ProAgri BNZ 07

ProAgri B otswa n a / N am i b ia/ ia / Zim b ab w e

No 07

Botswana

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Letter from the Editor

C

OVID-19: Can agriculture help with a cure?

The medical industry is scrambling to develop a vaccine for COVID-19. They are under severe pressure and are fighting against time because the death toll rises and the whole world is looking at them with desperation.

It is extremely difficult to develop a new vaccine for a novel virus strain, because there is very little to work with until enough information is gathered, and models are built to understand the behaviour of the virus. This takes a lot of time and we might only see a vaccine after a year. In the news we are already seeing how people are speculating and desperately clutching at straws.

But maybe the agricultural industry can help. British American Tobacco (BAT) announced that they are working on a potential vaccine through a US biotech subsidiary.

BAT’s US biotech subsidiary, Kentucky BioProcessing (KBP), is developing a potential vaccine for COVID-19 and is now in the pre-clinical testing phase. If testing goes well, BAT is hopeful that, with the right partners and support from government agencies, between one and three million doses of the vaccine could be manufactured per week, beginning in June.

KBP recently cloned a portion of COVID-19’s genetic sequence which led to the development of a potential antigen − a substance which induces an immune response in the body and in particular, the production of antibodies. This antigen was then inserted into tobacco plants for reproduction and,

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Cover

once the plants were harvested, the antigen was then purified, and is now undergoing pre-clinical testing.

A new, fast-growing tobacco plant technology is used. Tobacco plants offer the potential for faster and safer vaccine development compared to conventional methods. Tobacco has several advantages: It is potentially safer given that tobacco plants can’t host pathogens that cause human disease. It is faster because the elements of the vaccine accumulate much quicker in tobacco plants – 6 weeks in tobacco plants versus several months using conventional methods. The vaccine formulation that KBP is developing remains stable at room temperature, unlike conventional vaccines that often require refrigeration. It also has the potential to deliver an effective immune response in a single dose.

While KBP remains a commercial operation, the intention is that its work around the COVID-19 vaccine project will be carried out on a non-profit basis.

We are still in lockdown to reduce the spread of the virus. Therefore, please stay home as much as possible and rather read our ProAgri magazines.

WhatsApp your name, surname, country, main agricultural activity and email address to +27(0)84-041-1722 to receive the magazine on WhatsApp. It will require less than 15 MB per issue.

Farm smartly!

Du Preez de Villiers dupreez@proagri.co.za

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Content 2. Meet the all-new John Deere 6B series of tractors 6. How to handle your beef cattle: Part 6.

10. Spray to protect your crops: Part 7.

12. Water wise farmers build earth dams: Part 5.

16. Soil, the farmer’s most important asset: Part 5B. 21. Wilderness Safaris Botswana join hands with the farming community 25. Boost your profits with better pastures 29. Saving Namibia’s livestock industry: Part 3 34. Great potential for Namibia’s grain farmers 37. Zimbabwe’s tobacco farming calendar: Here’s what you need to know

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 07

John Deere Tractors cater for farmers big and small, and also for midrange operations, where the new John Deere 6B offers the perfect solution. Read more about this cost-effective and convenient workhorse on page 2.

ProAgri B ot s wa n a/ a / N a m i b i a/ a/Zimbabwe

577 Rossouw Street Die Wilgers, Pretoria, South Africa +27 (0)79 515 8708 www.proagri.co.za Copyright © 2019. All rights r­ eserved. No m ­ aterial, text or p ­ hoto­graphs may be r­ eproduced, copied or in any other way t­ ransmitted without the written consent of the publisher. O ­ pinions ­expressed are not n ­ ecessarily those of the publisher or of the e ­ ditor. We recognise all trademarks and logos as the sole property of their r­ espective o ­ wners.

ProAgri shall not be liable for any errors or for any actions in reliance thereon.

ProAgri Editor Du Preez de Villiers > +27 82-598-7329 dupreez@proagri.co.za Reporters Jaco Cilliers > +27 71-893-6477 jaco@proagri.co.za Benine Ackermann > +27 73-105-6938 benine@proagri.co.za Marketing Manager Diane Grobler > +27 82-555-6866 diane@proagri.co.za Marketing Xander Pieterse > +27 79-524-0934 xander@proagri.co.za Tiny Smith > +27 82-698-3353 tiny@proagri.co.za Anelda Strauss > +27 74-424-0055 anelda@proagri.co.za Johan Swartz > +27 71-599-9417 johan@proagri.co.za Gerhard Potgieter > +27 74-694-4422 gerhard@proagri.co.za Creative Manager Christiaan Joubert > +27 72-419-3990 christiaan@proagri.co.za Design Michelle Kruger & Esta van Niekerk Enquiries Engela Botha > +27 12-803-0782 engela@proagri.co.za Izel Zeelie > +27 12-803-0782 izel@proagri.co.za Accounts Ronel Schluter > +27 12-803-0782 accounts@proagri.co.za Distribution Janita du Plessis > +27 12-803-0782 janita@proagri.co.za Managing Editor Annemarie Bremner > +27 82-320-3642 annemarie@proagri.co.za Business Manager George Grobler > +27 83 460 0402

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Meet the all-new John Deere

6B series of tractors g n i m Co on! so

L

ooking for a simple, reliable, midsized, manoeuvrable and cost-effective tractor?

Then the all-new 6B series from John Deere will fit perfectly in your operation. The new 6B series has been tested extensively throughout Africa and is now being introduced in the Southern African market.

It is available in both cab and open station configuration and are available in 71 kW (95 hp), 81 kW (110 hp), 88 kW (120 hp), and 99 kW (135 hp) models, powered by the proven John Deere 4,5-liter PowerTech™ turbocharged diesel engines.

The 6095B model is powered by a mechanical rotary diesel fuel injection engine whilst the larger 6110B, 6120B and 6135B models feature electronic common rail fuel injection engines, fitted with air-to-air cooler systems for optimum performance.

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Farmers can choose from various costefficient and convenient packages to suit their needs.

All models are available with mechanical front wheel drive (MFWD) and that gives the operator all the power and traction needed for the toughest chores.

The 6B is built to handle a variety of implements, including tillage, haymaking, seeding and planting equipment, and can also be used for special applications.

It is well-matched with John Deere 563 loaders for general loading work, and also for use in beef and dairy applications.

The 3-point hitch has a lifting capacity of 2 500 kg for the 6095B and 3 300 kg for the 6110B, 6120B and the 6135B. These tractors are also ideally suited for haulage applications such as grain carts and sugar cane transport.

6B Open Operator Station The 6B Open Operator Station (OOS) is available in standard and deluxe package configurations.

The standard packages are all driven by 12 forward / 4 reverse dry clutch top shaft synchronised transmissions with a maximum speed of 30 km/h and a mechanical MFWD and PTO lever system. The standard models all feature a fixed steering column, standard adjustable seat, two-post roll over protection system (ROPS) and a canopy with two working lights.

The standard package also offers a hydraulic flow of 50 â„“/min delivered by two external mechanical rear selective hydraulic valves which are controlled and operated from control levers mounted on the rear right-hand fender.

The Deluxe package offers a 24 forward / 12 reverse wet clutch high-low power reverser transmission that can operate at speeds of up to 30 km/h for the 6095B and 40km/p for the 6110B, 6120B and 6135B models. The MFWD is mechanically engaged while the PTO is controlled by means of a switch positioned on the right-hand control console.

The Deluxe operator station offers the comfort of a tiltable steering column with a comfortable deluxe seat with arm rests to reduce driver fatigue. The tractors are also equipped with two front and two rear working lights for working during the night.

The Deluxe models also feature the two-post roll over protection systems (ROPS) with

ProAgri BNZ 07

canopy and are also equipped with front wheel fenders.

The hydraulic system on the Deluxe package delivers 60 ℓ/min through three colour coded hydraulic control valves for those demanding external implements.

6B Cab For customers demanding more comfort and convenience, the 6B is also offered in a cab model fitted with an HVAC air conditioning and a heating system, which is beneficial for operation in areas with extreme climates.

The Cab model is also available in two package configurations namely Premium (standard) and Deluxe.

The Premium Cab models are all driven by 24 forward / 8 reverse wet clutch top shaft synchronised transmissions with a maximum speed of 30 km/h for the 6095B and 40 km/h for the 6110B, 6120B and the 6135B, with a mechanical MFWD and electrohydraulic PTO system. The Premium Cab operator stations all feature fixed steering columns and adjustable seats.

The 6095B Premium model also offers a hydraulic flow of 50 ℓ/min delivered via two external mechanical rear selective hydraulic valves, while the 6110B, 6120B and 6135B deliver 60 ℓ/min through three external selective control valves.

The 3-point system is operated with simple control levers mounted on the rear right-hand fender.

The Deluxe Cab package offers a 24 forward / 12 reverse wet clutch highlow power reverser transmission that can operate at speeds of up to 30 km/h for the 6095B and 40 km/h for the 6110B, 6120B and 6135B

models. The MFWD is mechanically engaged, while the PTO is controlled by means of a switch positioned on the right-hand control console.

The Deluxe Cab also offers the comfort of a tiltable steering column and a comfortable deluxe seat with arm rests to reduce driver fatigue. The tractors are also equipped with two front and two rear working lights for working during the night. The Deluxe model is equipped with front wheel fenders.

The hydraulic system of the deluxe cab package offers three hydraulic selective control valves with a hydraulic pump delivering 60 ℓ/min for those demanding external implements.

The 6B series will be available from July 2020. Contact your nearest dealer for more information and a demonstration.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 07

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ProAgri BNZ 07

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We are not the biggest nursery in South Africa. But our reputation is big, for not only do our trees get quality, personal attention, but so, too, do our clients. And we want our clients to be as successful pecan producers as we are ourselves.

Please contact us for any queries, advice or orders For the best pecan trees you can buy, send us an e-mail on pekanbome@gmail.com Or call Oloff Nel on +27 83 292 5959 for a chat.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 07

5

How to handle your beef cattle: Part 6

Loading ramps and dipping 6

ProAgri BNZ 07

Loading platforms

A loading platform must be designed in such a way that the cattle can be loaded fast enough so that the first animal does not get a chance to walk back.

The height of the loading platform is determined by the height of the back of the truck or transportation vehicle. As general directive, a height of 1,1 m to 1,2 m for trucks will suffice.

A loading platform which is built at a steep angle causes injuries, therefore, the gradient must not exceed 16°. This is equal to a one meter increase over 3,5 m horizontal distance or 1,1 m increase over 3,85 m.

Loading platform floors can become very slippery and must therefore be made very coarse. A diamond pattern is recommended. The width of the loading platform is the same as that of a crush, which is approximately 750 mm. For the collection of cattle, a wider loading platform can be used. Figure 1 shows the construction of a loading platform. Figure 2 shows the offloading platform.

Cattle are normally afraid of heights and a loading platform with a solid floor and solid sides gives the best results.

Loading platforms must however be provided with swing gates which can swing open into the truck. This will prevent cattle from jumping off between the truck and the loading platform.

Telescopic sides which can be extracted into the truck are also suitable, but if they are bent by the cattle, they can impair the operation.

It is preferable that the top of the loading platform should be horizontal for approximately 1,5 m. A curved loading platform with an inner radius of 4,5 m gives better flow results than a straight loading platform. The loading platform must also have a catwalk on the sides on which the handlers can move to help with the loading process.

Additional equipment

This is the sixth part in our beef cattle handling series and this month we look at loading and offloading ramps and hoof lifting equipment.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 07

Tilting table This apparatus basically consists of three parts, namely the neck clamp, tilting crate and tilting mechanism.

The neck clamp opens the entire width of the crate and has a head piece on which the animal’s head rests after it has been tilted. The tilting crate has two straps that pull the animal tight and gates that swing open. The floor plate also swings open to make the animal more accessible. The tilting mechanism consists of the differential of a motorcar, fitted with pulleys and a crank handle. One person can therefore tilt the animal. The only disadvantage of tilting an animal is that as soon as the animal has regained its balance, it starts panicking. Gestating cows can injure themselves and even abort.

Hoof lifting crate The apparatus basically consists of 7

• Application of ear tags • Ovum (egg) flushing and embryo transplantation • Heartwater blood administration Benefits of the hoof lifting crate: • The animal remains standing up- right. This means that gestating cows can be handled safely.

• The apparatus is adaptable.

• The apparatus can be easily moved and transported.

Figure 1: Loading platform three parts, namely a neck clamp, crate and hoof lifting mechanism. The neck clamp is designed in such a way that it can open the entire width of the crate from the bottom to the top. The crate consists of a framework of steel pipes and angle iron with a broad band made of hessian sacking that supports

the animal while being handled. The hoof lifting mechanism lifts the animal’s hoof to the back so that the hoof may be clipped. Uses of the hoof lifter are as follows: • Castration of calves • Dehorning and dosing • Branding or freeze branding

Next month we shall look at dipping facilities. Published with acknowledgement to the ARC Agricultural Engineering for the use of their Beef Cattle Handling Manual.

Visit www.arc.agric.za for more information.

Tilting table 8

ProAgri BNZ 07

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Figure 2: Offloading platform

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ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 07

9

Spray to protect your crops: Part 7

Use the right nozzle

Compiled by J Fuls (Pr Eng)

Photo: www.thejungleni.com

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ProAgri BNZ 07

A

lot of design and development goes into sprayer nozzles, since spraying is an exact science. Placing the right quantity of chemicals with the right pressure and drop size in the right place is essential to produce healthy crops.

This month we look at various nozzles and how to use the knapsack sprayer for optimal spraying results.

We thank the ARC Agricultural Engineering in South Africa, who made this article available to the readers of ProAgri BNZ. Use the right nozzle Each nozzle is designed for a specific job. This means that they all do not spray in the same way.

Some nozzles are intended to form more large droplets than small droplets, like the “flat fan” nozzles:

These should be used for spraying weeds.

With a short spray on clean and dry ground, standing still, with no wind, one can get an idea of the kind of nozzle you have.

Other nozzles are intended to produce small droplets:

The picture on the ground will look like one of these above.

These nozzles are used to kill insects and fungi on plants.

Two kinds of “flat fan” nozzles are available. One will spray evenly on the ground and the other is intended to spray unevenly, even though the nozzles may look alike.

If one were to spray over a row of glasses, the water collected in the glasses will be like this:

Nozzle size Within the same kind of nozzle, the hole size of nozzles also differs. A nozzle with a bigger hole will deliver more water at the same pressure. If the nozzle is too big, you will have to pump faster to spray correctly. The tank will be empty very soon and a lot of refilling will be needed.

Nozzle spray width The width that nozzles cover also varies. If a nozzle only covers a narrow band at a time, one would have to hold the nozzle high to get the required spray width.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 07

Holding the nozzle high may be uncomfortable for the operator and there is more chance for the wind to blow the spray away.

Next month we shall look at uneven and even spray nozzles.

Visit www.arc.agric.za for more information.

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Wat e r w i s e f ar me r s bui l d e ar t h dams : Par t 5

Cons t r uc t ion fac tor s of a dam wall

by Jan van Heerden, M Eng Tec

A

dam wall may seem to be a simple construction, but when you are dealing with the incredible force that water exerts, you have to be very careful with your calculations, building procedures and particularly with your building materials.

Crest width of a dam wall The crest width of the wall is determined by the implements used for the construction. The crown width must be at least 1½ times the width of the implements with which the dam is being built, in order to get good compaction. The crest is also made in a certain relation to the height of the dam wall (see Table 1).

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Table 1: Crest width versus construction method Construction method

Maximum wall height (h) in metres

Crest width (k) in metres

Dam scoop and draught animals

More than 1,5

2

Light machinery

More than 1,5

2,5 - 3

Heavy machinery

More than 1,5

3-4

Slopes of a dam wall (Table 2) The factors that determine the slopes of the dam wall are as follows: 1. Seepage lines through the wall.

2. Angle of repose of soil: The slopes of earth walls must be flatter than

the angle of repose or else the soil will shift down along the wall until the above condition is reached.

3. Danger of erosion by wave action: The size of the waves on a dam is in a specific relation to the size of

ProAgri BNZ 07

the surface of the basin. The wave action is also the strongest in the direction of the prevailing winds.

Certain building soils are also more subject to erosion than others. If a wall is unpaved on the water side, it must have a relatively flat slope.

4. Stone pitching or rip-rap: Where paving material is easily obtainable near the building site, the paving of earth dams on the water side must be considered. When the danger of erosion is great, paving is almost the only remaining solution. If a wall must be paved, it is possible to give the wall slightly steeper slopes. Maximum stable side slopes for average building soil (Z1 : 1 water side and Z2 : 1 the rear).

Table 2: Determining the slope of a dam wall Maximum height in metres

Water side paved

Water side unpaved

Z1 : 1

Z2 : 1

Z1 : 1

Z2 : 1

1½ : 1

2:1

2:1

2:1

2,5 – 3,5

2:1

2:1

2½ : 1

2:1

3,5 – 6,0

2½ : 1

2½ : 1

3:1

2½ : 1

General for average conditions

3:1

2:1

Coarse and other soils that cannot be consolidated thoroughly

4:1

2:1

0 – 2,5

Figure 1: Particulars of the reinforced concrete collar for outlet pipes of earth dams.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 07

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Dam walls against sloping terrains The base width of a dam wall must be corrected by means of the table below, from the centre line, if the terrain slope exceeds 4% (see Table 3).

Table 3: Correction factors for sloping distances of base stakes Slope at stake perpendicular to direction of wall

Correction factors to multiply with horizontal distance Water side of base

Rear of base

Slope (%)

2:1

2½ : 1

3:1

2:1

2

0,961

0,960

0,943

1,042

3

0,943

0,938

0,917

1,060

4

0,925

0,917

0,893

1,089

5

0,909

0,989

0,870

1,112

6

0,892

0,878

0,847

1,136

7

0,877

0,860

0,827

1,167

8

0,862

0,843

0,807

1,195

9

0,849

0,827

0,789

1,223

10

0,836

0,812

0,772

1,257

11

0,824

0,796

0,754

1,288

12

0,812

0,783

0,740

1,324

13

0,802

0,770

0,725

1,360

14

0,792

0,758

0,713

1,396

15

0,783

0,748

0,702

1,434

Pipe through dam wall The outlet pipe should always, as far as possible, be placed in undisturbed soil.

The opening of the pipe in the dam basin must always be slightly higher than the deepest place in the dam to prevent silting up of the pipe.

The pipe must have a minimum slope of 1% over its length. Fast closing valves should be avoided to prevent water shock in the pipe.

A dam wall with a steady slope.

Photo: ibbnrd.net.

A well designed outlet pipe.

Photo: ibbnrd.net.

Figure 2: Cross section of pipe with concrete collar through the dam wall.

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ProAgri BNZ 07

Construction of an outlet pipe.

Photo: itearthmovers.co.za.

Concrete collar for outlet pipe The pipe must be placed in a concrete collar with reinforcing steel.

The various measurements needed for the concrete collar, cut-off walls and reinforcing steel for different wall heights above the pipe, are shown and described in Figure 2.

The wall must be thoroughly compacted with manual compactors against the concrete casing to one metre above the pipe.

Photo: ibbnrd.net.

Cut-off walls Cut-off walls are used to lengthen the seepage line along the concrete casing of a pipe. Table 4 shows the number of cut-off walls prescribed for specific water depths above the pipe. Alternatively, the path of the seepage line must be lengthened by at least 20%.

Table 4: Water depth (m)

Number of cut-off walls

2,5

1

4

2

5

3

7

4

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 07

Next month we shall look at cross sections of typical dam wall designs. Published with acknowledgement to the ARC Agricultural Engineering for the use of their manuals. Visit www.arc.agric.za for more information.

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Soil:

The farmer’s most important asset: Part 5

Physical properties of soil (2): Structure Martiens du Plessis, Soil Scientist, NWK Limited & Prof Cornie van Huyssteen, Lecturer: Soil Science, University of the Free State.

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Soil is the most fundamental resource for the farmer, without which food and natural fibre cannot be produced. This article forms part of a series to highlight this resource. In this article, we discuss the most important clay minerals occurring in the soil.

ProAgri BNZ 07

WHAT IS SOIL STRUCTURE? Soil structure refers to the extent to which separate soil particles cling together naturally as small secondary clods, to form larger composite units.

These are called aggregates, structural units or peds. The structural units are separated from each other by weakness planes, along which the soil breaks up when it is handled.

TYPES OF SOIL STRUCTURE Soil structure is classified according to the shape, size, and distinctness of the aggregates. Small round structural units are called crumb structures. The structural units are usually arranged loosely together, as in loose bread crumbs, and are associated with topsoils.

When the structural units are more or less cubic, with sharp corners and clear flat surfaces, one refers to an angular block structure. When the corners are rounded, they are sub-angular blocky. These are normally found in subsoils.

Prismatic structural units are characterised by vertically oriented structural units similar to pillars. These are only found in subsoils where sodium plays a pertinent role. The tops (upper parts) are mainly flat, but when they are rounded, they are called pillars or columns.

Sometimes the structural units form thin horizontal plates and then they are referred to as layered or plate structures. They may be found in the top- or subsoils.

When the degree of structural development is poor or not at all observable, the soil structure is classified as structureless or apedal. Structureless soils can be loose (single grain) under dry conditions, or it could be a large continuous compact mass of soil without characteristic separation. In the latter case the soil is described as massif.   ORIGIN OF SOIL STRUCTURE Structure forms when there is one or other form of binding substance present in the soil. The colloidal material in soil (clay minerals, sesquioxides and/or humus), as well as biological activities in the soil, are the active components in soil for binding.

The mechanism through which soil particles are conjugated and through which discontinuities are formed between the aggregates, are ascribed to activities that cause movement and compression in the soil mass. Growing plant roots are seen here as one of the most important factors. Soil particles are pressed against each other and the tunnels that are left behind, form weakness surfaces. The uneven withdrawal of soil moisture from the soil by roots

and the uneven moisturisation through water infiltration via the root tunnels, cause uneven swelling and shrinking of the soil, leading to the formation of structure. Freezing and thawing also play a role in certain areas. In clayey soils (especially 2:1 clays), the swelling and shrinking characteristics of the clay play a major role.

Biological factors include the binding role of fine hair roots. Certain secretions of plant roots also play a role.

Crumb structure

Block structure

Prismatic structure

Prismatic

Plate structure

Massif

General structure types occurring in soils (Source: http://soil.gsfc.nasa.gov/pvg/prop1.htm ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 07

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ProAgri BNZ 07

Hyphae bind soil particles together.

Humus serves as a binding medium of small soil particles. Certain microbes secrete glues or slimes, which cause the soil particles to stick to each other.

These glues (polysaccharides) are poorly soluble in water and maintain the structure, even though it is wetted.

Furthermore, calcium and magnesium also play a role in keeping clay minerals in the so-called flocculated state, which means that they stick together.

In contrast, sodium causes the clay to disperse or deflocculate.

STABILITY OF SOIL STRUCTURE Stable structural units are those that are resistant to raindrop impact and remain intact even though they are wetted. When the soil is tilled and especially ploughed, the soil is excessively aerated, with the result that the microbes rapidly break down the organic material and especially the humus. This in turn leads to the decline in the stability of aggregates. The aggregate stability of sandy soils declines faster with tilling than that in loam or clayey soils.

The addition of organic material in the uppermost layers of soil encourages microbe activity, which secretes gel and other viscose products into the soil. Secretions from plant roots have the same effect. These products bind soil particles together into water stable aggregates and even form chemical compounds with clay particles and oxides of metals, such as iron.

Hyphae will bind soil particles together within a few weeks after organic material has been added to the soil.

THE ADVANTAGES OF SOIL STRUCTURE The greatest advantages of soil structure may be found amongst clayey soils. Well-structured soil has a favourable ratio between macro and micro pores, with a greater number of macro pores. The effect thereof is that water

infiltrates at a favourable rate, because the water in soils moves mainly into the macro pores. Air movement also occurs mainly in these macro pores. Roots prefer to grow in the weakness levels.

Densely compacted clays, in contrast, have a large number of micro pores and few macro pores. The soil then rapidly becomes waterlogged and contains little oxygen.

Soils with a poor and unstable topsoil structure are easily broken up by drops of water, forming a crust. This crust reduces gas exchange (oxygen from the atmosphere and carbon dioxide from the subsoil into the atmosphere), reduces water infiltration significantly and also hampers seedling emergence.

In sandy soils, structure is not so important to maintain macro pores, as there is naturally a greater occurrence of larger pores. Crust formation or the collapse of the soil surface is, however, of great importance. In order to limit wind erosion, a crumb structure on the surface makes the greatest single contribution to stable topsoils and is also very important to maintain a good water infiltration rate. The contribution of microorganisms in this regard is of particular importance.

MANAGEMENT OF SOIL STRUCTURE Systems of reduced tillage, minimum tillage and zero tillage benefit the maintenance of structure in the topsoil.

The reason for this is that the soil is not sufficiently aerated and the stover remains on top of the soil, where it is not broken down quite so rapidly by micro organisms. A fine microstructure then forms in the first few millimetres of the topsoil, which virtually completely neutralises the collapse problem. The result is better water infiltration, less runoff, wetter profiles, better seedling germination, higher yields and excellent control of wind erosion.

A grass-ley crop in the form of a cover crop for a few years, is highly

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 07

beneficial for the formation of microstructure. The finely branched fibrous root system binds sand grains together and is a feeder source of organic matter for the microbes which, in turn, benefit the soil structure.

When soil is ploughed deeply with, for example, a disc plough or nardi, the subsoil which is lacking in organic material, is brought to the surface.

During the first rain shower, the clods disperse and the soil is then “collapsed”.

Thereafter follows wind erosion, poor water infiltration and increased runoff.

When soil is ploughed, it must never be ploughed so deep that the brightly coloured red / yellow sub-soil is churned up.

REFERENCES The following sources were used extensively during the compilation of this article.

Van Huyssteen, CW. 2009. Soil Ecology.

Unpublished class notes for GKD214.

University of the Free State, Bloemfontein.

Du T Burger, R. 1979. Soil Science 115.

Unpublished class notes for GKD115.

University of the Free State, Bloemfontein.

Brady, NC. 1990. The nature and properties of soils. 10th ed. Macmillan publishing company, New York.

Marshall, TJ & Holmes, JW 1979. Soil Physics. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

ProAgri BNZ acknowledges Grain SA for the use of this series which originally appeared in Afrikaans in SA Graan/Grain.

For further information, please contact: Martiens du Plessis: martiens@nwk.co.za Cornie van Huyssteen: vanhuysteencw@ufs.ac.za 19

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ProAgri BNZ 07

Wil de r ne s s Saf ar is Bot s wana j o i ns hands w i t h t he f ar mi ng c o mmuni t y

F

arming and the safari tourism industry have much in common, and the 4 Cs come to mind, namely, Commerce, Community, Culture and Conservation.

Unfortunately we often hear about conflict between the land cultivators and land preservers. It is therefore very reassuring and exciting to hear about joint ventures where they manage to work together.

Since 1983, Wilderness Safaris has been dedicated to conserving and restoring Africa’s wilderness and wildlife by creating life-changing journeys and inspiring positive action.

As Africa’s leading authentic and sustainable ecotourism operator, Wilderness Safaris operates camps and safaris in some of Africa’s best wildlife and wilderness areas across seven countries: Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia

and Zimbabwe. In this way they offer their guests private access to almost 2,5 million hectares (over six million acres) of Africa’s most remote and pristine wildlife areas, while remaining fiercely committed to protecting our planet’s precious natural and cultural resources.

Wilderness Safaris has invested over P800 000 into a local conservation farming project that aims to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and generate income for community members of the Okavango Community Trust (OCT) villages adjacent to the Vumbura Concession. Together with Ecoexist and the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security, Department of Crop Production, they will guide the farmers on developing communal plots into cluster farms to produce staples such as beans, maize, millet and sorghum.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 07

“We’re proud to work with organisations that share our values and want to make a tangible difference to local communities. The project will not only mitigate human-elephant conflict, with the addition of 35 elephant-aware farmers on the peripheries, but will also help the farmers earn a living. Wilderness Safaris is offering to procure the produce at full market rate plus 10%, while assisting with entry into a bigger market. The surplus received will be channelled directly to the 127 participating community members, enabling them to support their families,” says Wilderness Safaris Botswana Cultural and Community Relationship Manager, Lesh Moiteela.

To start the project, Wilderness Safaris used its heavy machinery from the Vumbura Concession to de-stump a large plot at Eretsha village – a process

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that took over three months. Thereafter 34 farmers attended a conservation-agriculture training workshop in order to learn how to operate the new Agriculture Ministry-endorsed ploughing implements. The Eretsha villagers started in December and are now expecting their first harvest in May 2020.

Wilderness Safaris’ financial commitment to the project includes P150 000 for use of the agricultural machinery, P280 000 for the ploughs, and at least P250 000 on staff salaries. Another P150 000 was sponsored for tractor use, drivers and the transportation of goods around the country. The milling machines will be utilised by the OCT villages of Beetsha, Eretsha, Gudigwa, Gunotsoga and Seronga, as well as Sankoyo, where Wilderness Safaris currently has another conservation farming project underway with its community partners.

With their love of all things fresh and nutritious, it is predominantly elephants that invade village farms, which often have no solid structures to help prevent such encroachment. “We anticipate the project will make a big

difference when it comes to reducing human-wildlife conflict, as it is easier to secure one big plot as opposed to many scattered plots. This ensures that as little of the produce as possible is lost. We are also looking to erect an elephant-proof fence to further secure the plot in the near future,” notes Lesh.

“More and more people in Botswana are starting to understand what it's like living with elephants in their backyard,” says ecologist and Ecoexist Director, Dr Graham McCulloch. “The 127 farmers of Ghando Cluster live with thousands in their backyard; elephants are part of their daily lives. They already coexist with elephants. But it’s HARD! And farmers here suffer significant loss and stress. Through this important partnership, we are continuing Ecoexist’s long-term efforts to assist farmers in the Okavango Panhandle to live with elephants by reducing conflict with, and increasing benefits from them.

This exciting partnership has combined forces, expertise and resources to bring innovative technology and equipment to ensure improved protection of farmers’ fields, with effective elephant-

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 07

deterrent fencing, whilst assisting farmers to practice more sustainable farming habits that increase yields and offer opportunities to enter into additional markets. Farmers like these need to be recognised as custodians of elephants, but considerable efforts are required to support them to offset the costs they incur and assist them by linking diverse value chains that will generate improved benefits. This project is a model partnership that aims to do just this.”

“We will continue to use our ecotourism model to forge better economic upliftment in local communities, with an additional group of five women running the subsequent milling project to help with the production of cereals. We look forward to giving these communities the necessary guidance to help ensure the best outcome for the project,” concludes Lesh.

For more information, visit www.wilderness-safaris.com.

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Botswana

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Afriq Water Dripline and the Quick Coupling Sprinkler System are available at various retail outlets – please contact Joe on +27 (0)79-307-9778 to find out where you can purchase Afriq Water products.

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ProAgri BNZ 07

Boost your profits with better pastures

by Jaco Cillliers

B

otswana is home to more cattle than people. In recent years, the government has made an effort to encourage agriculture in order to boost the national economy. Many farms are being set up, particularly in the northern regions, and many irrigation projects are launched. These irrigated farms are mainly focussed on the cultivation of various grain products and some other crops such as potatoes. But they can also be used to supply feed to cattle farmers or be successfully operated as cattle farms with irrigated pastures.

Good pastures will improve the condition of your herd and save you money by cutting the spending on expensive feed. Farmers usually have two choices of pastures for their cattle.

The first is to let the animals graze on the natural pastures that are available on the farm, and the second is to plant specific grasses and legumes that can increase the carrying capacity of your farm.

Good management is key to success of your pastures. Certain guidelines need to be followed. Which plants to choose from, when to plant them, the type and quantity of fertiliser that you use, whether you have irrigated or dry lands ‌ all these factors play a role in the type of pasture that will best suit your needs.

Whether you plant other crops or pastures, it is always beneficial to have irrigation. However, it does not mean that you cannot plant if you do

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 07

Being able to irrigate your pastures is always an advantage. This will ensure that animals stay fed without having to buy all their feed during dry winters. not have an irrigation system already in place. In the modern age of farming there are many drought resistant cultivars.

Winter is approaching fast in the southern hemisphere. This is the dry season for summer rainfall areas of Southern Africa, when natural fields dry out and are easily overgrazed. The shortage of food and water is the cattle farmer’s worst nightmare. Luckily, there are some options to choose from 25

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ProAgri BNZ 07

when it comes to winter pastures.

The following crops can be planted from February to July in order to ensure good quality pastures to carry you through the dry season. It is recommended that these species are planted under irrigation for winter pastures.

Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea) Tall Fescue grass is highly adaptable to different climatic and soil conditions.

It can also be used in heavier soils and wetlands. It is recommended that these seeds are sown at a ratio of 25 to 30 kg/ha or planted in rows at 20 to 25 kg/ha.

Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata) Cocksfoot grass has high nutritional value, and animals find this type of grass very tasty. It is resistant to drought and can be sown at a ratio of 20 to 25 kg/ha or planted in rows using 15 to 20 kg/ha.

White Clover (Trifolium repens) and Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) These two types of clovers are usually planted together. The White Clover takes longer to reach maturity, but does not have to be replanted every year. Both of these can be used in combination with any of the abovementioned grasses to increase the nutrient value of the pasture.

Tall Fescue grass is also known as fescue reed and is an excellent choice for winter pastures due to its high nutrient content and ability to survive cold conditions. It is also versatile and adapts well to various climates and soils.

Photo: https://alchetron.com/

In many cases farmers solely depend on rain and do not have access to the benefits of irrigation systems, or they might be small-scale farmers who believe it is not worth the cost and effort to install irrigation systems and therefore rely on the natural vegetation.

Fortunately, even dryland or smallscale farmers can benefit from planting pastures for their animals.

Dryland grasses need to be planted earlier than irrigated grasses in order to receive the late rains before the start of the dry winter. Ideally, they should be planted between February and April in order to be mature enough to be grazed by May or June.

Oats (Avena sativa)Oats provides good nutrients and roughage to cattle diets and is also very hardened against drought and frost. It is recommended to sow oats at 50 to 70 kg/ha or planted in rows at 40 to 50 kg/ha. It also has an exceptionally high potential yield.

Triticale (Tritico secale)Triticale can withstand low temperatures and frost, and grows quickly with minimal water.

It also has a high potential yield and grows easily. It is most effective when planted in combination with oats. It can be sown at 60 to 80 kg/ha or planted in rows using only 35 to 45 kg/ha.

Rye (Secale sereale) Rye is best utilised when planted in combination with triticale and oats. It

It is often recommended that farmers plant a combination of pasture plants in order to obtain the best feeding value from the fields. The combination of the right plant species can increase the quality of the feed significantly and maintain good animal health throughout the winter. has a high nutrient value but is not as tasty as the other winter feeds. Between 40 to 50 kg/ha can be sown on the fields, or it can be planted in rows using only 30 to 50 kg/ha. It is hardened against cold conditions and can withstand the effects of frost.

Although these plants can increase the carrying capacity of your farm, you still need to consider the number of animals that will graze on these pastures, and plant accordingly. It is a good idea

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 07

to keep in mind that cattle will consume about 2,5% to 3,5% of their own body weight in roughage per day.

The best advice would be to consult the experts. Most seed providers will help you plan the correct combination of plants to meet your specific needs.

It is important to consider the existing carrying capacity of the farm, the number of animals that need to graze on the pastures and the availability of water when planning your winning pastures.

27

Namibia

DEAR CLIENTS At Agra, we take the health and well-being of our staff and community very serious.

We recognize the importance of our contribution to the economy and remain committed to provide you with the right product.

WE DELIVER Why not opt to order your goods from our branch and we will deliver it to you. Please take note that: The safety of our staff and clients will remain our top priority; Delivery charges will apply; Orders to be placed 48 hours in advance; Customer Identification and Agra account card must be presented upon delivery; Should you not have an Agra account, an EFT payment will be required.

Please contact your local branch to place your order. Visit this link for branch contact details https://bit.ly/3auPPMM

WHEN YOU VISIT When visiting an Agra branch, please take note that: The number of customers in store will be regulated; You should not bring along family members or children; When queuing at the till, 1m distance is advised; You should sanitize before entering the store.

We thank you for your patience, as we will operate with skeleton staff.

28

ProAgri BNZ 07

Saving Namibia’s livestock industry: Part 3

Different rangeland approaches or case studies/best practices

T

he Namibian livestock industry is in decline. There is a large-scale loss of palatable perennial grasses, widely spread bush encroachment, and Namibia is regarded as a country that will be severely affected by climate change.

To counter this trend, the Department of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF), together with industry partners such as the Namibian Farmers’ Union, initiated and developed an innovative rangeland policy that can annually add N$4 billion to the GDP if fully implemented.

ProAgri BNZ will publish extracts from the policy document to make sure that all farmers understand this plan that can help them to survive the next drought.

The best practices presented in this section are intended to give an idea of methods available and how they have been applied.

nally there were five big herds, which she has now organised into three herds of oxen, cows and sheep. She supplements the cattle and sheep with a saltphosphate-sulphur lick. Since 2011 she has no longer been supplementing with urea because she aims to obtain organic certification. Instead the animals are given milled camel-thorn pods, and in years of very low rainfall, additional oil cake is given for extra energy.

Grazing plan Three herds/flocks follow each other through all camps according to a detailed grazing plan that flows from a forage assessment at the end of the growing season (see illustration).

The grazing plan provides for meeting the needs of animals, people, soil and plants. It also ensures that at no point in time do two herds/flocks drink at the same water system. Each camp is

Case study 4: Holistic management a) Multi-camp with high density, high utilisation and long recovery (few herds), in Namibia.

Judith Knye shared her farming experience of combining large and small livestock on Farm Springbockvley in the Kalahari Sandveld near Leonardville.

The stocking rate on Springbockvley is 24 to 45 kg/ha with 1 000 head of cattle and 3 800 sheep. Judith decided to change from Simmentaler to Nguni cattle and from Karakul to Damara sheep because they are better adapted to the area’s climate conditions. OrigiProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 07

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allowed between 90 and 140 days to recover. The advantage is that every camp gets exposed to small and large livestock, which seems to make a difference in terms of utilisation of the available bush and grass.

Animal health and selection Judith deals with internal and external parasites by knowing the natural cycle of these parasites and breaking their life cycle by applying planned grazing.

This greatly reduces veterinary costs.

She further adjusts the sizes of the herds according to the availability of water. As mentioned, the breeds are chosen for their adaptability to the conditions of the farm. Initially, Judith was very strict with animal selection criteria and marketed cows that did not conceive immediately after reaching 18 months.

This was relaxed somewhat as she wanted to increase the size of the herd to consume all the grass. She runs a closed herd with bulls from her own herd occasionally supplemented by fresh blood from purchased bulls. With the sheep, the rams are in the herd the whole year round and no castration takes place because it is simply too much work.

the plant tops are eaten. This is where all the energy is – the key driver of animal performance.

He explained that the low utilisation levels during each grazing event enables a short recovery period, and animals can return to the same paddock relatively soon (for example, after 40 days in rainfall areas of 400 mm and after good rain). During the short stay in camps, other plants are trodden onto and into the ground, where they serve as litter, providing soil nutrients and protecting the soil from sun and erosion. Animal performance, and not animal impact, is the overriding factor in determining the grazing plan.

By grazing forage lightly and only taking the top one-third of the plant, the plant grows more leaves and harvests solar energy using the leaves that are left. This is achieved when the correct stock density and recovery period have been established for a particular area, which vary between

Lessons from Springbockvley According to Judith, forage mass is not forage nutrition, and this is especially important for animal fertility. Another factor to consider is stocking rate, because if you grow more forage, it needs to become more nutritious.

Sometimes it is critical for the wellbeing of the farm if the animal condition and animal performance are put before the needs of rangeland – assisting females to reproduce is then priority. Judith firmly believes that multi-species grazing increases total production per hectare and helps to reduce over-all risk in uncertain climate conditions. b) Multi-camp with high density, but low selective utilisation, with short recovery periods (few herds) At the National Rangeland Forum in 2018, Ian Mitchell-Innes said: “The closer we farm to nature, the more chance we have of making it a success and being profitable. If you do not make money from farming, then there is no point in continuing.”

Ian has been practising holistic management for twenty years on his ranch in South Africa. The grazing plan ensures adequate recovery periods, and this, combined with animals at high density, increases grass productivity and quality over time.

Ian suggests that all the grasslands of the world were developed under a predator/prey relationship. He promotes using animals at high stock density, with high selection during the growing season, to ensure that only

This picture shows the success of Ian’s holistic rangeland management on the right side of the fence. The land on the left is a section of Ian’s ranch that he rents out to a farmer who practises a form of rotation, based on recommended stocking rates. The same size area on the right is stocked at six times more than that of the neighbour, because it produces much more fodder sustainably.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 07

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low and high rainfall areas as well as within seasons.

Plants grow via photosynthesis. If livestock graze the entire grass plant, it is forced to use energy reserved in its roots to form new growth instead of the sun’s free and abundant energy.

In order to return to its former glory, the grass plant that has been defoliated more than one-third needs much longer to recover.

Ian says: “A plant should never stop growing during the growing season.”

He did not focus on plant diversity, but rather on harvesting energy: “Energy is money and money is energy. Time is money and water is money. It is all about the money. If you make a living off the land, by default you are in the energy business. In harvesting energy, we need to feed the whole ecosystem, which is fed by light grazing, high density and short recovery periods. Using this technique, farmers can start with what they have and make improvements as capital is earned by growing more high-quality grass and other species.”

According to him, farmers should observe animals: “Even with brown grass, the animal will first take a bite off the top of the grass because they instinctively know where the energy is and will naturally eat the grass with the best available energy first.”

Managing animals in the paddock increases the density over time. If grass is grazed right down to the root, it takes longer to grow back than if grazed lightly: “I believe in grazing grass in a vegetative state. The short recovery periods can keep the grass plant in a highly productive vegetative state, which is good for grass production and animal performance. It is like growing roses that grow back thicker after they have been pruned.”

Ian also indicated that once a grass

plant has seeded, the energy from the plant goes into seed formation but is also transferred into the plant below the ground for the next season.

During the remainder of the growing season, this plant no longer grows actively, and plant quality and animal performance are reduced. Therefore, one can say that properly managed animals will grow more grass, and if moved correctly will have good animal performance. Animals also plant grass.

Harvesting the energy of the plant is important to achieve animal performance, which is why he promotes light grazing and short recovery periods.

Soil health With regard to taking care of the soil, Ian said that the soil should ideally be covered at all times to prevent sun, wind and rain from compacting and drying it out. “The land is like a solar panel. Grazing the energy off the solar panel is like wiping it to increase the effectiveness of the panel.” He added that “God knew we were going to mess up, so all the seeds of the plants that used to be here are still here. Grazing should be done in such a way as to change the environment and soil surface conditions to bring those plants back.”

The secret is to manage grass correctly and to allow adequate recovery periods.” Ian added: “What grows on the soil is a mirror image of what is below the soil surface.” Big, bare areas with unpalatable plants can be turned into lush pasture over time by animal impact and planned grazing. This should not cost anything other than understanding and management. Making investments to enable the grazing plan to be implemented need to be done, but these should be able to be paid off quickly.

“Feed the soil, which in turn feeds

the grass, and ultimately the animal.

This is the way to get optimal animal performance and ultimately to make a profit.”

By using livestock, the fungal/ bacterial relationship in the soil can be manipulated. Ian believes that a 1:1 fungal and bacterial ratio is the optimum for grass. Highly encroached areas are dominated by fungus.

This ratio can be changed through animal impact, dung and urine being more conducive to grass production.

Putting litter on the soil covers it, thereby controlling extreme temperatures. Carbon in the soil is critical to hold moisture, which ensures longer growing periods and increased production.

He stressed that the type of grass species is not that important, but that the harvesting of energy is crucial.

Another important element in keeping the soil covered is to promote Azotobacter – bacteria that live on the soil surface and fix nitrogen into the soil. These bacteria need moisture, a constant temperature and food. If the Azotobacter is fed, it will contribute to grass growth, productivity and animal performance.

The holistic approach Ian’s formula for managing rangeland holistically is to build a ‘stockpile’ through the growing season to gradually graze through the non-growing season: “This is grazed two to three times, depending on what suits us in the non-growing season, to maintain animal performance throughout the year.

More grass can be grown if grazed in a vegetative state. Everything which is stressed breeds, and the same applies to plants. The more stressed a plant is, the more seeds it produces. This is nature’s way to sustain species for the future.”

The rest of the Case study 4: Holistic Management will be discussed in our next edition. *The National Rangeland Management Policy (NRMP) was approved in 2012. In 2014, the NRMPS Project was commissioned in support of this policy under the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF), to address the declining natural resource base in Namibia.

Extract from Reviving Namibia’s Livestock Industry, Regenerative Livestock Production Trends, Key Profit Drivers, Case Studies and Recommendations, NRMP Best Practice Strategy Document (Revised edition from 2012 NRMPS), based on Namibia Rangeland Management Policy (NRMP): A ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 07

33

Namibia

Great potential for Namibia’s grain farmers

by Jaco Cilliers

Irrigation and the supporting infrastructure is the solution to Namibia’s grain deficit.

34

ProAgri BNZ 07

N

amibia’s grain stock is under pressure. This is due to various factors that have plagued the Namibian agricultural community in recent years.

Under perfect conditions, the country cannot produce enough grain to meet its consumption requirements.

In 2018 the Minister of Agriculture, Alpheus !Naruseb, reported that the country had to import 50% of its maize and 80% of its wheat due to the domestic shortfall. In order for Namibia to decrease their imports, the Minister said that they had to rely on investors to develop more irrigated farmland.

“It remains our collective responsibility as a government, private entities and individuals alike to mobilise the required investment in order to transform approximately 15 000 hectares into irrigation-based production between now and the year 2030. Doing so would enable us to reach our target of putting 27 000 hectares under irrigation as per our Vision 2030 target.”

(Source: The Namibian Sun, !Naruseb cracks whip on grain imports, 12 March 2018.)

In 2020, Namibia needs to import 180 000 tonnes of maize and 95 000 tonnes of wheat in order to feed the population. This is according to the statistics of the Namibian Agronomic Board.

As far as their vision of having 27 000 hectares under irrigation by 2030, it does not seem that they are making much progress. For the years 2017/2018 they only managed to plant 4 405 hectares of irrigated maize with the Kavango and Omusati regions leading with 2 395 hectares. There was only 1 568 hectares of wheat planted in the whole of Namibia, including dryland and irrigated lands for the same period.

The solution seems simple. Namibia has to produce more grain domestically to decrease the deficit. But it is easier said than done. Firstly, Namibia is an arid country, one of the driest in Sub-Sahara Africa. The average rainfall measured in Windhoek is only 370 mm per year. There are areas that receive more rain, such as the North-Western corner of the country which has an average rainfall of 500 mm per year.

Due to the shortage of rain, the Namibian government has set up irrigation schemes over the years. There are irrigation schemes in Kavango and Omusati, in Hardap and surrounding areas, as well as in the Central and Eastern regions.

To make matters worse, the country has been gripped in a drought for the past seven years. In May 2019 the President, Hage Geingob, declared the whole country a disaster area due to the persisting drought. This drought increased the need for grain imports as the Namibian farmers could not produce enough grain to meet the de-

mand. The drought caused dams to dry up, which meant that irrigation farmers could not irrigate their crops.

The long-term solution appears to be that Namibia needs to build more dams so that more irrigation projects can be developed. The Namibian government has made efforts to secure water sources. The recently completed Neckartal Dam near Keetmanshoop will put another 5 000 hectares of agricultural land under irrigation.

Another solution to the water shortages is desalination. In 2019 the Namibian government and NamWater commissioned an environmental impact assessment for a planned desalination plant. The existing desalination plant near Swakopmund was built by the French company, Areva, to supply water to its own uranium mine. Areva approached the Namibian government with a proposal to sell the plant to them in 2016.

Apart from dams and desalinated water, there are also underground aquifers that can be tapped into. In 2012 five billion cubic meters of underground water was discovered by German experts in the northern regions close to the Angolan border. This water is reportedly located at a depth of 300 metres.

In other words, there is great potential for Namibian agriculture. Investment in irrigation will enable the Namibian farmers to tap into the existing resources and produce more wheat, maize and other essential crops. The problem is that these projects will provide only long-term solutions to the Namibian food shortage.

The only short-term solution seems to keep on importing maize and wheat

from neighbouring South Africa. To provide relief for the importers of essential grain, the governments have agreed to reduce the import tax on grain and animal feeds.

Under normal circumstances a farmer who wanted to import animal or grain from South Africa had to wait for several weeks before receiving his products. With the recent restrictions imposed on the borders due to COVID-19, the waiting period is likely to increase. This means that importers of grain and feed will need to plan ahead in order to maintain sufficient stock.

Namibia has many problems, but just as many solutions. The effort that the government and private sector will put in to ensure that there is enough investment in the development of water sources will ultimately make the difference between the success or failure of Namibia’s grain producers.

The recently completed Neckartal Dam near Keetmanshoop will enable farmers to irrigate 5 000 hectares and significantly increase domestic grain production. Photo: https:// www.waterpowermagazine.com/

The Erongo desalination plant near Swakopmund plays an essential role in providing potable water to the NamWater system. A second desalination plant is being planned to increase the quantity of potable water.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 07

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ProAgri BNZ 07

Zimbabwe’s tobacco farming calendar: Here’s what you need to know

by Jaco Cilliers

F

arming is a seasonal business. The activities of farmers are governed by the weather, seasonal rain, and average day temperatures. But in tobacco farming, legislation also affects the farmer’s activities. According to law, certain tasks have to be completed by certain dates, and failure to do so may be regarded as a criminal activity.

Before embarking on tobacco farming, it is essential to register with the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board of Zimbabwe (TIMB).

At the beginning of the year, tobacco farmers should be hard at work ploughing the fields, adding lime and other soil additives to prepare the soil for the planting season. This task should be finished by the end of January.

February is normally used to finalise the budget and financing for the coming season. By this time, the farmer would have already submitted the estimated yield that he expects for the season.

During March and April, farmers need to check their ploughed fields for weed regrowth. If necessary, they still have time to plough the fields again.

By the end of March, the farmers have to submit their second estimate of the tobacco yields for the season.

It is crucial that farmers test soil samples during the preparation of their fields to determine the availability of nutrients and to ensure the correct pH levels of the soil. Tobacco is sensitive to pH levels, and the acidity of the soil will also determine how efficiently the plants will be able to extract nutrients from the soil.

During May it is time to order fumigants and other pest control prod-

ucts. It is also time to start preparing seedbeds where the tobacco seedlings will be grown before they can be transplanted to the fields. By the 15th of May, all living tobacco plants that might have remained after the previous harvest have to be destroyed according to government regulations. Failure to comply may result in criminal charges against the farmer.

The months of June, July and August is the season for sowing tobacco seeds and growing the seedlings. Seedling production is another essential stage in growing a good tobacco yield. Growing strong seedlings will ensure that they survive the transplanting stage of the process, and ultimately result in a good crop.

Tobacco seed can be bought from the Tobacco Research Board (TRB) as well as the Zimbabwe Tobacco Seed Association (ZTSA). The choice of cultivar will be greatly influenced by the region where the plants will be grown. Cultivars are adapted to specific climate and soil conditions. The best advice would be to contact the TIMB for guidelines to make sure that you plant the cultivar best suited for your region.

The seedlings will need about 12 weeks to develop properly. The earliest date for sowing seeds is the first of June and the earliest possible date for transplanting the seedlings is the first of September. During these 12 weeks there is enough time to ridge the lands and prepare it for the planting season.

Irrigating the seedlings, clearing weeds and controlling pests and other plant health issues in the seedling stage will ensure a stronger crop that will limit plant health management while the plants are maturing in the fields.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 07

Tobacco is best cultivated under irrigation, but can also be planted on dry lands. Different cultivars are specifically adapted to suit the farmer’s soil and climate conditions.

Allowing tobacco seedlings to mature for 12 weeks will ensure strong plants when transplanted to the field. The healthier the seedlings are when transplanted, the more you will save on labour and other costs during the growing season.

Tobacco farming is a heavily regulated industry. It is essential to register your tobacco farm with the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board of Zimbabwe to gain access to seed and markets.

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