4x4 driving capabilities, you'll know
tough doesn't mean Volkswagen compromised
that the new 3.0 V6 Amarok will be the bakkie
on the driver's experience inside. People who
to be reckoned with.
have driven bakkies for decades have tested the Amarok and come out convinced; it is the most
As every year, Volkswagen will be at NAMPO 2017 in support of South Africa's all-important
e new Amarok remains the best in the SA
comfortable bakkie on the market, which is
agricultural community. And what will make
bakkie segment in terms of hard-working
important if you are spending most of your day
Volkswagen's stand particularly unmissable this
technology with its many class-leading features
behind the wheel on challenging roads.
year? e much-anticipated new three-litre
that competitors can't match. It has off-road
Amarok will be on show for the rst time in
ABS and ESP, a uniquely low centre of gravity
Of course the Amarok is not the only
South Africa at stand 144, giving NAMPO
and a heart-stopping 45 degree side inclination
Volkswagen on show at NAMPO. Another all-
visitors the very rst look at their long-awaited
angle whilst carrying a one-ton payload. Its
important model that Volkswagen will be
V6 bakkie.
100% German-engineered combination of
launching around the time of NAMPO is the
economical performance, reliable quality, all-
Golf. Visitors to Volkswagen's stand will be
e Amarok's 3.0 V6 engine gives 165kW, with
day comfort and value for money will ensure
among the rst to sit in the new Golf and they
an over-boost function taking the maximum
that the new Amarok remains unrivalled.
can take a closer look at other exciting models such as the two-colour Kombi and the recently
output to 180kW for up to 10 seconds. Even though this standard power output is the
Come and see for yourself how the Amarok
launched California Beach camper van and
highest for engines this size in the bakkie
performs. Visitors to NAMPO can watch how
Tiguan.
market, the over-boost feature makes
the new Amarok performs on the 4X4 track
overtaking whilst towing equipment feel even
during vehicle demonstrations twice a day,
e 3.0 V6 Amarok will be waiting for you at
more effortless. Coupled with this power is
every day during NAMPO. Volkswagen will be
Volkswagen's stand, number 144, at NAMPO
550Nm of torque available from 1400 to
showing how the Amarok is as comfortable
2017. Be amongst the rst in South Africa to see
1750rpm. If you've already experienced the
with any off-road challenge as it is to sit inside,
this exciting new bakkie!
March - April 2017
[26]
FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
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NAMPO Harvest Day 2017
PREVIEW
BI to display total solutions for the farming community at NAMPO 2017
Bearings International (BI) has a wide product range to meet the speci c requirements of the agricultural sector. e leading supplier will again showcase its major brands at Grain SA's NAMPO Harvest Day from 16 to 19 May near Bothaville in the Free State.
BI has a long and proud association with the
With over 75 000 visitors setting a new
·Rocol: Lubricants
NAMPO Harvest Day, according to CEO Burtie
attendance record at NAMPO last year,
·Dodge: Housed bearings and sha mounted
Roberts. “We once again look forward to
Trevelyan says the annual show is an ideal
gearboxes
networking with clients and roleplayers in the
platform for BI to get closer to its customers in
·Jonnesway: Hand tools
industry to showcase the products and solutions
the sector, and to educate them on the bene ts
·Power Take-Off (PTO) units ·Variable Speed Drives (VSDs)
from our extensive product range. BI can be
and advantages of standardising on its extensive
found at its traditional stand as in years past,
product range.
where we will welcome visitors as in years past.”
“With the agricultural sector under increasing
BI's diverse product line-up runs the gamut from
BI has both the experience and expertise,
pressure to cut costs and improve productivity, supplying bearings and chain to couplings and
backed up by some of the best products out
transmission products for arduous farming
there, to help customers reduce their downtime
applications such as ploughing, planting,
and boost productivity signi cantly,” Trevelyan
harvesting, and baling.
stresses. A dedicated sales team and product managers
e company also provides expert advice on
will be on hand to answer all customer queries,
keeping farming equipment operating at
and to introduce the wide range of brands
optimum efficiency, in addition to outlining the
distributed by BI. Various product promotions
most proactive maintenance procedures to
and
increase the lifespan of equipment. It carries a
exclusively to visitors to the BI stand.
competitions will also be available
Additional brands on display will be FAG premium bearings, Agri Chain, TR Gearboxes, and Opti/Contitech (Goodyear). BI, part of the Hudaco Group, has consolidated its position as leading distributor of bearings and power transmission products in Southern Africa. Bearings International Contact Phone: (011) 899-0000 Fax: (011) 899 6586 Email: info@bearings.co.za Web: www.bearings.co.za 24 hour hotline: 083 250 9191
comprehensive stockholding of critical spares, in addition to chain and V-belt drives, that can be
e brands on display include:
dispatched to customers' sites at short notice.
·KML: Bearings and transmission components
“We are far more than a product supplier,
·Loctite: Adhesives, sealants and surface
focusing on offering our customers in the
treatment
agricultural community a total solution for their
·Bauer: Electric motors
speci c needs,” BI Business Unit Head Ross
·Citronol: Environment-friendly hand cleaners
Trevelyan comments.
and
degreasers
Bauer Electric motors
·Makita: Power tools
www.farmersreviewafrica.com
[27]
FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
March - April 2017
NAMPO Harvest Day 2017
Stand 15 & 16 Sanlam Hall
at NAMPO 2017 Boerslim/Smart farming concept BMG will again be exhibiting its extensive range of agricultural components at Nampo (Sanlam Hall, stands 15 and 16). is year's stand highlights the importance of company's B oerslim/Smart farming concept, which was launched by BMG four years ago to assist farmers cope with c onst ant ly chang i ng t re nds i n t he agricultural sector.
March - April 2017
“rough the Boerslim/Smart farming initiative, BMG's team of agricultural experts offers farming sustainability solutions throughout Africa that focus on effective food production, the correct use of suitable equipment for the speci c task and the efficient application of advanced technologies,” explains Carlo Beukes, agricultural manager, BMG. “We work
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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
closely with famers to demonstrate that the investment in the latest equipment is necessary to maximise productivity and does t r ans l at e i nt o t ang i bl e op e r at i on a l efficiencies. “A recent case study is testament to this. BMG was approached by a local farmer who wanted to accelerate his tobacco drying
www.farmersreviewafrica.com
16-19 May 2017
process and expand crop production, but was restricted by power supply limitations. Aer the installation of BMG Motoline variable speed drives, the farmer is able to run 22 tobacco drying containers at once, where previously he could only run and
As an example, BTC seed coulter discs are manufactured from 6 mm tough Boron steel and are hardened between 55 and 58 hrc. alternate between nine drying containers at any one time. As a result, he has more than doubled his crop production output.” Working demonstrations will showcase how BMG's range of electronic, uid technology, tools and power transmission components operate together to form an efficient system that enhances productivity and energy efficiency.
www.bmgworld.net
BMG's high quality replacement agricultural components, which conform to rel e v ant qu a l it y assu r anc e and speci cation certi cations, are engineered to improve productivity in the farming sector, to operate efficiently for extended periods and to reduce costs in the long term. As an example, BTC seed coulter discs are manufactured from 6 mm tough Boron steel and are hardened between 55 and 58 hrc. New to the range is the complete 8 series PTO drive sha product line, designed and manufactured by La Magdalena in Italy, to meet the requirements in technical advancements in agriculture demand. is is an OEM quality product and caters for heavy duty applications. BMG provides solutions to all key players in the agricultural sector, including local m a nu f a c t u r e r s o f e q u i p m e nt a n d
implements, as well as agricultural re-sellers and the farmer. For further information Carlo Beukes, Agricultural Manager, BMG Telephone (011) 620 1500 Email carlob@bmgworld.net Web www.bmgworld.net
NAMPO Harvest Day 2017
PREVIEW
CASE Construction Equipment will be presented at Nampo Show 2017 CASE Construction Equipment will be present at the Nampo Show, which will be held in Bothaville, South Africa, from 16 to 19 May 2017.
e CASE 570T model represents the continuity of the CASE DNA, built on the company's long history of industry rsts... On display at the CASE stand will be a wide range of equipment including the CASE 570T, 580T and 695T tractor backhoe loaders and the CASE SR130, SR150, SR175 and SR200 skid steer loaders. All of them, reliable and productive machines with best value for money.
March - April 2017
According to Ross Collard, managing director of CSE, CASE dealer in South Africa: “Nampo is an important platform to s h owc a s e t h e C A SE C ons t r u c t i on Equipment offering to a large number of new and existing customers, we have taken traction at this event over the last few years and the resulting exposure has led to increased sales of equipment”. Besides the product offering visitors will see a variety of items from the CASE shop, from fashionable, high quality leisure and work wear to stylish accessories and highly detailed scale models and of course a cuddly toy!
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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
Top equipment for the most demanding application e CASE 570T model represents the continuity of the CASE DNA, built on the company's long history of industry rsts which include the world's rst factory-built tractor loader backhoe introduced in 1957. More than 600,000 units later, CASE backhoe loaders are synonymous of performance, high liing capacity, best digging depth, and great breakout forces. e 570T backhoe loader stands above the competition with high-productivity features and the excellent performance delivered by fuel-efficient FPT Industrial S8000 engine. Manufactured in more than 3,000,000 units,
www.farmersreviewafrica.com
16-19 May 2017
South African customers will get their chance to see several CASE models at this year's Nampo show, including the best-sold backhoe loaders and best-in-class skid steer loaders
the S8000 engine suits a diversi ed range of applications and is well-known in Africa and the Middle East markets. e sturdy design of the 570T model ensures ease-ofservice and reliability even in heavy-duty operations. Cost-effective for fast return on investment, the 570T backhoe loader is expected to enlarge CASE's customer base and reinforce the brand's presence in Africa.
e fully glazed cab is now equipped with a redesigned front door wiper that offer a greatly increased wiping area and improved visibility. At the same time, it will be possible to see several models of the CASE skid steer loader range which offer more engine and hydraulic power, best in class breakout forces and increased productivity while maintaining outstanding cab space and allround visibility.
www.farmersreviewafrica.com
e CASE SR150 skid steer loader is equipped with an upgraded 2.2 litres engine displacement and delivers more power than ever before: 60 hp (45kW). Additional pushing power is offered by the new small frame loader arm stops on the loader arm. anks to these signi cant performance improvements, CASE skid steer loaders stand out from competition and offer the best-in-class peak torque in the SR150 model. CASE now offers nonpneumatic tyres on the SR150 model. Solid tyres are purpose-built to last longer and to increase the stability and the li capacity of the machine. Furthermore, they provide excellent traction even on dirt, sand, mud and gravel operations, highly important in farms. e hydraulic coupler, now available on SR150 models, allows to change attachments without getting off the cab. e fully glazed cab is now equipped with a redesigned front door wiper that offer a
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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
greatly increased wiping area and improved visibility. Two new options are available on large models for additional protection in heavy duty applications: the metal light bezels that protect the working light and are ideal for forestry and demolition operations; the brace added on the hydraulic coupler to increase the torsional rigidity for more accurate and precision works. CASE Construction Equipment: Close to the customer CASE has built a solid reputation and a loyal customer base over the years, due to the excellent quality of the products and the wide range of services that customers appreciate rough CSE, the company shows its commitment to deliver specialist advice, tailored nance packages and a rst-class aer sales service with a 100% total satisfaction guarantee, providing the partnership that farmers deserve.
March - April 2017
NAMPO Harvest Day 2017
PREVIEW
Lincoln Lubrication & SKF showcase agricultural solutions at Nampo 2017 “We have supported Nampo for the past seven years, exhibiting jointly with SKF for the past two years when we became part of the global SKF group,” says Lincoln Lubrication's Regional Manager, Jaun Herbst. e exhibition stand which is located in the main hall at Nampo will display Lincoln Lubrication's automated greasing systems and Muster II re suppression systems as well as SKF's Agri hub and Yelag bearings. “e two companies' complementary product portfolios provide farmers with the opportunity to conveniently source greasing systems, re suppression, bearings and related accessory solutions from a single source supplier.” Modern farmers are focusing more and more on the quality of products rather than on price as they realise that in good quality they
nd reliability, cost saving and uptime which subsequently leads to a return on investment and pro tability. “Our comprehensive agricultural product solutions are delivering on all fronts,” asserts Herbst. Lincoln Lubrication's products have been tested in agricultural markets around the world with great success and Herbst adds that a number of OEM's have Lincoln Lubrication Systems tted as a standard. e local agricultural sector is a growing market for Lincoln Lubrication and presents untapped potential to provide solutions for a number of machinery reliability issues. But the agricultural industry is not without its own inherent challenges. In order to successfully address this tough market it is important to have an understanding of the challenges faced by farmers.
“e three year drought that has gripped our country and which still continues in the Cape regions means that many farmers are not in a position to invest in new products or upgrades.
When it comes to crop farming for example, farmers have a limited window period for planting and harvesting so costly breakdowns in the eld are simply not an option. ere is a direct correlation between pro tability and production. When it comes to crop farming for example, farmers have a limited window period for planting and harvesting so costly breakdowns in the eld are simply not an option. Farmers therefore depend heavily on equipment and system reliability which is paramount to uptime.
Lincoln Lubrication automated lubrication system delivers fast accurate greasing for optimum equipment reliability
March - April 2017
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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
www.farmersreviewafrica.com
16-19 May 2017
Lincoln Lubrication South Africa is showcasing its automated lubrication and Muster II re suppression systems as well as parts and service solutions at Nampo 2017.
”Lincoln Lubrication's automated lubrication systems which include single nipple greasing as well as fully monitored systems deliver fast accurate greasing for opt imum e quipment reliabi lity. e lubrication specialist recently came to the assistance of a customer in the Free State who was experiencing problems with the greasing of his crop sprayer. “When greasing the machine during planned maintenance, some points were oen missed while others were either over- or under-lubricated leading to equipment downtime,” explains Herbst. is not only wasted valuable time but also compromised equipment reliability. e farmer wanted a dependable system that gives him the assurance that all points are greased and that the correct quantities are delivered to each point.
Long-term customer relationships are of the utmost importance for both Lincoln Lubrication and SKF. “We recommended the single nipple greasing s y s t e m a s t h e b e s t s o lut i on . Us i n g
distribution blocks we route all greasing points to one grease nipple, which enables lubrication of all points from one greasing point, eliminating the risk of missing any greasing points for complete peace of mind. In addition, the system also offers substantial time saving. e 45 minutes normally required to lubricate all 40 points on the crop spray is now reduced to a mere eight minutes as there are only seven greasing points that cover the whole machine with the exception of the rotational greasing point (prop sha). Herbst adds that although this system is not fully monitored and automated, an electric pump can easily be added to the system without changing any con gurations. e farmer expressed extreme satisfaction with the product as well as with the professional and experienced service and onsite product training from Lincoln Lubrication. He was also impressed that he can conveniently deal with a single source supplier for b ot h his b e ar ings and lubrication system requirements. Long-term customer relationships are of the
utmost importance for both Lincoln Lubrication and SKF. “We believe in building partnerships with our customers and do not merely supply commodities; we support our products with parts supply, expert advice and training; our highly skilled technical team deliver specialist maintenance and aer-sales service. As part of our customer service, we pay regular visits to our customers to ensure that our systems are in good working order.” Lincoln Lubrication's agricultural offering is av ai l abl e f rom SK F ' s e x te ns ive Ag r i distribution network. “Product knowledge is extremely important so we are spending time with distributors and end-users, sharing product information and training. We have completed a number of Muster II re suppression demos in the Free State which we plan to roll out across the country together with our successful crop spray system,” concludes Herbst.
omated single nipple Lincoln Lubrication's aut n of all points from atio greasing system_lubric risk of missing tes ina elim nt one greasing poi greasing points.
www.farmersreviewafrica.com
[33]
FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
March - April 2017
NAMPO Harvest Day 2017
PREVIEW
Navistar International New Distributor for MWM Engines in Southern Africa Navistar International Southern Africa (NISA)
In addition a large number of MWM engines
Navistar owned company and, as such, we are in
are pleased to announce that they have become
sold into Southern Africa have been supplied
an very favourable position to offer complete
t h e o ffi c i a l au t h o r i s e d Imp o r t e r s a n d
into the Agricultural and Automotive industries
engines for sale, as well as being able to supply
Distributors of MWM engines and parts in Sub
tted in various makes of well know top branded
excellent aersales parts and service back
Saharan Africa for MWM Engines
equipment including pick-up trucks, MCV &
through an established dealer network which will
manufactured in Brazil
HCV trucks, buses and agricultural tractors as
be supplemented by dealers appointed in
well crop spraying and fertiliser equipment etc.
industry speci c sectors”
MWM is a German designed engine that started production in 1953, with more than 4,2 million
MWM engines are available in Automotive
Loakes continued “Parts for MWM engines are
engines produced in its 63-year history. It has a
applications in Mechanical or Electronic
currently being stocked at NISA's PDC (Parts
complete line of the most advanced technology
versions with power outputs ranging from 88kw
Distribution Centre) in Midrand and we have
engines that meet the strictest pollutant emission
to 240kw (120hp to 324hp) Engines are also
already imported 2 training engines as well as a
standards.
available for Generators with standby ratings
number of complete engines which are available
from 31kVA to 260kVA at 50 Hz, in either
for sale”
Currently MWM Brazil exports to over 30
mechanical or electronic con gurations. MWM
countries in South America, North America,
engines are tted in Ford F250 pick up's and
NISA will provide technical and training support
Central America, Europe, Asia, Africa and
other automotive products in Mechanical or
for the MWM engine and dealers will have access
Oceania.
Electronic versions. In addition a large number
to systems such as the Service Portal and the
of MWM engines sold in Southern Africa have
Parts Catalogue on-line.
In excess of 10,600 engines have already been
been supplied to the Agricultural Industry tted
sold into Southern Africa in various applications
into Massey Ferguson and LS tractors and
including Automotive, Agriculture, Power
Montana & Stara Crop Spraying equipment.
Generation, Construction and the Marine industry sectors
Dave Loakes, Managing Director of NISA said that “MWM Diesel Engines in Brazil are a
X.10 Series Available in 4 & 6 cylinders Mechanical or Electronic Natural, Turbo or Turbo-Aer cooled aspiration 58kW to 179kW power range Agricultural, Construction, Industrial, Automotive & Marine applications
D229 Series Available in 3,4 & 6 cylinders Natural or Turbo aspiration 27kW to 134kW power range Agricultural, Construction, Industrial & Marine applications
March - April 2017
contact: John Barnett 011 542 2957 john.barnett@navistar.com Kevin Lowings 011 542 2996 kevin.lowings@navistar.com
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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
www.farmersreviewafrica.com
Country Focus
Country FocusZimbabwe the once bread basket of Africa Zimbabwe needs 1.8 million tonnes of the staple maize every year to meet the needs of its people and livestock. e agricultural industry in Zimbabwe is made up of three main components — the large scale commercial and agribusiness sector, the small scale commercial farming sector and the communal farming sector. Despite the shambles of the “fast track land reform” exercise, the industry remains concentrated in these three sectors. e communal farming sector occupies about 20 million hectares — 16 million legally classi ed as such and perhaps 4 million hectares of acquired land (legal and illegal) which is now occupied virtually on a communal or tribal basis. e small scale commercial farming sector comprised about 24 000 individual farms in 1997 (former Purchase Area farms) and now www.farmersreviewafrica.com
has perhaps another 50 000 units located on what were large scale commercial farms. What remains of the large scale commercial farming industry comprises perhaps 5 million hectares under A2 settlers and another 4 million held by large agri-business rms (Triangle, Hippo Valley, Mazoe, Mwenezi Ranch and conservancies. es e include a fe w of the old p ostindependence farmers in speci c industries such as dairy, tobacco and fruit. Contested land (land occupied without legal transfer) remains about 8 million hectares and can only be released for proper settlement aer the payment of compensation to the owners. In the past (up to 1997) the industry employed a third of the national labour force, generated directly and indirectly about a quarter of the Gross National Product of the country and half its exports. As an exporting nation, food prices
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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
in Zimbabwe were held down by market forces to a level that re ected regional and global market conditions less the cost of bridging to markets. In times of drought, the commercial farming sector could irrigate up to 300 000 hectares of land and ensured that the output of tobacco and food crops were adequate to meet demand. In fact, in some cases (tobacco and horticulture) output actually rose as yields were higher in dry years and crop quality enhanced. Crop yields were generally above regional averages and in many cases comparable to the best in the world. Farmers borrowed an estimated US$2 billion a year against their title deeds to fund their activities and were able to secure their inputs on time and at a world market price. is enabled them to meet stringent production timetables and targets and the thereby optimise output. Communal farmers March - April 2017
Country Focus dominated the markets for maize (60% on average), cotton (80%) and small grains as well as ground nuts and beans. ey also supplied about a million small livestock to local markets and for consumption and about 20% of all cattle sold on local markets. eir major problem was not being able to hedge against the weather or manage the out c om e . In a d rou g ht ye ar n at i on a l dependence on the commercial farm sector increased dramatically. In 2014/15 season we have seen rainfall decline to about 80 or 90% of average, but its distribution has been very uneven: a very dry start in October and November, a very wet December and then little rain in January and February. is has not been kind to the crops. Early planted crops and crops assisted with irrigation have done well and there will be a critical volume of tobacco of good quality to meet market demand. However, the balance of the tobacco crop (about half) is of poor quality and low yield and is likely to nd a buyer with difficulty and even then at very low prices. It is the food crops that have been hardest hit. Late planted maize (always low yield) is going to yield very little, in many cases nothing. Even the small grains have suffered and are not going to yield very much. e same fate applies to all other rain fed crops — many of critical importance to the rural community. e cattle look wonderful throughout the country but face severe water shortages in the dry season as river ow has been very limited. is was not a season like 1983 or 1992 when the rains failed almost totally and we had a total crop failure, but nevertheless — it is going to be a hungry year with major food shortages in many districts.
get through the winter on what is in the dams. Reports indicate that tea production is also good but there is very little of anything else. Agricultural contribution to our national economy is a fraction of what it was (overall it is down by about 70% and this year will be much worse) and therefore I expect agricultural output to fall in 2015 and this will further exacerbate the overall decline in the economy. It will also put greater pressure on our balance of payments with imports of food taking a much higher proportion of available import capacity than 2013 or 2014. e impact on consumers will be signi cant as the region as a whole is going to have to import basic staples, like maize, for the rst time for some years. Zambia has had too much rain as has Malawi. South Africa will also have to import grain to meet demand as their season has been both drier and more dysfunctional than usual. Already basic food prices in South Africa are up 30%.Because of our open market policies and the use of the US dollar, we will not experience any shortages of food stuffs as was the case in 2008, but the shortage of disposable income will be very serious. VAT collections and the sale of basic food items in 2014 declined by 25% on average — in the rst quarter of 2015 the indications are that this decline is continuing. It is going to be this failure to make enough money that will create the specter of widespread hunger and malnutrition in 2015 and into 2016. Food stress is going to present in many rural districts and in all urban areas and this is going to be a major challenge for the government, the aid agencies and the affected communities.
e wider economy was already in a crisis created by the collapse of con dence in 2013 and the ight of capital from the banks and our markets. Revenue to the State in 2015 will be 17% lower than in 2013 and continues to decline. Under these conditions the failure of the 2014/15 agricultural season is a disaster. Maize production in 2017 forecast to recover from 2016's drought-reduced output Harvesting of the 2017 cereal crops is expected to commence in April, with the bulk of the maize crop to be harvested in May and June. Early production forecasts for maize point to a strong rebound from last year's reduced output. e more positive outlook this season mostly re ects wetter conditions, which are predicted to continue until harvesting. ' Additionally, an increase in the area planted to maize, estimated at a near-average level of 1.2 million hectares, is also anticipated to contribute to a larger output in 2017. Howe ve r, a lt h ou g h t h e ab ove - ave r a ge cumulative rainfall volumes since October 2016 have bene tted crop and pasture development, heavy rains have also resulted in localized ooding causing crop losses, while waterlogging is likely to constrain yield potentials in the affected areas, particularly for the late-planted crop that is more susceptible to the impact of excessive moisture. In addition, the outbreak of fall army worm, an invasive species to the subregion, is likely to also further limit year-on-year production gains; an estimated 130 000 hectares of maize have been affected. Production of cash crops, mainly cotton and tobacco, is also foreseen to rise in 2017, mainly supported by an expansion in the sown area.
I personally do not see a maize crop of more than 600 000 tonnes. Small grains well down on last season. Tobacco will probably decline by 20% in volume and more in value as low grade tobacco will attract very low prices and may not even nd buyers. Sugar likes a dry season if the estates have enough water and they might just
March - April 2017
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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
www.farmersreviewafrica.com
Market Information
Case IH gives an insight into the modernization and mechanization of farming
Case IH shares the company’s experience & expertise with visitors at the 5th Commercial Farm Africa summit in Tanzania e 5th Commercial Farm Africa summit has brought together industry professionals from all over the continent to share insights into transforming Africa's agricultural value chain. e two-day event in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (March 14th and 15th) was a valuable opportunity for visitors to hear experts give talks on a wide range of important farming matters. Speakers at the summit included Case IH's Head of Corporate Farming for Middle East and Africa, Tom Davies, whose presentation provided real-world advice on e Modernization and Mechanization of Farming Practice. Case IH also supported the event for the rst time this year as Corporate Sponsor. e summit was opened on behalf of the Minister (His Excellency Hon. Dr Charles J. Tizeba, Tanzania's Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries) by Mdm. Margaret Ndaba, Assistant Director for Development Assistance & International Cooperation from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries. She spoke about opportunities in Tanzanian agriculture and set the scene for issues to be discussed during the event. ese looked at how public and private sectors can play a bigger role in transforming Africa's agricultural sector by modernizing and introducing innovative technology to the farm; increasing farm productivity; investing www.farmersreviewafrica.com
in agro-related and value-added processing industries; and investing in transport infrastructure and post-harvest storage facilities. Case IH's speaker at this event, Tom Davies, leads the company's Middle East and Africa team responsible for special projects in the agricultural sector. ese projects can range f ro m s m a l l h o l d i n g d e v e l o p m e nt t o multinational corporations' requests for advice or support. Davies said: “Our aim is to make the ownership of a large farming enterprise - and in particular the detail mechanizing of it - as simple and economic as possible for the highest returns.” In his presentation, Davies described Case IH's successful business approach. He explained how the key elements of this are collaboration with professional producers to develop products, services and complete solutions; focus on productivity enhancements to improve customers' return on investment; continuous investigation and application of technology to minimize the risks of farming, ensuring a knowledgeable n e t w or k of e mp l oy e e s , d e a l e r s a n d distributors; exible nancial services offerings; and accessible parts and service support. With such a strong offering, Case IH is well established in Corporate Farming in Africa,
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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
but there are plans to build activities further. Davies commented: “We will expand the team and locate members in strategic locations in Africa to be closer to our customers. e scope of activity will also be widened beyond the preparation of projects, with a strong emphasis on support in the eld. is will include a permanent presence during the equipment start-up phase and direct support for parts, technical issues, training and advice. “Sugar cane production accounts for approximately 50 percent of our activity and the sugar cane industry is at the core of our strategic plan. In this sector Case IH is the leader for technology and expertise. And we offer a complete range for production, from cultivation equipment to sprayers and the most trusted sugar cane harvesters in the industry. We can also draw on a complete range of products within the company to offer solutions for on-site power generation, construction equipment for drainage or farm roads, industrial-scale material handling, commercial vehicles for transport, and even buses for the workforce. In other words, Case IH provides everything a farmer needs from a single source. is is unique in our industry.” March - April 2017
Market Information
AFGRI acquires stake in bank and broadens financial offering AFGRI Holdings Proprietary Limited (“AFGRI”), the leading agricultural services and food processing company is pleased to announce the potential acquisition of the National Bank of Greece Group's stake in the South African Bank of Athens Limited (“Bank of Athens”), corresponding to 99.81% of the issued share capital (the ''Transaction”) of Bank of Athens. e Transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including, regulatory approvals from the South African Reserve Bank (“SARB”), the South African Minister of Finance as well as the South-African Competition Authorities. AFGRI is liaising with SARB in this regard and is in the process of preparing the prescribed applications for the regulatory approvals under the guidance of appointed advisors. “AFGRI values the support of clients, depositors and banking partners of the Bank of Athens and commits to continue to provide the service excellence they are accustomed to,” said AFGRI CEO, Chris Venter. He went on to say that acquisition would be a further enabler to both AFGRI and Bank of Athens' customers. Fairfax Africa Holdings Corporation, the indirect controlling shareholder of AFGRI, has provided its support for the proposed transaction. e Bank of Athens was established and has been operational in South Africa since 1947. It offers comprehensive traditional business banking such as lending, transaction banking, treasury and foreign exchange. It is further known for its focus on the development of market leading niche transactional banking offerings in partnership with businesses. “We are impressed with the strides Bank of Athens has made in specialised banking offerings especially as these pertain to the application of technology and innovative solutions,” indicated Venter. Venter concluded by indicating that the acquisition provides an additional retail and alliance banking platform to current and prospective AFGRI customers where deposit taking and lending is possible and in this way
March - April 2017
enables AFGRI to continue with its focus of innovation and an enabler to food security.
[40]
Dam Linings and Tarps Reservoir linings
Earth dam linings
Trailer Tarpaulins
Truck tarpaulins
Welded mesh reservoirs
For more informa on contact
+27 72 279 3294 Or visit
www.tatamatarps.co.za FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
www.farmersreviewafrica.com
Products & Services
Cheers to largest centrifugal pump in South Africa Part its new Packo range of food-grade pumps, the new centrifugal pump is capable of pumping beer into eight million 250 ml bottles an hour. It was launched towards the end of last year. e Dutch-based Verder Group acquired the UK-based Fullwood Packo Group in 2015, with Verder South Africa embarking on an extensive marketing campaign for the food & beverage industry. Kobus Fourie, Packo pump specialist at Verder South Africa, explains that the range has application in 11 niche sectors. ese are dairy, meat and sh, textiles, wastewater and potable water, breweries and distilleries, food and beverage, washing and disinfection, surface treatment, vegetables, animal feeds and biogas, hot frying oil, petrochemicals and pharmaceuticals. “At the moment, our campaign is focused on breweries and food and beverage,” Fourie www.farmersreviewafrica.com
con rms. Globally, a demand for increased production capacities and more efficient processes in the food and beverage industry has seen a need for stainless steel pumps with ow rates in excess of 1 000 m³/h.
and easy to clean. Applications include dairies, breweries, and distilleries. e pumps are a particularly reliable option for ltration applications, pasteurisation, yeast propagation, and in cleaning systems.
Responding to this latest market trend, Verder South Africa has launched its Colossus pump, an extension of Packo's MCP3 and MFP3 pump range. It weighs 1.6 t, and offers a ow rate of 1 200 m³/h, with a 200 kW motor.
Fourie reveals that Packo itself is undergoing an expansion and renovation of its facilities, which will allow it to manufacture and test pumps with a ow rate of up to 2 000 m³/h.
While many breweries still use cast-iron pumps for higher ow rates, the stainless-steel design of the Colossus is much more hygienic. “It is likely to become the standard in the food and beverage industry in the future,” Fourie comments. e MCP3 and MFP3 pumps are also energyefficient and maintained easily, with an electropolished nish that is highly-corrosion resistant [41]
FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
The largest centrifugal pump available on the South African market for the food and beverage industry has been introduced by Verder Pumps South Africa. March - April 2017
Products & Services "EASY!Force", the new trigger gun for professional hot and cold water high-pressure cleaners from Kärcher. e yellow and black trigger is visible at the back of the handle. e recoil of the water jet presses the handle into the ball of the hand. e trigger gun can be used in continuous operation without additional force and effort. A yellow safety lever in the handle prevents accidental operation of the trigger gun.
Kärcher redefines the most important control element
New trigger gun for high-pressure cleaners For its range of commercial cold and hot water
trapezoidal thread, "EASY!Lock", allows a tight
trigger gun is suitable for all Kärcher cold and
high-pressure cleaners, Kärcher is introducing
and reliable connection with only a single turn
hot water high-pressure cleaners with a
the "EASY!Force" trigger gun in a brand new
(360°). Further connections - from lance to
maximum pressure of up to 300 bar.
design. e main feature is the trigger, which is
nozzles and from hose to high-pressure
pushed into the handle with the ball of the
cleaner - also feature the new "EASY!Lock
Contact
hand. When the trigger is operated, the recoil
thread. In this way, all components can be
Kärcher (Pty) Ltd.
of the water jet automatically presses the trigger
changed quickly and easily. A total of 476
Cnr.Mount Joy & Gorge Allen Rd.
into the hand, which contributes to effortless
accessory parts have been converted to the
Willbart Ext 2.
use. e reduced force action prevents hand
new screw thread. anks to special adaptors,
Germiston (South Africa)
and nger strain and in turn muscle cramps.
the new trigger gun can also be connected to
T +27 11 657 7300 www.karcher.co.za
Accidental operation is prevented by a yellow
existing high-pressure cleaners. e adaptors
safety lever in the handle. is can be released
can also be used to connect newly purchased
again aer brie y operating the trigger.
high-pressure cleaners with the new thread to existing components.
Kärcher has used this new trigger gun design as an opportunity to introduce further
e valve has also been substantially
improvements. As a result, both interfaces from
improved, both main components, ball and
the trigger gun to the lance and high-pressure
valve seat, are now ceramic. is ensures a
hose have been redesigned. A quadruple
lasting and reliable seal. e "EASY!Force"
March - April 2017
[42]
FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
www.karcher.co.za
Products & Services
Excessive grain safely storable in low cost plastic bags While the anticipated size of the harvest could
Owing to this, the Hitec grain bags enable
“e grain can be loaded in the bags directly from
have a stabilising effect on food price in ation, an
improved quality and the ability to engineer and
the harvester or from a truck and be stored safely
increasingly competitive global market continues
improve costs on the end product, impacting on
for up to two years.
to pressure South African producers to nd new
South Africa's ability to remain globally
Additional bene ts include lower initial
ways of cutting costs on grain and silage storage.
competitive, he says.
investment, on-site storage, exibility and savings
One such method is the use of massive Hitec
Van Niekerk notes that the bags boast a
on freight,” notes Kelly.
grain bags on sites around the country, which is
trademarked, seven-layered barrier
lm,
He says that the grain bags supplied by Rhino
the result of a new deal between South African
dramatically increasing the strength of the bags,
Plastics were used extensively by their clients
agricultural specialists Rhino Plastics – part of
while, more importantly, reducing the oxygen
during the 2016 intake season to store wheat,
the sustainable solutions group of companies,
permeability of the lm.
barley and oats – among other grains and silage.
He also claims that since introducing the
He also states that the bags handle very well on
Rhino Group – and Greece based master batches and agricultural
lms manufacturer Plastika
Kritis.
product, demand from across the country has
bagging machinery and have high-quality
surged. “Customers range from farmers to
stretching and durability properties.
“is deal not only has signi cance for the local
agricultural organisations stretching into
e Hitec grain and silage bags create a hermetic
market in terms of better value, it also offers the
Southern Africa.”
environment, which promotes oxygen depletion
industry a far superior product,” says Rhino
Rhino Plastics director Brendan Kelly says the
and simultaneous carbon dioxide production.
Group MD Brian van Niekerk.
bags are a solution for storing grains such as
is is because of the respiratory process of the
wheat, barley, maize, sorghum, soybean, rice, rye
biotic components inside the bag, Kelly adds.
is comes aer a report was released by
and legumes, which are increasingly in demand
government's Crop Estimates Committee on
globally.
“e new atmosphere in the bag, rich in carbon
e seven-layered Hitec grain bag is one of many
deactivates, or reduces not only the reproduction
January 26, stating that South African maize farmers are set to have their hands full come
dioxide and poor in oxygen, suppresses,
harvest time, aer planting almost a third more
agricultural products supplied by Rhino Plastics.
or development capacity of insects and fungi, but
hectares this season.
Other products include silage lms, balewrap
also the grain's own activity, in turn, facilitating its
e report indicated that 2.5-million hectares
lms, liner low density
preservation. Users report that the Hitec bag packs
had been allocated to maize, which marks a 31%
polyethylene irrigation pipe, mulch lms and
lm, green house
between 5% and 10% more grain than other bags
increase on the 1.9-million planted during the
dam liners, among other related products.
of the same size,” he concludes.
previous, drought-ridden year.
March - April 2017
[44]
FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
www.farmersreviewafrica.com
Products & Services
Filtration solutions can prevent explosions in food & beverage sector Food processing, involving baking our, soup
“You have to take everything into consideration
e dust is collected in a bin or it goes through a
powders, milk powder, spices, avourings and
when you work on a solution for highly
rotary valve for safe discard.
sugar, for instance, can cause highly explosive
explosive factories – it is not only what they do
In the highly unlikely event of an explosion in the
organic dust, and industrial equipment company
but also how they do it – even what shoes
lter unit, Envirox makes use of a valve which
Envirox sales manager Anton Hertenberger says
employees wear. at's how technical it gets,”
prevents the explosion from propagating back
its Nederman ltration systems are designed to
says Hertenberger.
down the line.
mitigate explosions at such facilities.
Industry standards indicate that manufacturers that emit dust in facilities with a Kst rating of
lt r at i on c omp any
between 0 and 200 must be equipped with an air
Nederman specialises in combustible dust
Swe d i s h i n du st r i a l
ltration system, as these dusts are classi ed as
solutions and Envirox designs the
ltration
St 1 dust, which may result in an explosion.
solutions, which are built and assembled by Nederman in Sweden
e explosion is then safely vented by means of the explosion panels, thereby not harming people or machinery. He warns that all factories that emit combustible dust should be equipped with Atex- compliant
e Kst is the dust de agration index, and it
dust extraction and ltration systems to prevent
e lter units are then sent to South Africa,
measures the relative explosion severity,
explosion.
where Envirox distributes them on the local
compared with other dusts.
e ltration systems also assist in preventing
market. Hertenberger says Envirox can design a
According to Hertenberger a Kst value of
cross contamination in production lines and
custom ltration solution within 24 hours.
between 200 and 300 is highly explosive but a
keeping factories clean.
He explains that a re is started with oxygen, fuel
dangerous.
Kst rating of 300 and above is the most e South African Bureau for Standards (SABS)
and ignition – sparks and static discharges can
Envirox can design ltration solutions that are
is extremely strict in terms of hygiene standards
cause an explosion with organic dust as fuel.
able to handle all three dust type classi cations.
in the South African food and beverage industry.
Using Atex-compliant
Hertenberger says companies have to use
e SABS 10049:2012 standard states: “e
ltration units with
explosion vent valves and antistatic
ltration
ltration systems that are speci ed to their
practices described in this standard are aimed at
media, in combination with fans equipped with
requirements, and properly designed, built and
assisting the food-handling organisation to
sparkles inlets, Envirox signi cantly reduces the
assembled, but they are oen not even aware of
manage its operations to prevent or control the
risk of explosion.
this need.
contamination of food, either through direct
e Nederman lters consist of extraction arms
contamination.”
e Atex directive consists of two European Union directives describing the equipment and
contamination or as a result of cross-
work environment allowed in an environment
and hoods which are earthed and connected to a
Hertenberger adds that conditions must almost
with an explosive atmosphere.
duct line.
be sterile to prevent contamination across
e arms extract dust from the atmosphere and
production lines, so manufacturers bene t
“e biggest problem is that there are too many
carry it to the dust collector at a speed not less
doubly by ensuring that dust is removed from
manufacturers who are not even aware they are
than 25 m/s to prevent settling within the duct
t h e i m m e d i at e at m o s p h e r e , a s i t c a n
working in extremely explosive environments.
lines.
contaminate other products.
www.farmersreviewafrica.com
[45]
FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
March - April 2017
Products & Services
Catching Up with High-Frequency Trading e rst official stock market, as we understand
of a contract, the process has evolved to
in doing so allows brokers and traders to pro t
the concept today, began in Antwerp in the
entering a buy or sell order into a program and
from market imbalances that were once out of
1500's. Merchants and money lenders had been
watching it be processed in the electronic
their reach.
trading amongst themselves for centuries, most
maelstrom which is the modern world of
particularly the merchants of Venice, but no
High-frequency trading is quickly becoming the
nance.
dominant force in the market, world-wide.
formalised exchange existed until the Huis ter Beurze.
We are in the midst of such an evolution right
Established in an inn run by the Van der
next phase of investing: high-frequency
Beurze family (from whose name we derive
trading.
now, as dealers and brokers move onto the
frequently gather in the Huis to manage deals
Simply put, high-frequency trading is next
and give one another nancial advice.
logical step in nding and executing deals on a
that the items traded there were bonds and promissory notes, but the concept proved so successful that it gradually spread to the rest of Europe, and from there to every corner of the globe. From these beginnings of men trading debts with one another in smoky rooms, or over cups of coffee, the global exchange has evolved into a multi-trillion dollar machine of enormous complexity. Where once bid and ask spreads were written on chalkboards, they are now ashed to millions of computer and television screens the world over, every second of every hour of every day. Where once a deal was realised by the signing March - April 2017
trades, and that amount is only set to grow. As a result, ordinary traders are frequently
“bourse”), traders and merchants would
Technically, it was not a “stock” exchange in
Almost 60% of trade done on the New York Stock Exchange is as a result of high-frequency
global level.
nding themselves chasing a target which moves ever further away, and at a greater pace. To operate without an understanding of highfrequency trading in today's market is to run a race with a weight tied to your legs.
e continued progress in both the speed and processing power of modern computers and
At Russellstone International, we are leading the
the increased complexity of the programs they
foray of high-frequency trading in the South
run has made it possible for a deal to be found,
African derivative markets. As registered a
identi ed and made in the blink of an eye.
member of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange,
Less, in fact, than the amount of time it takes
improve on a range of algorithms which make
our team continues to design, implement and to blink an eye, a process which takes 500
up the basis of our high-frequency trading
milliseconds and in which a modern algorithm
strategy.
would have completed two trades and be on its way to nishing a third.
We aim to offer potential clients the opportunity
Using algorithms to identify the most
trading, for themselves.
to take advantage of this, the next evolution of complicated of mathematical patterns, highfrequency trading can spot the tiniest of market movements, over the smallest of time periods. It then acts to execute the trade, and
[46]
FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
Craig Robinson Director Russellstone International (PTY) Ltd www.farmersreviewafrica.com
Established in 2010, Russellstone International has since risen to become one of the leading broking firms in the South African Derivatives market.
As a registered member of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Russellstone International is the market leader in algorithmic trade execution technology in the Agricultural, Equity and Currency Derivative markets on the JSE.
Utilising the latest in trading software, we also take advantage of advances in the field, making use of drone technology to conduct crop surveys and provide you a detailed assessment of the current conditions on (and in!) the ground.
Whether you're a miller or farmer looking to diversify your portfolio, or a large corporate that requires knowledgeable trading expertise to support your business, Russellstone International has an experienced team that is ready to offer you the advice and support that you require.
If you are interested in finding out more, visit our website at www.rsitrading.co.za. You can also drop us a line at info@rsitrading.co.za or +27 12 743 5390 and we will be more than happy to assist you! Russellstone Interna onal (PTY) td is a registered member of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Reg No 2001/023483/07 A member of the Russellstone Group.
Products & Services
Africa’s potential If Africa has the second largest continent and population in the World, why not consider it as a business potential for fertilizer industry? Analysing the facts of Africa, it's the second largest continent in the world with more than 30 900 000 km2 of total area and also the second largest world population with about 1.2bi people, it means that we have a huge area to work on. And the key for its development is partnerships. With more than 60% of its 1.166 billion people living in rural areas, Africa's economy is inherently dependent on agriculture. More than 32% of the continent's gross domestic product comes from the sector considering that food is the basis for humans, and the fertilizer is essential for rural areas where most food comes from.
Africa has receiving more than USD30bi of foreign investments for the fertilizer market since 2012 till now. Huge corporations and others are coming to invest in agribusiness in Africa and creating local opportunities as well, for example Bagtech has a Japanese company as its partner: Toyota. Bagtech delivered a fertilizer blending plant to them in Kenya in 2016, and the company projects 2017 better than last year. According to e World Bank and US Department of Agriculture projects the agriculture and agribusiness in Africa will grow to be US$1 trillion industry in Africa by 2030. To promote this outcome, the continent must review its incentive structures. Over the next decade, fertilizer use is projected to increase by almost 2 percent annually, which is consistent with overall crop production growth trends.
In the North of Africa is possible to nd one of the largest phosphate March - April 2017
reserves in the world as well the main exporters of fertilizers in Africa. e main consumers of fertilizer in World are China, India, USA and Brazil which are considered more developed areas using more fertilizer per hec than Africa. And the main consumers of fertilizer in Africa are Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia and South Africa respectively. According to FAO, Africa growth fertilizer demand will increase more than others continent with 3.6%.
So why not believe in Africa?
Bagtech e company has a long history in Africa. Bagtech is proud to be an African company which started its activities in 80's when the coffee market was booming. By that time the company was offering services for coffee market in Africa, and aer some years started to develop its own equipment for agri industry. “We had a long and hard way to become who we are today, and nowadays we provide services and equipment from Africa to Africa focus on fertilizer market.” Fred Coelho, Managing Director. e company's main goal is to offer their clients all their expertise in the fertiliser and
[48]
FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
www.farmersreviewafrica.com
Products & Services agro-industry by providing consultancy, equipment and services around Africa.
Most of fertilizer equipment found in Africa region has more than 30 years old and most of them are in a bad condition due to lack of maintenance. Maintenance is essential every day since fertilizer product is a very corrosive product. Bagtech team is always present at the customer's facility providing service and showing how to clean the machine aer work. It can impact on customer's production if it is not clean proper, also can rust the machine. “Maintenance is the most important part of equipment to keep it on, and our team is always assisting our customers across Africa and training their staffs how to make it every day “says Fred Coelho.
TWK, ETG, Yara and others. ey manage 7 fertilizer plants in South Africa and have capacity to manufacture about 10 custom made equipment per year. e company can design in-house fertilizer blending plants from very small capacities to over 100 tons per hour, coating plants, bagging equipment from 10kg to 1ton, screening equipment and any other compact plant as per customer needs. Africa is showing its potential on fertilizer market, is showing that has professional people and technology to offer to Africa and to the world. Bagtech has equipment across Africa and offer services for more than 30% of main ports in Africa. e company delivered more than 90 fertilizer equipment for Africa along its history. For more info: www.bagtechint.com
Developed in a partnership with Festo, Bagtech equipment comes with an advanced technology which can be controlled by online system from anywhere with your laptop or cell phone “In my view, Africa needs to encourage African companies and give the opportunity to show that we also have technology and knowledge to offer. When you encourage local content, you create local jobs, companies can invest on technology and on people. Both can grow together” says Fred Coelho. Bagtech has grown signi cantly and currently employs 150+ workers having as its clients the main players in fertilizer market such as Toyota Kenya,
www.farmersreviewafrica.com
[49]
Developed in a partnership with Festo, Bagtech equipment comes with an advanced technology which can be controlled by online system from anywhere with your laptop or cell phone
FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
March - April 2017
Products & Services
Pumps range optimal for conveying acidic substances Pumps supplier Verder South Africa notes that
creates three distinct pressure regions around
Further, the company is excited to grow into the
its range of centrifugal mag drive pumps,
the impeller. ese regions are the suction
pharmaceuticals and food and beverage
VERDERMAG, operates “exceptionally well”
pressure in the impeller eye, the discharge
industries, as well as the preservative side of the
when conveying abrasive and corrosive
pressure in the volute and the balance pressure
chemicals industry; they are linked in many ways,
substances, making it ideal for the chemicals and
behind the impeller.
she notes.
“One of the many applications Verder specialises
In operation, the balance pressure is about one-
ac t ively involve d in t he chemic a ls and
in is the transfer of hazardous chemicals,” says
quarter to one-third of the discharge pressure,
petrochemicals industry for decades, has
Verder marketing manager Elaine van der
which is created by the routine pumping action
managed to build a formidable reputation with its
Westhuizen.
of the impeller, while the balance pressure is
customers in this market.
She notes that one of the company's recent
controlled by the combined action of a xed and
projects was for chemicals company Omnia
a variable ori ce. e xed ori ce is created by a
petrochemicals industries.
She says that the company, which has been
Verder's peristaltic and air-operated double-
Group's agriculture division Omnia Nutriology,
set of clearance rings behind the impeller. ese
diaphragm pumps are frequently used at water
which approached Verder in November
rings limit the leakage ow behind the impeller
puri cation and treatment plants, where chemical
regarding the conveying of liquid fertiliser.
to a relatively constant rate. e leakage then
dosing is required. “We also have many clients
“Based on the process requirements, we
ows around the magnets and past the bushing
that require fertiliser applications in process
suggested the VERDERMAG centrifugal pump,
to the thrust control valve.
plants.”
as it can easily transfer the required aggressive chemicals product without any leakages.”
To further its strategic goals, the company last Van der Westhuizen notes that Verder is looking
year acquired distribution rights for the Packo
forward to servicing the chemicals and
pumps range used in the food and beverage
Other advantages include the pump casing,
petrochemicals industry this year, as the
industry. e process pumps are used in the most
bonded with ethylene tetra uoroethylene or
company sees massive potential in this evolving
demanding hygienic applications, including
per uoroalkoxy linings, with a minimum
market, consisting of many and varied potential
ltration, pasteurisation, yeast propagation and
thickness of 3 mm. Further, it is a nonstainless
and existing clients. Further, she notes that the
steel pump, making it more cost effective, as it
company's product and technical services
clean-in-place cleaning systems.
uses a cast iron casing. Additionally, certain
offering ensures that clients receive several
Van der Westhuizen concludes that Verder's
stainless steel alloy pumps are unableto convey
bene ts, including reduced maintenance,
commitment to clients is paramount, noting: “It is
the full range of acidic substances, unlike the
reduced consumption and total cost of
our motto that, rather than simply just selling a
VERDERMAG, Van der Westhuizen comments.
ownership savings.
pump, we provide a solution and enhance a
e pump uses a thrust balance design, which March - April 2017
client's production process. [52]
FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
www.farmersreviewafrica.com
Supplement
Cleaning & sanitizing milking equipment When it comes to producing high-quality milk, clean milking equipment is a crucial part to
For good results, you must: §
achieving this goal. Monitoring milk quality counts, and keeping your milking equipment
§
cleaning on track is a must to consistently produce high-quality milk.
§
All it takes is a failed drain or bad gaskets leaking air because they weren't changed on
§
Acid rinse
Have a starting water temperature of
is cycle is used to neutralize any detergent
160ºF or above
residue, remove minerals and inhibit bacteria
Discharge water with a temperature
growth. e acid rinse must circulate for three
of 120ºF or above
to ve minutes. e water start temperature
Deliver 20 good slugs going 25 to 35
should be 95 to 110ºF, and the pH of the acid
feet per second through the system
solution must be 2.0 to 3.5.
Have the proper amount and type of
schedule, to derail your cleaning system. And
chemical for your milking system
Sanitize cycle
all of a sudden, your bacteria count is higher
size, complexity, hours of milking
is cycle kills bacteria. Use an EPA-registered
than expected. To ensure clean milking equipment, these six
§
and water type
sanitizer product. e water start temperature
Traditional wash cycles use a
should be 95 to 110ºF and circulate for three to
requirements must be met: time, temperature,
chlorinated alkaline detergent, and
water volume, chemical balance, velocity and
you need to meet the minimum
100 to 200 ppm of chlorine when testing the
drainage. If one is off, your cleaning results will
active alkalinity parts per million
drain of the cycle.
be compromised.
(ppm), active chlorine ppm and pH
e clean-in-place wash contains up to four
for your system.
An alternative is to use an EPA-registered acid
Specially formulated one-step
sanitizer on the acid cycle and do the acid and
washes can be used to help save
sanitize in one cycle.
different cycles. Each has a speci c function,
§
and each needs precise control of the six
ve minutes. Chlorine sanitizers should yield
requirements to properly clean your milking
water and time but must meet the
All milking equipment, lines, and utensil
equipment.
minimum required active acidity
surfaces that come into contact with milk or dirt
and pH for your system and be
or manure must be thoroughly cleaned and
Pre-wash/rinse
compatible with your water type.
sanitized before the next milking.
load from the milking system and warms the
On this type of wash, the acid rinse
milk pickup and sanitized before the next
equipment surface for cleaning. e water
is not needed, and it combines the
milking. e purpose of cleaning is to remove
starting temperature should be 95 to 110ºF.
functions of two cycles into one.
milk soils, organic and mineral solids that form
Circulate washwater seven to 10
on equipment surfaces aer the milk is removed.
is cycle removes 90 to 95 percent of the soil
Bulk milk tanks also must be cleaned aer each
§ e water should circulate once to rinse the
minutes depending on how quickly
e purpose of sanitizing is to kill residual
equipment and then be diverted out of the
you can generate slugs. For example,
microorganisms present on these surfaces
system. Ideally, the cycle will have enough
if you can generate three slugs per
immediately prior to milking. Inadequate or
water to rinse until it drains clear at the end.
minute, you could achieve 20 slugs
improper cleaning or sanitizing or both allows
Main wash. is cycle removes butterfat,
in seven minutes. But if you only
bacteria to remain on equipment surfaces and to
protein and minerals. It uses slugs of hot water
generate two slugs per minute, then
grow and multiply. is results in elevated
and chemicals to scrub the interior surfaces.
you need a 10-minute wash.
bacteria counts in milk.
www.farmersreviewafrica.com
[53]
FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
March - April 2017
Supplement
Robotic Milking: What’s more important... time or money In 2025 almost half of the dairy herds in North West Europe will be milked by robots. On a global scale robot arms are making their entry into conventional milking parlours to confront rising labour costs and achieve ease of work. A milking robot will prove a 36% labour saving on a dairy farm throughout the year compared to a conventional milking parlour.
dairy farms worldwide milking their cows automatically. At rst glance, a robotic milking machine appears complicated and intimidating. However, aer studying this piece of equipment for a time, you soon come to realize that it consists of a number of basic components, each one individually fairly simple.
e rst milking robots were installed on commercial dairy farms in the Netherlands in 1992. e re al bre ak-t hroug h in automated milking came at the end of the 90s. Today there are approximately 1200
So why do people continue to look at rob ot ics as an a lter nat ive to more conventional milking systems? e rst and still the most fundamental attraction for the less-than 120 cow dairies, is the issue of
www.farmersreviewafrica.com
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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
lifestyle. Although images of dairymen lying in meadows or lounging at the beach for weeks on end is a little over-stated, the fact that a new generation of dairy producers can gain a greater degree of control over their daily routines, and can choose to be available for family and other-than-farm-related activities, is a huge attraction. Cropping activities don't need to come to a halt in order to come home to do the chores, since the milking is being done by milking robots while the dairy producer is off planting or harvesting his crops. On the smaller dairies, where the owners are still involved in March - April 2017
Supplement all aspects of the operation, this robotic alternative will become increasingly attractive. e drudgery associated with the actual activity of milking cows drives people to look for alternatives. e majority of dairy producers I talk to today don't look forward to the actual chore of milking, and are always looking for a way to pass the job off to someone else, and are ver y open to discussions about a machine that will do it for them. One of the most powerful arguments in favour of robotics relates to the availability and cost of labour. In some areas of North America, attracting labour to perform milking chores, is a virtual impossibility. ere are three types of commercially available automatic milking systems worldwide: · Single-stall units utilize one robotic arm for each stall. is is the most popular and proven technology. · Multiple-stall units – a newer concept where one arm serves two or more stalls. · Automatic Milking Rotary (AMR) is the latest advancement in highcapacity automated milking. It combines the highest efficiency of both conventional and automated milking by employing a rotary platform with multiple robotic arms that can prep, attach and postspray up to 90 cows per hour. What automatic milking systems can realistically offer : Low-Stress Cow Environment In a robotic facility a cow is free to follow her natura l biorhyt hm. R at her t han b e constrained by the schedule of the dairy operator, she is now completely in charge of when she will eat, lay down and go to be milked. No longer is the intervention of a human in her environment associated with having to get up to stand in a holding area to wait to be milked. Cows are creatures with strong social interaction. Cows will repeatedly associate
March - April 2017
with the same cows, and more timid cows tend to avoid the company of more aggressive ones. e fact that cows are now able to choose when and with whom they associate, makes for a much lower level of stress in the dairy herd. One of the most immediate sensations that a person encounters when entering a robotic dairy, is the relaxed and restful atmosphere that pervades the free stall. is low-stress environment is a very positive bene t of robotic milking. Although results are sketchy and not yet de nitive, it would appear reasonable to expect that this reduction in stress would result in increases in a herd's longevity, a cow's overall condition, and health. Consistent and Repeatable Routines Unlike humans, machines are not affected by the time of day, seasons, or mood swings. You can rely on a robot to milk your cows, identically the same way, whether it's 10:00 on a Monday morning, or midnight on Christmas Eve. You can be con dent that a properly functioning robot will milk your cows identically the same way every single time. is predictable consistency on the part of the robot works very well with cows, who themselves thrive in an environment that is consistent and predictable. e direct bene ts of this are hard to quantify, but anyone who has milked cows realizes that, the more consistent and predictable a prep routine is, the more consistent the milk let down re ex will be. Improved Management e choice between robotic and conventional milking systems is much broader than simply choosing between milking alternatives. It n e c e s s it at e s a c h oi c e b e t w e e n management styles. e fundamental difference between robotic milking and conventional milking regimens lies in the fact that, in a conventional system, the dairy operator physically intervenes in a cow's daily routine, at speci ed times, to force her to the milking centre.
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is is fundamentally different than a totally voluntary system, which is characteristic of a robotic milking facility. Since the success of a robotic milking facility is so dependent on a cow voluntarily attending to the milking stall, it is absolutely critical that all of the factors that contribute to a cow's contentment be well understood, and heeded. Any aspect of a cow's environment that is allowed to deteriorate, whether that relates to nutrition, ventilation, stall comfort, hoof condition, or health, etc. will quickly affect her sense of contentment, and result in a reduced desire to voluntarily attend to the milking robot. Fewer visits to the robot will translate to less milk harvested, and a less pro table animal. However, in the case of a conventional system, the same de ciencies in any of these areas result in the same suppressed milk production, and a similar general lethargy of the cow. But all of this is masked because she is forced into the milking parlour, and so a subtle change in her condition is not nearly as apparent. Much of the grief experienced by the early adopters of robotic milking came as a result of the fact that many continued to operate the dairy operation as they had before. However, as some dairymen improved their management style to a level required for a successful robotic installation, their efforts have begun to pay back through improved general herd health, lower veterinary cost, increased longevity, and improved milk production. A heightened attention to detail, and a more disciplined approach to management, are keys to the long-term success of a robotic installation. ese are exciting times to be a part of the dairy industry. To suggest that robotics will not play a huge role in the dairy industry in years to come would be naïve. How quickly producers will adopt robotic technologies for use on the dairies will depend on how quickly manufacturers can meet the basic requirements of reliability, predictability, affordability, availability and exibility.
www.farmersreviewafrica.com
darren.hutcheson@gea.com.
gea.com
Supplement
Irrigation and Drainage Irrigation and drainage, arti cial application of water to land and arti cial removal of excess
development, production, treatment and
drainage improvements are undertaken on
disposal of agricultural drainage water.
cropland currently affected by excess water and high water tables.
water from land, respectively. Some land requires irrigation or drainage before it is
Excess water in the crop root zone soil is
possible to use it for any agricultural
injurious to plant growth. Crop yields are
Drainage (both surface and subsurface) is not
production; other land pro ts from either
drastically reduced on poorly drained soils,
simply the conversion of wetlands, but the
practice to increase production.
and, in cases of prolonged waterlogging, plants
improvement of naturally inadequately drained
ere are several concerns about the
eventually die due to a lack of oxygen in the
cropland. It is complementary to irrigation and
sustainability of irrigation and drainage
root zone. Sources of excess soil water that
is viewed as an essential component of irrigated
projects, and there are water quality problems
result in high water tables include: high
agriculture. e objective is to increase
related to the disposal of drainage water. ere
precipitation in humid regions; surplus
production efficiency, crop yields and
are also problems with land degradation due to
irrigation water and canal seepage in the
pro tability on naturally poorly drained agricultural lands.
irrigation induced salinity and waterlogging.
irrigated lands; and artesian pressure.
ere have been instances where saline or high
Waterlogging in irrigated regions may result in
nutrient drainage water has damaged aquatic
excess soil salinity, i.e., the accumulation of
ecosystems. Drainage continues to be a vital and necessary
Agricultural, environmental and socio-
salts in the plant root zone. Arti cial drainage
economic bene ts of drainage
is essential on poorly drained agricultural
e primary bene ts of drainage go beyond the
elds to provide optimum air and salt
control of excess soil water and accumulation of
component of agricultural production systems.
environments in the root zone. Drainage is
excess salts in the crop root zone.
In order to enhance the net bene ts of drainage
regarded as an important water management
e coincident environmental and socio-
systems, more attention will need to be given to
practice, and as a component of efficient crop
economic bene ts associated with disease vector
the water quality impacts of drainage water
production systems. World food supply and
control and public health must be fully
disposal. is document identi es potential
the productivity of existing agricultural lands
recognized. One of the major environmental
can only be maintained and enhanced if
bene ts of drainage is its positive impact on
problems and management options in the March - April 2017
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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
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Supplement
improving the health of humans, plants and farm animals. Drainage of wet, swampy areas
·
uptake of plant nutrients.
maintain favourable long-term salt and water
Higher value crops can be planted,
balances in the crop root zone. Salinity and
has led to a reduction in mosquito breeding
and there is exibility to introduce
waterlogging are caused by a build up of the
sites in all parts of the world. e effect has
new and improved cropping
water table due to deep percolation of normal
systems.
excess water and canal seepage.
been a drop in the incidence and prevalence of important water related and mosquito
·
transmitted diseases, e.g., malaria, yellow fever and lariasis.
In general, land value and productivity are increased.
·
Farm income is increased and
in arid regions than in humid regions in order to
income variability reduced.
control salinity. Water in excess of plant
Drainage maintains favourable salt
evapotranspiration (ET) needs is always
eliminate foot-rot in large animals and, to a
and air environments in the crop
unavoidably applied during irrigation. is
certain extent, the breeding environment of
root zone.
Furthermore, drainage of stagnant water can
·
Buried pipe drains are generally installed deeper
additional quantity of water applied is known as
aquatic and semi-aquatic snails, which are the
the leaching fraction. Naturally occurring as
intermediate host of schistosomiasis. Drainage
Surface drainage
well as applied salts are then leached from the
also reduces or eliminates mildew infections
Surface drainage is oen achieved by land
root zone by this water, and removed from the
and various root rots of plants. e overall
forming and smoothing to remove isolated
impact of improved drainage has been an
depressions, or by constructing parallel
Deeper drain installation ensures that salts do
improvement in hygienic conditions, in the
ditches. Ditches and furrow bottoms are gently
not rise too rapidly to the soil surface due to
health sector and in the productivity of human
graded and discharge into main drains at the
beings. By growing high value food crops in
eld boundary. Although the ditches or
eld via the pipe drains.
capillary action. Drainage also prevents waterlogging of the root zone. e amount of
well-drained soils, the health, nutrition and
furrows are intended primarily to convey
irrigation water to be removed is generally less
economic status of rural populations can be
excess surface runoff, there is some seepage
in arid than in humid regions.
improved. ere are also increased
through the soil to the ditches, depending on
Vertical drainage by means of tube-wells is also
opportunities for employment, as new
the water table position.
used to control waterlogging and salinity in
industries may develop in prosperous areas. Where drainage is used to reclaim salinized and
is could be regarded as a form of shallow
some parts of the world, e.g., India, Pakistan and
subsurface drainage. Surface drainage is
central Asian republics.
especially important in humid regions on at
waterlogged lands, it is an environmentally
lands with limited hydraulic gradients to
e primary purposes of tube-wells are the same
bene cial practice, because the land is returned
nearby rivers or other disposal points. ere is
as those of horizontal drains, and at the same
to its full productive potential. e adaptation
also a need for good surface drainage in semi-
time to extract groundwater for irrigation. As a
of subsurface drainage systems to serve as sub-
arid regions which are affected by monsoons.
result of pumping, the water table is lowered,
Subsurface drainage
is situation is ideal where the groundwater is
irrigation or controlled drainage systems leads to other bene ts, i.e., the reduction of nitrate pollution.
and salinization due to capillarity is minimized. Surface drainage alone is seldom sufficient to
not very brackish or saline, and is therefore
remove excess water from the crop root zone.
suitable for irrigation. In areas where the
e eld-scale bene ts of drainage can be
Deep ditches or subsurface pipe drainage
groundwater is highly saline, the pumped water
summarized as follows:
systems enable a more rapid water table
may be too saline for irrigation, unless mixed
drawdown. e downstream ends of the
with fresher or less saline water. Where the
·
· ·
·
Drainage promotes bene cial soil bacteria activity and improves soil
laterals are normally connected to a collector
groundwater is too saline for crop production, it
tilth.
drain. e required diameter of the pipe
must be disposed of. Drainage does not have a
ere is less surface runoff and soil
collectors increases with the area drained.
direct impact on groundwater quality. It only
erosion on drained land.
Drain spacing is usually dependent on soil
serves to collect and transport excess water.
Improved eld machine trafficability
hydraulic conductivity and a design drainage
reduces soil structural damage. Soil
rate coefficient. Depending on topography,
Secondary drainage treatments
compaction is reduced and less
land formation and proximity of a water
Methods of improving the internal drainage of
energy is required for eld machine
receiving body, the collector may outlet by
low permeability soils include: subsoiling, deep
operations. Drainage also allows for
gravity to an open main drain or into a sump.
tillage, mole drainage, and biological practices,
more timely eld operations.
In the latter case, the discharge is then pumped
viz., cropping with deep rooted legumes (e.g.,
Consequently, the growing season
to another drain, or ultimately to a lake or
alfalfa) and crop rotations. In some parts of the
can be lengthened and crops can
stream.
world, deep rooted trees are used to lower the
achieve full maturity.
Horizontal subsurface drainage systems are
water table. ere are usually no water quality
Crop yields are increased because of
used in irrigated arid and semi-arid regions to
hazards associated with these supplemental
improved water management and
reclaim saline and waterlogged lands, and to
drainage practices.
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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
March - April 2017
Supplement
Precision Farmingproducing more with less Predicting the future is a great pastime, but divining the course of technology is not always easy. Certain ideas appear to be on track to come to market, but then others that seem less likely eventually take hold. For more than 10,000 years people have cultivated crops using trial and error, received wisdom and how the soil feels when they rub it between their ngers. Only recently in history, mechanisation revolutionised the countryside with machinery and replaced horses with tractors. Nowadays, we're witnessing a new farming revolution triggered by the adoption of staggering new technologies: satellites, high precision positioning systems, smart sensors and a range of IT applications combined with hightech engineering. Precision agriculture is a method of farm management that allows the farmer to produce more efficiently, thereby realizing gains through economical use of resources. An important effect
March - April 2017
of precision farming is the high environmental
the nature of the commodities market.
bene t from using chemical treatments only where and when they are necessary. is
Steps in the Precision Agriculture Process
promotion of environmental stewardship is a
Precision agriculture is a cyclic process, of course,
key component of the new attitudes in
but a farmer can get started on site-speci c
agriculture.
farming at just about any time of the year. Generally, farmers need to perform annual
Based on what are called "site-speci c" methods,
planning, data collection, and analysing steps to
precision agriculture involves studying and
complete the precision ag cycle.
managing variations within elds that can affect
·
Before Planting - perform soil testing,
crop yield. It revolves around the idea that
then data analysis to determine spatial
treating a large region as a uniform area is
variations in soil conditions that call for
essentially wasteful and uses an excess of costly
a variety of treatments or planting
resources in the form of fertilizers, pesticides,
methods. ·
and herbicides.
In the Growing Season - begin by planting with variable seeding rates
Any area as large as a eld can contain wide
across the eld, and use variable rate
spatial variations in soil types, nutrient
application (VRA) of fertilizers as
availability, and other important factors; not
determined by soil test data. Crop
taking these variations into account can result in
scouting is done to search for problems
a loss of productivity. While farm input costs
such as weeds, pests, or diseases.
continue to rise, individual farmers cannot do
Findings determine whether further
anything to raise the price of their crops due to
VRA of chemical treatments or other
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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
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Supplement
·
actions are warranted.
overhead turning, following
During the Harvest - as the crop is
overlapping of rows. ese technologies reduce
harvested, a yield monitor in the
human error and are the key to effective site
Sensors and remote sensing: collect data from a
combine logs geo-referenced yield
management:
distance to evaluating soil and crop health
data to be analysed and mapped across
o
eld edges and
Assisted steering systems show
that information to the particular eld location.
(moisture, nutrients, compaction, crop diseases).
the eld. Variable yield results across
drivers the way to follow in the eld
Data sensors can be mounted on moving
the eld can help the farmer discover if
with the help of satellite navigation
machines.
his management methods have been
systems such as GPS. is allows
Integrated electronic communications between
successful, and determine how to
more accurate driving but the farmer
components in a system for example, between
proceed in the next season. o
still needs to steer the wheel.
tractor and farm office, tractor and dealer or spray
Automated steering systems, take full
can and sprayer.
control of the steering wheel allowing
Key technologies & concepts High precision positioning systems (like GPS)
the driver to take the hands off the
Variable rate technology (VRT): ability to adapt
are the key technology to achieve accuracy when
wheel during trips down the row and
parameters on a machine to apply, for instance,
driving in the eld, providing navigation and
the ability to keep an eye on the
seed or fertiliser according to the exact variations
positioning capability anywhere on earth,
planter, sprayer or other equipment.
in plant growth, or soil nutrients and type.
anytime under any all conditions. e systems record the position of the eld using geographic
o
Intelligent guidance systems provide different steering patterns (guidance
coordinates (latitude and longitude) and locate
patterns) depending on the shape of
and navigate agricultural vehicles within a eld
the
with 2cm accuracy.
combination with above systems.
eld and can be used in
Automated steering systems: enable to take
Geomapping: used to produce maps including
over speci c driving tasks like auto-steering,
soil type, nutrients levels etc in layers and assign
Tech & Innovation
New packhouse technology increasing productivity at Two-a-Day Two-a-Day, a shareholder of Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing, has invested in a new packing facility to better manage the increasing volume of fruit from growers in the Elgin, Grabouw, Villiersdorp, Vyeboom and Greyton valleys. According to Two-a-Day Group Operations Director, Dawid Malan, the new sorting and packing facility imported from e Netherlands, at a multi-million rand investment, uses the latest technology and robotics to better sort fruit and correctly pack it for delivery-ready storage. And, with saving water resources at the forefront of all activities, the design reduces water use by more than 60% compared to other sorting facilities. “We have year-to-date saved 62% more water across all our operations than we did previously,” Malan says. Modern fruit sorting “We again looked to Greefa, one of the global leaders in fruit sorting technology, to provide a new Geo-Sort 10-lane sorting system complete with the newest generation of camera-sorting equipment able to sort up to March - April 2017
60,500kg bins per hour,” he explains. “When fruit arrives in bins at the packhouse it gets gently tipped into a water-based system that is best for gentle fruit handling. e rst part of the grading machine is the CDZ/95/D singulator which has been developed speci cally for the sorting of round, delicate fruit, with a size range of 40 - 120mm in diameter and a maximum length of 120mm. e so rubber diabolos, mounted at a pitch of 95mm, ensure fruit-friendly singulation.” According to Malan, a big part of modern fruit sorting practice is the use of camera technology to not only grade fruit in line with cosmetic colour and blemish standards but to also analyse the internal quality of fruit to alert for defects such as internal browning or to measure sugar content in the form of Brix. “e rotation speed is set in such a way that the largest sized fruits make one full rotation under the vision eld of the cameras. Our new Greefa set uses a double set of cameras so the length in which the fruit has to rotate is twice the usual length. Even at higher speeds of processing, this new fruit rotation system is much more gentle
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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
than machines with a single rotation section,” he says. Not only do LED lights save energy and last longer but they also produce less heat and less dust which is much more fruit friendly than other systems. “High-resolution cameras and LED lighting can differentiate fruit size, short/long, colour and blush along with background colour almost in an instant. Greefa's well-known iQS (Intelligent Quality Sorting) make use of the mounted colour and infrared cameras and captures the weight of each individual piece of fruit. Also, the weight is far more accurate using the transfer unit than it is using a traditional weighing system which uses the bridge underneath the cups system. In this way, the in uence of dirt and water are kept to a minimum.” Evaluation of the whole fruit reducing potential claims Tru-Cape Managing Director Roelf Pienaar says: “this new sorting equipment will help reduce the potential claims we have to pay back from fruit that has, for example, been delivered with internal browning. Something
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Tech & Innovation that, in the recent past, could only be discerned by cutting into fruit.” Malan adds that the Greefa sorting system which uses iFA and NIR (Near Infra Red) can detect water core damage unlike the more common systems that measure re ection, the new Greefa uses transmission technology. “is ensures that the whole fruit is evaluated, resulting in a very accurate measurement. e system is able to measure values for internal browning and water core. en, aer setting the different levels in the self-learning soware, an extremely high level of accuracy can be achieved. According to Malan, the Greefa iQS 4 system is the latest generation of quality grading and is, without a doubt, the most accurate and advanced system available worldwide. “Since the introduction of external quality systems in 1996, Greefa has always been the leader in this eld of technology and has maintained its position by heavily investing in research and development. We like that the system is fully dynamic and any new defects can be trained and new algorithms be installed remotely when required. A large team of engineers is working continuously, dedicated to evolving the algorithms of this system.”
Intelligent fruit counting Malan says that iPWC is the abbreviation for “Intelligent Package Weight and Counts” which enables the user to select the number of pieces of fruit (also known as the fruit count) to go into a package and the weight of that package. During sorting, the soware will try to ensure that the average weight of all fruits in a certain group is as close to or slightly higher than the desired average weight. e new tech approximates human reasoning better than previous systems did. During sorting, when the fruit has a weight that is in an overlapping range, the soware will determine in which group the fruit will best t. e end result is a more nuanced high-speed sorting system than ever before. Malan explains that the difference between dynamic and variable threshold is that dynamic will adjust itself according to the lot quality using a buffer of 1,000 apples to
Tel: Faks: Sel: E-pos: Webblad:
“Although sorting technology has been available for some time, what's new is that more of the entire process is now mechanised, increasing overall productivity. Aer fruit is sorted according to pre-programmed requirements and automatically packed ready for market, the new Yaskava robot will form the base of the Gossamer Robot Palletising station,” Malan says, adding that the Gossamer Robot station is capable of packing up to 1,000 cartons per hour which will improve their productivity.” According to Pienaar, based on the number of trees already in the ground, Tru-Cape is expecting as much as a 20% growth in volume in the next few years and the new technology and investment that Two-a-Day has made will allow the company to successfully pack and store the increased volumes.
082 890 6269 086 548 4790 082 871 0123 info@nmreng.co.za www.nmreng.co.za
Vir al u plaasbenodigdhede Sedert 1968 * Verskuifbare beeskrale
* Baallaaiers en-vurke
*Skale en nekklampe
* Kalfkanteltoestelle
*Laaibanke
* Spuitdippe
* Selfvoerders
* Tenkstaanders
* Suipkrippe
* Landrollers
* Polibak vir kuilvoer
* Honde-selfvoerders
* Hooi-ringvoerders
determine the percentage graded in each class.
Marketstraat 2, Mooirivier, Kwazulu-Natal, 3300, Suid- Afrika
Tech & Innovation
John Deere launches real-time sprayer and planter monitoring app production steps provide additional insights
John Deere has introduced the new Connect Mobile App with the aim of helping growers monitor, adjust and learn from the performance of their planter or sprayer while it moves through the eld
for growers to consider that can improve their productivity and reduce operating costs. Over time, Connect Mobile will include other operations, such as harvesting, the ability to add more data and to help growers make better-informed decisions with greater con dence. Operators can seamlessly move the app from one John Deere machine to the next, and from
With the app growers can monitor job quality
one production step to another with Connect
in real time and better understand what is
Mobile's common user interface. “e result is
going on with their sprayer or planter in
a better understanding of the job being
nozzle-by-nozzle and row-by-row detail. “By
performed. Data is saved on the iPad so it goes
using Connect Mobile, operators will know
where you go. At any time, or in any location
they are doing the best possible job with the
as the data is saved, you can quickly review
investment they have made in their John
past work,” Mishler adds.
Deere equipment,” says John Mishler, production and precision ag marketing
Using the app, operators can easily compare
manager for John Deere.
data layers from previous production steps
By visualising job performance, operators can
information can help growers better
with what's seen when scouting elds. “is quickly and more easily identify potential
understand what might have caused what
problems. Multiple map layers across
they're seeing in the eld,” Mishler explains.
March - April 2017
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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
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Tech & Innovation
Volvo Penta powers MTS-Sandei’s latest tomato harvester
Stage IV/Tier 4 Final diesel engine, which uses
SCR instead of a diesel particulate lter for
With a capacity of 80 tonnes per hour, the
higher intake and passage of tomatoes, and
emissions control, resulting in a compact engine
OEM's new THV 800 model is the largest yet
therefore a greater capacity per hour. e self-
that is easy to maintain. A common-rail
for the Italian company.
propelling machine feeds its crops into a trailer
injection system and the ability of the engine to
Created to meet the industry demand for a
towed by a tractor, and has been designed to
produce high torque at low rpm reduce noise
higher capacity machine, the THV 800 will be
work for 24 hours per day, every day
and fuel consumption, thereby reducing
powered by Volvo Penta's eight-litre
throughout the harvesting season which
emissions.
TAD871VE engine. e machine has been
typically lasts for around 90 days.
successfully eld-tested by some of MTS-
“For perishable crops such as tomatoes, having
Sandei's customers and will be previewed at
e machine implements mechanical
low exhaust emissions is very important,” says
EIMA International Agricultural and
procedures through optical sorters to harvest
Giacomo Mondini, Volvo Penta's sales manager,
Gardening Machinery Exhibition in Bologna,
fruits, soil and stones until the fruit alone are
before its official launch in 2017.
nally placed cleanly in sections into the
Italy. “MTS-Sandei, like us, has an ethos of caring for the environment, and we have spent a
trailer. e THV 800 can be customised with a
lot of time in research and development to make
“is is an exciting time for us to produce a
range of attachments to suit the customer's
our products as eco-friendly as possible.
new high capacity tomato harvester and to
needs and can also be altered to harvest
satisfy our customers' demands. Our THV 800
strawberries, peppers and cucumbers.
is one of the biggest on the global market and we believe it will be a market leader,” says
“e machine is strong and robust in order to
Andrea Zanoli, research and development and
work continuously, but also needs to be
operations manager at MTS-Sandei.
sensitive enough to handle such delicate
e THV 800 has some components that are
vegetables,” adds Zanoli.
wider than on previous models, allowing for a
Volvo Penta's TAD871VE is an eight-litre
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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
Volvo Penta is supplying an 8-litre engine for agricultural specialist manufacturer MTS-Sandei, for its latest tomato harvester
March - April 2017
Training
Case IH distributor training in Tunisia & Morocco Case IH Agriculture has held two Commercial
of comfort, low maintenance and reduced fuel
Training events - in Casablanca, Morocco and
consumption offered by these proven Case IH
Tunis, Tunisia - to highlight the performance
machines. e Farmall JXM in particular was
characteristics of the Maxxum, Farmall JX,
popular with participants, keen to assess the
Farmall JXM, JX Straddle and JXT tractor
impressive fuel economy and low noise levels
ranges. In Tunisia, Case IH was assisting
offered by their Stage III engines. Available in
importer Agrodis in training its distributors,
two power ratings, this new tractor can bring
while in Morocco the company was working
new levels of comfort to markets where
with newly-appointed importer Hydrau Mac, in
functionality is the undisputed main value of a
the rst training of this kind in North Africa
tractor.
Practical understanding of new technologies to boost mechanization in North Africa
Hence, the practical touch of looking at the controls, features and performance of tractors
since the recent re-organisation of commercial “Training sessions such as those carried out in
sold in these African markets. is is what will
walk-arounds, the two-day events provided sales
Casablanca and Tunis typically have two
allow more customers to get exposed to the
teams with the features, bene ts and customer
pur p os es,” s aid D aniel B ord ab oss ana,
bene ts of the models sold in the area.”
areas. With both classroom sessions and product
requirements of these popular tractor models.
Marketing Manager for Case IH Middle East and Africa. “ey allow sellers to get both a
“ese training sessions, done in French for the
theoretical and practical understanding of the
rst time, also help us to prepare for the future.
tractors in their class (up to 125hp), with much of
technology underlying customer values. Case
e market right now is just for tractors between
the training concentrating on functionality in
IH is successful because it provides equipment
70 hp and 100hp. e next 10 years could bring
tough operating conditions. Salesmen also
with features that again and again prove
not just another 30hp to the average power but a
become familiarised with the additional bene ts
bene cial to customers all over the world.
whole new class of features on most sold tractors.”
e machines are some of the most rugged
March - April 2017
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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
www.farmersreviewafrica.com
Training With that in mind, delegates were also
advanced products and services to the market.”
“e advantage for us of these training sessions is
introduced to the performance advantages
Having the right products for the market is one
that we can be in direct contact with the trainers
available from higher horsepower tractors such
thing, but sharing the experience and expertise
who really know the Case IH product, answering
as the Maxxum and shown a clear roadmap of
to make the best of this machinery is equally
all of our questions,” said Noureddine Amraoui,
future evolutions.
important for Case IH. Both Tunisia and
Commercial Director of Agrodis. “e bene t for
Morocco are keen to adopt environmentally-
our distributors is learning about the products
Tunisia and Morrocco, strategic markets for
friendly mechanisation, and training in the use
and the advantages that will improve agriculture
Case IH
of equipment is a vital component in ensuring
dramatically in our country.”
Agriculture plays a major role in
that farm workers have the right tools for the job.
Tunisia's economy, with around 17% of the country's workforce engaged in agricultural production. e sector contributes 10% of GDP and is growing at 5% per year. In Moro cco more than half the working population is involved in farming. “ M o r o c c o a n d Tu n i s i a a r e potentially very good markets, due to t he rapid de velopment of a g r i c u l t u r e ,” s a i d D a n i e l B ordabossana. “Case IH will continue to fuel the growth of the agricultural sector, bringing more
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Case IH Commercial Training Morocco
Insights
Using wastewater as an agricultural resource Rather than continuing to treat wastewater like
(UNU-INWEH), the UN's Educational,
crops. But the practice can be used in rural areas
garbage, it should be managed as a resource
Scienti c and Cultural Organisation and the
as well — indeed it has long been employed by
that can be used to grow crops and address
Leibniz Research Alliance Food and Nutrition.
many smallholder farmers," notes De Souza.
"Although more detailed data on the practice
managed adequately and safely used in a way
water scarcity in agriculture, says the FAO.
e important thing is that wastewater be
Properly managed, wastewater can be used
is lacking, we can say that, globally, only a
that is appropriate to local conditions, he adds.
safely to support crop production — directly
small proportion of treated wastewater is being
An alternative source of a critical resource
through irrigation or indirectly by recharging
used for agriculture, most of it municipal
Water is of course fundamental for food
aquifers — but doing so requires diligent
wastewater. But increasing numbers of
production, and the intensifying scarcity of this
management of health risks through adequate
countries — Egypt, Jordan,, Mexico, Spain and
important natural resource — likely to be more
treatment or appropriate use.
the United States, for example — have been
intense in a context of climate change — has
exploring the possibilities as they wrestle with
very signi cant implications for humanity's ability to feed itself.
How countries are approaching this challenge
mounting water scarcity," says Marlos De
and the latest trends in the use of wastewater in
Souza, a senior officer with FAO's Land and
agriculture production will be the focus of
Water Division.
Globally, population growth and economic expansion are placing increasing pressure on
discussions by a group of experts taking place this week in Berlin during the annual Global
"So far, the reuse of wastewater for irrigation
freshwater resources, with the overall rate of
Forum for Food and Agriculture (19-21
has been most successful near cities, where it is
groundwater withdrawals steadily increasingly
January). e event has been convened by FAO
widely available and usually free-of-charge or
by 1% per year since the 1980s. And those
along with the United Nations University,
at low cost, and where there is a market for
pressures are now increasingly being
Institute for Water, Environment and Health
agricultural produce, including non-food
exacerbated by climate change.
March - April 2017
[70]
FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
www.farmersreviewafrica.com
Insights
Already, agriculture accounts for 70% of global
they are being used, and the crops that are
freshwater withdrawals — with demand for
being produced.
reducing environmental contamination, and supporting food production, infrastructure and
food estimated to grow by at least 50% by 2050,
management systems for reclaiming, treating, In Egypt, for example, where water supplies
and re-using wastewater can be job creators,
Yet demand from cities and by industries is on
are limited and wastewater tends to be highly
according to De Souza.
the rise as well.
contaminated, constructed wetlands are
agriculture's water needs are poised to expand.
Greater use of non-conventional, alternative
proving to be a promising, economically viable
e Global Forum for Food and Agriculture,
sources of water — including the urban effluent
approach to treatment. In Egypt, and also in
organised by the German Federal Ministry for
and farm-runoff — can help mitigate this
Tunisia, wastewater is being widely used in
Food and Agriculture (BMEL) takes place every
competition, if properly treated.
agroforestry projects, supporting both wood
year, bringing together high-level decision
production as well as anti-deserti cation
makers, technical experts, researchers and
In addition to helping cope with water scarcity,
efforts.
farmers to discuss pressing issues affecting
wastewater oen has a high nutrient load,
agriculture worldwide.
making it a good fertiliser. "When safely used
In Central Mexico, municipal wastewater has
and managed to avoid health and
long been used to irrigate crops. In the past,
e forum's theme this year is "Agriculture and
environmental risks, wastewater can be
ecological processes helped reduce health
Water - Key to Feeding the World." An
converted from a burden to an asset," De Souza
risks. More recently, crop restrictions — some
organising partner of the event, FAO is taking
crops can be safely grown with the wastewater,
the lead on a number of events at the forum.
says.
while others cannot — and the Managing risks
installation of water treatment
Untreated wastewater oen contains microbes
facilities have been added to the
and pathogens, chemical pollution, antibiotic
system.
residues, and other threats to the health of
In Jordan, reclaimed water
farmers, food chain workers, and consumers —
represents an impressive 25% of
and it also poses environmental concerns.
all total water use in the country. In the United States, treatment
A number of technologies and approaches exist
and managed aquifer recharge is
that are being utilised around the globe to treat,
a common practice, especially in
manage, and use wastewater in agriculture,
the West.
many of them speci c to the local natural
Beyond helping tackle the
resource base, the farming systems in which
problem of water scarcity,
www.farmersreviewafrica.com
[71]
FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
March - April 2017
Events
Armyworm, aquaculture & other exciting & interactive workshops & demos at Agritech Expo Zambia Armyworm and aquaculture
“Aquaculture sector has a very high potential for alleviating poverty” e upcoming Agritech Expo at GART in Chisamba will once again offer free workshops offering practical advice as well as live demonstrations to help farmers combat challenges such as the armyworm, explore new technologies such as aquaculture as well as learn from experts on improving efficiency of operations and yields on their farms. e award-winning event returns to Chisamba for the fourth time this year from 27-29 April.
March - April 2017
inability by capture sheries to meet the demand
e Armyworm Combat Workshop will take
for sh, only through sh farming as a business
place on Saturday, 29 April and will provide an
shall we meet this demand,” says Mulolwa
opportunity for agri institutions and all scale
Simposya, ADAZ Acting Executive Manager. He
farmers to take part in discussions and
adds “the aquaculture sector has a very high
contribute to creating an effective battle plan
potential for alleviating poverty for many small
to avoid a similar crisis in the future. e
scale farmers while increasing the sector's
session will be led by Dr Anton Chapoto,
contribution to the national GDP.”
Director of Research at the Indaba Agriculture Policy Research Institute (IAPRI).
Agritech Expo Zambia workshops programme:
e Aquaculture Development Association of Zambia (ADAZ), a supporting association of
Commercial Farmers Focus Day workshops,
Agritech Expo Zambia, are amongst the
ursday, 27 April
experts who will address farmers during the
eme: Advancing commercial farming through
free workshops at the event. “With the de cit in supply of sh by the local market, and the
[72]
FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
nancial support and innovation Topics:
www.farmersreviewafrica.com
Events
- Integrated, low risk crop protection solutions
eme: Arresting the armyworm's evolved
Agricon, BHBW, Case Construction, Case
- Cash ow based solutions
nature to revive the agri economy's livelihood
Agriculture, Gourock and SARO.
- Breakthrough microbial formulations
Topics:
- Key fundamentals of nance and farm
- Natural orientation: Introduction to the
management
armyworm crisis in Zambia
Agritech Expo Zambia recently won two
- Panel discussion: Identifying battle plans to
coveted awards at the AAXO ROAR Organiser
Interactive training workshops: Friday, 28
defeat the armyworm parasite
April – Saturday, 29 April
Multi-award winning Agritech Expo
and Exhibitor Awards in Johannesburg which honour excellence in the exhibition and events
eme: Shaping today's farmers through smarter
Agritech Expo's live machinery and product
additions
demonstrations are always very popular with
for Best Trade & Consumer Exhibition +12000
Topics:
all farmers and this year include the 4x4
sqm and for Distinction in Social Responsibility.
- Sustainable disease management
vehicle test track, mowing and baling demos,
- Financial skills
the sprayers arena as well as live planting
- Advanced crop nutrition
demonstrations.
industry on the continent. Agritech Expo won
e expo has an outreach programme at the local Golden Valley Basic School, where, with the assistance of numerous event sponsors, it is
In the heart of Zambia's
assisting the school with much needed
agri-hub
infrastructure upgrades, equipment supplies and
Last year the event drew a
management of the school's farm.
record-breaking attendance of 17 605
Agritech Expo Zambia is owned by the Zambia
visitors. is year even
National Farmers Union (ZNFU) and is
more small-scale,
organised by Spintelligent, leading Cape Town-
emerging and commercial
based trade exhibition and conference organiser,
farmers are expected to
and the African office of Clarion Events Ltd,
descend on the GART
based in the UK. Other well-known agri events
research farm in the heart
by Spintelligent include Agritech Expo Tanzania
of Zambia's agri-hub,
and Agribusiness Congress East Africa.
where the latest farming products and services will
Agritech Expo Zambia 2017:
be showcased. e three-
Dates: 27-29 April 2017
day expo will furthermore
Location: Gart Research Centre,
feature an even greater
Chisamba, Zambia
international presence with
Website: www.agritech-expo.com
- Increasing crop productivity
international pavilions from Germany,
- Effects of nitrogen on yield
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Agritech_Expo
Zimbabwe, Czech Republic, the Netherlands,
- Poultry broiler and layer houses
Facebook:
the UK and France already con rmed.
- Generate energy from chicken waste
https://www.facebook.com/agritechexpozambia/ LinkedIN:
- Integrating sh farming with conventional
As in previous years, Agritech Expo enjoys
crops
extensive support from the agri industry with
Armyworm Combat workshop: Saturday, 29
returning as platinum sponsors again.
April
Con rmed gold sponsors are Action Auto,
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/7477169
well-known suppliers AFGRI and John Deere
www.farmersreviewafrica.com
[73]
FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
March - April 2017
Events
Viable, cost effective pumping solutions from a company committed to the customer
solutions with world class products and services
With a sharp customer focus, Tormac has always
and uPVC Pipes.
and to create more employment for the people. e
course, by the strong infrastructure, cutting edge
e Need:
aer sales service with a team of more than 20
technology and products that meet customer
ere is more than enough fresh water in the
people.
expectations. e company is committed to
world for domestic use, agriculture and industry;
ensuring that the pumps they design meet speci c
delivered on the promise. Made possible, of
market since 2011to support the pumping needs of Agricultural, Residential, Mining, Government Institutions, NGOs and Industrial customers. e Finecop Enterprise Ltd, is been established in Zambia with a Vision to provide complete water
company has a dedicated workforce for sales and
however, the poor are largely excluded from this
AG R I T E C H E X P O 2 0 1 7 , C H I S A M BA ,
requirements. Factors that has made Tormac one
globally recognized “human right.” e millions
ZAMBIA:
of the leading names in the industry.
forced to collect water from drains, ditches and
For the second time, Tormac – Finecop co-
streams suffer a deprivation that threatens life,
ordinately participating in Agritech Expo in
Research & Development is one key area that
destroys opportunity and severely undermines
Zambia which will be held in the month of April
Tormac has made extensive investments to ensure
human dignity. is is the problem, and it can all
2017 from 27th to 29th. e complete range of
that they always stay relevant to the market needs.
be avoided.
products will be displayed in our stall to be visibly
emerging out of customer interactions, Tormac
Tormac is the key for People primary necessity:
In the last year participation in Agritech Expo-2016
provides solutions that work effectively, wherever
For any country and for any people the foremost
(14th Apr – 16th Apr) Tormac - Finecop displayed
By keeping an ear to the ground, and of course,
in the world.
proven our standard & quality to the customers.
need is Water; the second most need is
entire range of products which really attracted the
agriculture. e vision of Tormac is to giving the
Farming community and most of the customers are
e products currently available include Stainless
perfect solution for people need in terms of our
eager knowing Tormac energy efficient submersible
Steel Submersible Pumps, ermoplastic
products.
pumps & solar driven pumpsets.
Submersible Pumps, Cast Iron Submersible
Tormac giving the complete pumping solution to
For Zambian enquiries please contact: Finecop
Pumps, Submersible Motors and Controls,
satisfy the people need with the different range of
Enterprises Limited. +260 9555 15585, +260
Centrifugal Pumps, Inline Booster Pumps, Jet
products.
97832 0974.
Self-priming Pumps, Peripheral Pumps, solar
To know more about Tormac and product ranges
driven pumps and complete accessories like
TORMAC - FINECOP:
logon to www.tormacpumps.com or email to
Customized control panels, Submersible cables
Finecop – Tormac jointly working in Zambian
tormac@tormacpumps.com.
March - April 2017
[74]
FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
www.farmersreviewafrica.com
Email: tormac@tormacpumps.com Website: www.tormacpumps.com
Events
PERRY of Oakley at Agritech Expo 2017 Are you going to Agritech Expo on 27th -29th April at the Gart Research Centre, Zambia? Perry of Oakley are going to be exhibiting there and we would welcome the chance to talk to you about your grain handling and storage requirements. Perry of Oakley are the UK's most experienced manufacturer of materials drying and handling equipment, we have over 70 years' experience in the manufacture and design of various drying and handling equipment including continuous ow driers, belt driers, chain and ight conveyors, belt and bucket elevators, screw conveyors and augers, square bins and grain cleaners; all of which are suitable for most granular bulk materials. From full turn-key solutions through to one-off pieces of machinery for farms, commercial grain stores, seed plants, aking & feed mills, biomass handling & drying systems and much more, Perry has a solution to most of your handling and drying applications. Our extensive experience in engineering is Perry's greatest strengthwhen you purchase a Perry product, you are receiving a high quality
www.perryofoakley.co.uk sales@perryofoakley.co.uk +44 (0)1404 890300
product that is built for durability and efficiency. All of our products are designed and manufactured by a team of experienced engineers in our purpose built factory in the south west of England. We have
The UK’s most experienced manufacturer of materials drying & handling equipment.
designed full solutions for many industries & products all over the world, including; standard cereals handling, drying & storage, aking
•
mills (we are also the Gearn Inc. dealer for Africa), feed mills, woodchip delivery, drying & storage, seed plants and many more.
• •
Over our many years, we have accumulated a number of case studies that showcase the full process and successful outcomes from a selection of satis ed customers. If you would like to read more, please nd our range of case studies via: http://www.perryofoakley.co.uk/case-studies-0
• • • •
Meeting new clients and creating new networks is something that is very important to us, and as such we would like to invite you to our show stand to meet our representative - Mr Kenny Lauder. We are also happy to facilitate official appointments for you to have a more in depth one-to-one conversation with Kenny, please feel free to get in touch with us if you would like to book an appointment. We look forward to seeing you on 27th-29th April. www.perryofoakley.co.uk +44 (0)1404 890300 sales@perryofoakley.co.uk
• •
Continuous Flow Grain Driers Belt Driers Chain & Flight Conveyors Belt & Bucket Elevators Belt Conveyors Aspirator Cleaners Augers & Screw Conveyors Ducting & Valves Much More! Marin Sread “We have been really impressed with the Perry Drier & handling equipment we have had installed. It is really quiet, clean, and easy to use.”
Events
Investing in Nigeria’s Agribusiness Sector is too risky, true or false
drive investment into the agriculture sector. It will also highlight various schemes and policies put in place by the Government to help support both new and existing investors keen to venture into Nigeria's Agricultural sector and this will done in partnership with African Development Bank, AFEX Commodities Exchange Limited and Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission.
Many years ago, Nigeria used to be a very risky ground
production and has since scaled up her paddy rice
to infuse investments because of over-dependence on
production by 40,000 metric tonnes per year in 2
ere is also an Exclusive Site Visit which will come aer
crude oil.
cycles of planting (wet and dry seasons) while her rice
the Forum, it would also be an opportunity for 8
e oil boom that Nigeria witnessed in 1970s led to the
mills have a milling capacity of 210,000 tonnes.
Investors and key stakeholders of Nigeria's Agricultural
neglect in its Agricultural sector in favour of over-
is is in line with the current demands for rice in the
sector to visit 4 Agribusinesses seeking expansion
dependence on crude oil thus making Agricultural
country estimated at 6 million metric tonnes.
place on the 15th+16th June, 2017.
sector to suffer from mismanagement, inconsistent and bad government policies. is used to be what is
nance, the site visit component of the mission, taking
e supply of rice in Nigeria is currently at 3.5 million
e Investment forum component of the mission, open
obtainable in Nigeria in the past but since the decline in
metric tonnes yet with a gap of 2.5 million metric
to 150 delegates, takes place on 13th+14th of June, at
oil prices, the vandalization of oil pipelines that rocked
tonnes and like Vanguard indicated in her report, the
Sheraton Hotel, Abuja, Nigeria, secure your pass now.
the oil producing states, and the economics crunch that
only way to bridge the gap in Rice Production is
plagued the country, Nigeria government has since
supposedly a massive in- ow of Foreign Direct
Key features of AAIM2017 include
made efforts to diversify its economy into non-oil
Investments like Olam into rice sub-sector.
·
Examination of the latest investment/ nance
It is however gladdening that government policies are
strategies for Nigeria's Agribusiness Sector
consistently being reviewed to support diversi cation
· Blended Finance for Agribusiness development in
In 2015, Ventures Africa reported a meeting between
process and strengthen the country's effort to attract
Nigeria
President Buhari, Nigeria's President and the President
investors and this to a large extent tells about why
· Innovative and Sustainable nancing approaches for
sectors with Agriculture being a focal point.
of International Fund for Agricultural Development,
investors need a country like Nigeria to invest in as it
Agribusiness in Nigeria
Dr Kanayo Awanze at the Aso Villa where the President
remains a go-to country for Agricultural growth and
·
noted that he is bent on expanding the country's
development in Africa.
Government policies to promote investment and
agribusiness development in Nigeria · Agribusiness investment trends in Nigeria
Agricultural Sector since petroleum will no longer be sufficient for major revenue generation and the high
is year, Chief Audu Ogbeh; Honourable Minister of
·
point of the meeting is the IFAD's pledge to help
Agriculture, Okechukwu E. Enelamah; Minister for
expansion nance
promote Agricultural growth in Nigeria.
Industry, Trade and Investment, Kemi
· Case studies from Agribusiness Investors in Nigeria
Adeosun;
Upon the conclusion of Nigeria's premier Economic
Minister of Finance, Deputy Governor, Sarah Alade,
discussion forum put together by Nigeria Economic
Central Bank Of Nigeria will be available at AAIM
Pitches from pre-vetted Agribusinesses seeking
Our organization has also partnered with Nigerian
Summit Group where industry leaders, members of the
Investment Forum to illuminate investors on
Investment Promotion Commission to make provisions
private sector and the government are able to engage
Government Policies that supports Prospective
for our Speakers/Delegates to enjoy Visa upon arrival.
and identify their issues in a bid to come to speed on
investors in the Nigerian Food and Agribusiness
You cannot afford to miss out of this.
workable solutions, the Minister of Budget and
Sector. In particular, this session will highlight both
For more information about the investment forum and
National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma noted
past and present government policies implemented to
to register, please visit www.agriqueafrica.com or email info@welcome2africa.org
that the Federal Government is working on relevant policies to support its diversi cation effort with a pivotal vision to produce its own food especially. Moving forward, It is safe to note that Nigeria has enjoyed ground-breaking efforts in its Agricultural sector and Olam Nigeria is a successful case study on which this premises is predicated. Investments efforts by Olam Nigeria to build a Rice Farm is a giant stride and according to Vanguard in 2016, Federal Government is making huge efforts to achieve selfsufficiency in Rice Production in Nigeria and in line with this, Olam Nigeria has increased paddy rice production by 40,000 metric tonnes. Olam Rice Farm is making efforts in line with FG's efforts to scale up rice
www.farmersreviewafrica.com
[77]
FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
March - April 2017
Events
Advertisers index 02 COOPERS 03 STRUCTA 09 SASRI 20 MASISIZANE FUND 23 NMR ENGINEERING 29 BMG 35 IMPERIAL TRUCK CENTRE 36 VALUE ADDED AGRI 40 TATA MA TARPS 43 KARCHER 47 RSI 50 BAGTECH
March - April 2017
54 SHRI NAVKAR METALS 57 GEA 61 KSB 62 MARSH 65 NMR ENGINEERING 69 CASE IH 71 LAEVELD AGROCHEM 75 TORMAC PUMPS 76 PERRY 79 SAWPA 80 T-L
[78]FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA
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