ProAgri Zambia 52

ProAg Agri ri technology for the farmer

Z a m b i a No 52

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Cover

Letter from the Editor

C

ash is king, but our small-scale maize farmers are, in a strange way, a victim of that and it must stop.

In a normal, healthy society where the free market and demand and supply dictate our behaviour, it is genuinely delightful for a farmer if his market can walk up to his door and offer him cash for his produce. When the moisture content can be settled over a handshake instead of waiting for a lengthy period for the lab results, it is a match made in heaven.

Unfortunately, these brief-case buyers with all their benefits come with a price. They know how to drive a hard bargain and they know how to exercise leverage on the challenges facing our farmers. This is the time of the year when the household maize levels are low, and the cash levels are even lower. We need money and we do not know when the Food Reserve Agency is going to complete their lengthy bureaucratic processes before paying our money over to us.

A farmer wants to farm. He is neither a salesperson nor a negotiator. That is a worldwide phenomenon, even among large commercial farmers. Despite the fact that they own all these highly valuable and life-sustaining commodities, they are price takers. This is unacceptable.

Content

6

10

Farmers need representation with the ability to drive a hard bargain, just like these shrewd businesspeople. One solution to this problem is for the farmers in a region to come together and form a powerful bargaining counsel. It can be an extension of the co-operation or even the union, but discipline and mutual trust are of the utmost importance. All the negotiations should go through the council and no individual backdoor sales are allowed as such sales will defy the purpose and will most definitely explode in the farmers’ faces.

Nobody can stop a brief-case buyer to come up to your farm gate waving a handful of cash. A free market in agriculture is far more important than anything else and the fewer regulations, the better for everyone. We can only mitigate this as we mitigate any other challenge on our farm. Or even better, we can use these brief-case buyers to solve our problems for us. That is the correct, proactive way.

This month we start with a brandnew series on compost making.

Farm smartly!

Du Preez de Villiers dupreez@proagri.co.za

16

21

25

2.

SeedCo: Seeding, feeding and leading in Africa

3.

Design your borehole with Carl Hamm

5.

Manage your water supply with Tiger Feeds

6.

Novatek: Pond preparation is a key element to tilapia farms

10.

Create the perfect environment for your dairy cattle: Part 9

16.

Zambia’s tobacco farming calendar

21.

QualiBasic Seed is improving agricultural productivity in Africa

23.

Reinke: Meet the new engine driven mini pivot

25.

Agrico’s microjets boost the macadamia industry

28.

Irrigation made easy: Part 4

32.

Turn your crops into condiments and seasonings: Part 5

34.

Composting and composting systems: Part 1

ProAgri Zambia 52

32

Carl Hamm understands the needs of a farmer when it comes to boreholes and pumps. They refined the process of initial consultation and need assessment. Read on page 3 how they conduct this whole process.

ProAgri technology for the farmer

Z a m b i a

Nangwenya House No. 7352 Nangwenya Road Rhodespark +26 (0)97-769-9786 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 Zambia Editor Du Preez de Villiers > +27 82-598-7329 dupreez@proagri.co.za Reporters Annemarie Bremner > +27 82-320-3642 annemarie@proagri.co.za Benine Ackermann > +27 73-105-6938 benine@proagri.co.za Jaco Cilliers > +27 71-893-6477 jaco@proagri.co.za Senior Production Manager: Zainab Pandor > +26 (0)97-769-9786 zainab@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 Johan Swartz > +27 71-599-9417 johan@proagri.co.za Tiny Smith > +27 82-698-3353 tiny@proagri.co.za Anelda Strauss > +27 74-424-0055 anelda@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 Accounts Ronel Schluter > +27 12-803-0782 accounts@proagri.co.za Business Manager George Grobler

1

SEEDCO:

Seeding, feeding and leading in Africa SeedCo’s maize cultivars exhibited at the ACSZ Show will make a farmer’s wildest dreams come true.

The proof is in the performance.

SeedCo’s team at their demo plots at the ACSZ Show consisted of Sydney Shachele, Vegetables Trials Officer; Moono Cephas, Crop Technician; and Maybin Musonda, Trials Officer.

A

fter 80 years of dedicated service to agriculture in Africa, SeedCo is still living up to their mission statement of breeding, seeding, feeding and leading, says Adrian Chibanga, SeedCo’s Chief Agronomist in Zambia. They are the leading suppliers of genetic technology to farmers in Africa, as proven once again by their exhibit at the recent ACSZ Show in Lusaka.

Zambian farmers who attended the show were impressed with the latest and most innovative grain varieties developed by SeedCo to withstand climate change. The purpose of their exhibition was not only to introduce their vari-

ous products, but also to empower the farmers with the knowledge they need to improve their farming practices. They specialise in maize, soya beans and wheat, and also offer a huge variety of vegetables to choose from for both the small-scale and commercial farmer.

Their maize basket includes three exciting varieties: • SC 303 has been developed to mature quickly to escape drought in the short rain seasons. The plants mature faster to provide high yields and require less water due to the shorter growing season.

• SC 719 was initially developed to mature over a longer period, but according to Adrian the variety has proven to cope well with dry spells.

This means that the SC 719 can still provide a good yield even if the season is dryer than expected.

• To assist with the problem of acidic soils, SeedCo introduced the SC 647 that withstands high levels of acidity and has a medium maturing time.

Both SC 419 and SC 647 provide protection against damage from animals such as weasels.

Adrian explains that this is due to the fact that the plant stem has a harder surface to ensure that the animals cannot chew through it.

SC 419, Adrian claims, has yielded up to 8,5 tonnes per hectare during the 2018 season. SC 419 is also one of the early maturing, Drought Escape A lot of research is put into SeedCo’s soya bean and wheat range offered cultivars, and they have a dedicated team of experts to asby SeedCo. sist farmers in every step of their production process.

2

Soya beans Soya bean producers also depend on SeedCo’s soya cultivars, such as SC Spike that has proven itself as one of the best in Africa, yielding up to 6,5 tonnes per hectare on dry land during tests.

“A farmer broke our record,” Adrian says. “On 30 hectares of dry land, he achieved 6,8 tonnes due to the unbelievable genetics of SC Spike.”

Wheat As far as winter crops are concerned, SeedCo offers a range of five wheat cultivars. The latest cultivar is SC Select that has been tested for a maximum yield potential of 12 tonnes per hectare. “I can confidently say that farmers can reach 10 tonnes per hectare with SC Select,” Adrian declares.

He explains that the development process of seed is expensive and timeconsuming due to the fact that SeedCo does not use GMOs. It takes up to ten years or ten seasons for a new hybrid variety to be developed from the first trials up to the point where it can be marketed to the farmers. The first step in the process is the background work where the specific traits are selected.

Then follows the consistency tests and then the authorities need to verify the qualities and consistency of the product before it can be introduced to the market. But according to SeedCo, it is all worth the effort to ensure food security in Africa in the face of the challenges that come with climate change.

Adrian gives the assurance that SeedCo will continue to work hard in order to breed, seed, feed and lead Africa into the future of agriculture.

Please contact Adrian Chibanga at adrian.chibanga@seedcogroup.com or visit their website at www.seedcogtoup.com/zm to become a seed smart farmer.

ProAgri Zambia 52

Design your borehole with Carl Hamm

by Du Preez de Villiers

S

inking a borehole is much, much more than just drilling a hole in the ground at the best guessed or estimated spot where there is an indication of water. There are actually numerous measurements, calculations and a lot of designing to be done, and Carl Hamm is the man for this job.

“We have noticed that the end users do not take cognizance of what is required when doing a borehole design,” Chris Munnick, MD of Carl Hamm Pipes, Pumps and Solutions, says. “But we understand the need out there. A farmer has a specific set of requirements that he wants to convey

to a specialist and then carry on farming. We are the company who catches that ball very precisely and convert it into a water delivering goal.”

Carl Hamm means business.

To find out how Carl Hamm in South Africa can help you, contact Chris Munnick at +27 72-256-0926, +27 (0)10-9002005, chris@carl-hamm.co.za, or visit www.carl-hamm.co.za.

Submersible Deepwell Pumps

A list of factors that Carl Hamm considers and discusses with the farmer when designing a borehole.

On top of walking the extra mile with the farmer, Carl Hamm is also implementing the best available technology in their designs. A ZSM-connection is a flangeless vertical pipe coupling available in different materials in sizes from 0,5 to 1,4 m and pressure up to 150 bar.

Carl Hamm’s experts invest a lot of time, money and effort in their pump station designs.

A very thorough inquiry sheet is the proof of that.

ProAgri Zambia 52

3

Less Feed − More Meat

TEL: +260 967 855495 / +260 977 1250 E-MAIL:

Jessy.Tembo@tigerfeeds.com.zm 4

ProAgri Zambia 52

Manageyour water supply withTiger Feeds Good water quality – better performance of your birds The rule of thumb for water intake is usually 1,5 to 2 times feed intake.

Tables A and B provide data on typical water consumption levels for layers and broilers, respectively.

Table A. Typical daily water consumption for layers, at 21°C (litres per 1 000 birds)

Production stage Layer pullet

Laying hens

Age/rate of production

21°C

4 weeks

100

12 weeks

160

18 weeks

200

50% production

220

90% production

270

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

290

330

355

355

Water intake

1

245

Age (weeks)

180

Table B. Typical daily water consumption for broilers, at 20°C (litres per 1 000 mixed sex birds)

120

t is almost impossible to overemphasise the importance of good quality water for poultry flocks. A chicken consists of 70 percent water; a loss of only 10 percent of that water will result in the bird’s death. And, a single day without water will cause a layer to stop laying.

Water molecules consist of two atoms of hydrogen and one of oxygen.

But contaminated water is a mixture of a variety of substances dissolved or suspended in it, and these added materials can drastically affect flock performance. Water should be clear, odourless, tasteless and sterile for the poultry flock.

Water is a major component of blood and plays a major role in transporting nutrients to the cells and carrying waste away. Water is also a primary element in three of the most important processes that occur in chickens – digestion and respiration, which is key to thermoregulation, and get rid of body wastes.

Good quality, fresh water should be flowing through the drinking system before day old chicks are placed in the chicken house.

Providing adequate, good quality water to the growing flocks is critical to achieve good performance. Water makes 70% of a grown chicken’s body weight and 85% of the weight of a chick; therefore it is essential to maintain the bird’s water weight. In layers, in order to achieve good hen days at the end of the cycle, birds must have a constant supply of good quality water.

Water is an essential nutrient for life.

Consumption may be limited if water is too hot or contaminated with excess minerals. Water and food consumption rates are interdependent, so reduced water intake will also lead to reduced food intake. Apart from temperature, there are other factors that affect water intake.

For example, a chicken drinks between 30 and 50% more water when the environmental temperature is above 32°C when compared to 21°C.

65

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The temperature of drinking water should be between 10°C and 15°C for the most comfortable consumption by mature birds, but some studies have indicated that water temperature of about 25°C reduces mortality in chicks.

Temperatures over 30°C will reduce water consumption. Birds will refuse to drink if water temperatures are over 44°C, thus resulting in growth retardation in broilers and decreased egg production in layers.

Another factor is the type of drinkers used. A bird’s water requirement increases by 6,5% per degree Celsius over 21°C. Therefore, it is imperative that the drinking equipment used should meet the demanding needs for that bird.

It is important to have a clean water system before the beginning of each cycle. The subsequent procedure is a guideline for cleaning water systems.

ProAgri Zambia 52

Procedure for cleaning water systems • Drain pipes and header tanks • Flush lines with clean water • Physically scrub header tanks to remove scale and biofilm deposits.

• Drain tank to the exterior of the house • Refill tank with fresh water and add an approved water sanitiser • Run the sanitiser solution through the drinker lines from header tank, ensuring there are no air locks • Fill up header tank to normal operating level with additional sanitiser solution to the appropriate strength.

Replace lid. Allow disinfectant to remain for a minimum of four hours • Drain and rinse with fresh water • Refill with fresh water prior to chick arrival Water is the most essential nutrient birds receive, yet the quality of bird drinking water is often taken for granted. Providing flocks with a clean, wholesome supply can make a difference in performance. Should water be the suspect for flock problems, have water tested for total bacteria numbers as well as for mineral content.

Although total aerobic plate count will not specify what exactly is in the water, it is an indicator of excessive levels of bacteria that should be addressed. By promoting a regular water sanitation programme on a farm, producers can prevent the elements in water systems that could lead to poor bird performance. Poultry producers who want to optimise their flock performance would be well advised to spend time evaluating the quality and quantity of water provided to their birds.

REMEMBER: Birds will tend not to eat if there is no water available.

Contact Given Hamanungu, Technical Advisor, at +26-097-5403834 or givenhams@gmail.com for more information.

5

Useful tips from Novatek:

Pond pr epar at ion − a key element to t ilapia f ar ms

I

s your pond producing less than it should? Well, one of the common causes can be insufficient nutrients to support fish growth, especially in semiintensive and extensive pond systems.

Pond preparation is a key element in any pond production system.

Pond preparation involves liming and fertilisation to provide an ideal environment for tilapia to grow.

Drain The first step in pond preparation is to drain your pond after harvest, removing any sludge from the pond bottom along with any mortalities that may have occurred. Thereafter, you should let the pond dry for 10 to 14 days.

Lime The second step is liming your pond.

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Liming will help improve pond soil quality, provides CO2 for photosynthetic organisms and will help combat parasites within the pond. One common practice is to use agricultural lime which is relatively cheap and abundant. The agricultural lime or calcium carbonate should be applied at a rate of approximately 50 to 200 g per square meter of pond area.

Alternatively, you could use slaked or quick lime which can be applied at approximately 20 to 50 g per square metre of pond area. The lime should be applied evenly across the whole bottom. It is not necessary to disc the lime into the soil, however this will improve its effectiveness. The liming process will remove the majority of unwanted organisms from the pond and improve the effectiveness of fertilisation. After the lime has been applied, you can fill

your pond to approximately half to twothirds. Thereafter, fertilisation can begin.

Fertilise Fertilisation is the third step in preparing your pond. It provides nutrients to the water, which stimulate the growth of algae and other organisms, such as insects that provide a nutrient source for your fish. When fertilising your pond, you can use either inorganic or organic fertilisers. These fertilisers should be applied at the optimum of 20 kg N and 5 kg P per hectare per week. Tables 1 and 2 can be used to determine how much fertiliser is needed.

Example of pond drainage.

ProAgri Zambia 52

Average NPK values for some common organic fertilisers Organic fertilisers

N (% by weight)

P (% by weight)

K (% by weight)

N

eq. P2O5

eq. K 2O

Swine manure

0,93

1,12

0,68

Dairy manure

0,72

0,46

0,73

Cattle manure

0,92

0,76

0,79

Chicken manure

2,71

3,02

1,74

Horse manure

0,50

0,34

0,52

Sheep manure

0,87

0,78

0,91

Composted, all types

1,09

0,78

1,00

Chicken litter

3,10

3,43

3,00

Cottonseed meal

6,34

2,31

1,88

Rice bran

1,98

3,16

2,09

Lucerne

0,74

0,14

0,64

Soya bean meal

7,31

1,47

2,30

Meat and bone scrap

7,79

15,09

-

For example, if you were to use a combination of high-grade urea (47-0-0) and DAP (21-52-0) to fertilise your 1 ha pond to the optimum of 20 kg N and 5 kg P per hectare per week, you would need 38,3 kg of urea and 9,6 kg DAP as seen in Calculation 1.

Calculation 1: Example of calculating fertilisation quantities Urea 38,3 kg x (47%, 0%, 0%) = 18 kg N, 0 kg P and 0 kg K

Table adapted from FAO, 2019 Average NPK values for some common inorganic fertilisers Inorganic fertiliser

Harvested tilapia

N (% by weight)

P (% by weight)

K (% by weight)

N

eq. P2O5

eq. K 2O

Basic slag

-

16-20

-

Super phosphate

-

14-20

-

Triple phosphate

-

44-54

-

Ammonium nitrate

33-35

-

-

Ammonium phosphate

18-21

48-52

-

Ammonium sulphate

20-22

-

-

Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP)

18-21

48-52

-

Calcium nitrate

15-16

-

-

Sodium nitrate

15-16

-

-

Urea

42-47

-

-

Potassium nitrate

13-14

-

44-46

Potassium sulphate

-

-

45-54

Potassium chloride

-

-

50-62

Table adapted from FAO, 2019

ProAgri Zambia 52

DAP 9,6 kg x (21%, 52%, 0%) = 2 kg N, 5 kg P and 0 kg K Total (38,3 kg urea + 9,6 kg DAP) = 20 kg N, 5 kg P and 0 kg K You can test if there is sufficient phytoplankton in the pond by placing your arm into the pond up to your elbow. If your hand is barely visible it means that your pond is ready to be filled and stocked.

Fertilising should proceed once or twice a week for 3 to 4 weeks after the fish have been transferred. Fertilisation can be gradually reduced as soon as the fingerlings start eating the newly introduced artificial feed. As soon as the fish have been weaned onto artificial feed alone, feed must be available as often as possible. The fertilisation of semi-intensive pond systems can allow for the growth of fingerlings to around 100 g per fish, depending on stocking density, after which supplementary feed should be provided for optimal growth.

You may contact Wiehan Visagie at wiehan.visagie@novatek.co.zm or MarnĂŠ Visagie at nutritionist@ novatek.co.zm for any information on feeding and feeds.

7

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www.freight-innovations.co.za 9

Create the perfect environment for your dairy cattle: Part 9

The benefits and disadvantages of fishbone and rotating parlour structures

by Eksteen Lindeque and Petrus Britz (Pr Eng) 10

ProAgri Zambia 52

NERIA’S INVESTMENTS LTD LEADERS IN AGRO COMMODITY TRADING THE MOST AFFORDABLE P R I C E S O F CO M P O U N D D A N D U R E A I N T H E CO U N T R Y

Saturnia House, Opp. Ndeke Hotel Longacre’s Tel: +260 211 244 505/6

E-mail: info@neriainvestments.com

www.neriainvestments.com

UPGRADE PERFORMANCE. TOP YIELDS. CUT COST. UPGRADE COST.

LSK - MALAMBO ROAD LSK H.O -Plot sub v / farm 403a Lilayi road Lilayi P.O.Box 31980 Lusaka

+260 967 640 126 +260 961 580 785

feedsales@nmc.co.zm

Malambo Kabwata Showgrounds Chelstone Kalingalinga Chilenje Makeni Westgate Matero Zani Muone Zingalume Chilanga Libala South Eastern Western Central Southern Copperbelt Northern Provinces

BROILER STARTER

BROILER GROWER CONCENTRATES

ProAgri Zambia 52

BROILER FINISHER

11

Fishbone milking parlour Cows enter these parlours in groups and stand at an angle to the milking pit, so that only the udder part of the cow is exposed to the labourer (Figure 1).

This layout reduces the distance between the udders significantly and saves walking time and effort between milking points. The measurements of the majority of fishbone milking

parlours are 965 mm to 1 114 mm.

Many variations of the fishbone parlour, sometimes called the ‘para-bone’, have been installed, which reduced the distance between cows to 760 mm and 860 mm. Standard fishbone parlours vary in size from 4 to 20 milking points at each side of the pit (Armstrong, 1993).

As the dairies grew larger, there was

also a demand for larger milking parlours. Increasing the number of milking points in a fishbone parlour with a double row of milking points, made very little difference to the capacity. With larger milking parlours, the number of cows to be milked at one time increases and time is wasted during entry and exit. A cow that milks slowly holds up the other cows. This inspired the development of the polygon, a square fishbone parlour (see Figure 2) and the trigonal parlour, a three-sided fishbone parlour (see Figure 3).

With the development of speed-exit parlours (rapid exit) in the late eighties, fewer trigonal and polygon parlours were built (Armstrong, 1993).

Fishbone parlours are suitable for dairies with 200 to 500 cows.

Benefits of fishbone milking parlours: • Low construction cost compared to other milking parlours, because of the smaller floor surface.

• Minimum maintenance.

• Low cost per milking pit.

• Ideal for a herd still to be extended.

A double row fishbone parlour can be built with only one side to be used initially, until the herd size warrants the use of both sides.

• Low labourer fatigue as udders are only 914 mm to 1 200 mm apart and claw pieces can be fitted quicker.

• The parlour is easy to clean because of the minimum framework and floor area.

It is alleged that cows adapt easier to

Figure 1: Fishbone parlour.

Figure 2: Polygon milking parlour.

12

ProAgri Zambia 52

a fishbone parlour as nervous cows are more confident because of the body contact with other cows.

Disadvantages: • A cow that milks slowly delays an entire group.

Rotating parlour In this type of parlour, cows are milked on a rotational, raised, circle shaped platform. There are many variations of this type of parlour, based on the way the cows stand on the platform.

They can stand in tandem (see Figure 4), fishbone (see Figure 5) or parallel (see Figure 6) formation, with their heads directed towards the inside or the outside of the platform.

The most logical choice is the parallel type with the heads of the cows directed inward, as this takes up the least space per cow. The labourers remain in the same position on the outside of the platform, while the cows move in rotation towards them. The speed of the platform can be controlled to give the labourers sufficient time to prepare the cow and fit the claw piece (Engelbrecht, 1991).

Rotating milking parlours usually consist of round steel platforms that turn on rollers and are driven by electric or hydraulic motors. Another type of rotating parlour – which originated in New Zealand – consists entirely of concrete and has a platform that floats on a water pillow. This type of parlour’s drive requirement is a third of that of a conventional rotating milking parlour (Engelbrecht, 1991).

One of the difficulties of rotating parlours is the possibility of injuries to cows when they enter or leave the parlour. New parlours, however, have various mechanisms to make provision for this risk, including light censors and crushes. The entrance gate allows only one cow to enter the platform at a time. As the cow moves through the gate, her progress is monitored by light censors, which makes the platform rotate slower or stop if she takes too long to climb on. If the springloaded crush gate notices that the cow is being crushed, the rotation direction is reversed immediately to relieve the pressure. This prevents injuries to

Figure 3: Trigonal milking parlour.

Figure 4: Tandem turntable.

ProAgri Zambia 52

13

NoseRing® NoseRing ®

Wean with ease |with No stress • Wean ease | Next to the mother

• No stress • Next to the mother

Whole Concepts cc PO Box 1806, Vryburg,8600, South Africa

Tel: +27 (0)53 927 4999

Tel: +27 927459 4999 Cell:(0)53 +27 (0)82 9451 Cell: judy@nosering.co.za +27 (0)82 459 9451 E-mail: judy@nosering.co.za www.nosering.co.za www.nosering.co.za PO Box 1806, Vryburg, 8600, South Africa

Figure 5: Fishbone turntable.

Figure 6: Parallel turntable.

14

ProAgri Zambia 52

cows if they are crushed between the wall and the moving framework of the platform. With new generation rotating platforms, the cow controls the platform and not the labourer (Field, 1998).

Benefits: • High cow flow.

• Minimum walking distance for labourers.

Disadvantages: • High cost compared to other types of milking parlours.

• Greater maintenance cost.

• Risk of mechanical failure that can end the entire milking process.

• The dairy cannot be extended.

Figure 7: Fishbone turntable with cows’ heads directed to the outside.

ProAgri Zambia 52

Next month we shall take a look at rapid exit milking parlours and related structures. Published with acknowledgement to the ARC Agricultural Engineering for the use of their manuals. Visit www.arc. agric.za for more information.

15

Zambia’s tobacco farming calendar:

by Jaco Cilliers

Here’s what you need to know 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.

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 criminal activity. Before embarking on tobacco farming, it is essential to register with the Tobacco Board of Zambia (TBZ).

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 acid-

ity 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 products. 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

Roland Imperial Tobacco brands are manufactured locally and use the finest of locally grown tobacco blends, giving them a high quality and fresh taste.

Tel: ( + 260 ) 211 256 649 l enquiries@rolandtobacco.com www.rolandtobacco.com l Nangwenya Road, Lusaka 16

ProAgri Zambia 52

Tel: ( + 260 ) 211 256 649 enquiries@rolandtobacco.com / www.rolandtobacco.com Nangwenya Road, Lusaka

Roland Imperial Tobacco is an indigenous Zambian owned company that was incorporated in 2001 to manufacture, trade and sell cigarettes and other tobacco related products. The company is effectively administered via two autonomous divisions which are both headed by a General Manager. The two divisions are Manufacturing Division and Trading Division. The overall head of RITCO is the Executive Chairman who is also the Chief Executive Officer. RITCO limited boasts of the first cigarette manufacturing plant in Zambia located in Lusaka. Roland Imperial Tobacco brands are manufactured locally and use the finest of locally grown tobacco blends, giving them a high quality and fresh taste. Zambia grows some of the best tobaccos in the world.

Roland Imperial Tobacco (RITCO) established a cigarette manufacturing plant in Lusaka and commenced production of the LIFE and GUARDS brands of cigarettes which come in two variants, these being LIFE FULL FLAVOUR and LIFE MENTHOL packed in hard hingedlid packs 20s and also in 2s; GUARDS FULL FLAVOUR and GUARDS MENTHOL packed in soft packs 20s. The factory is currently situated along Kafue Road on Plot No. F397A/D11TT and has three production lines with a combined installed capacity of 21,000 sticks per minute.

The tobacco processing plant comprises a green leaf threshing plant and a primary processing plant, with a capacity to process 4tonnes of tobacco per hour. Roland Imperial Tobacco focuses on building customer relations. We believe customers are at the core of our business and are the most valued stake holders. We offer customers good prices, variety product mix and efficient and effective Sales team that meet their needs and requirements.

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

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.

Roland Imperial Tobacco is an indigenous Zambian owned company that was incorporated in 2001 to manufacture, trade and sell cigarettes and other tobacco related products.

Tel: ( + 260 ) 211 256 649 l enquiries@rolandtobacco.com www.rolandtobacco.com l Nangwenya Road, Lusaka 18

ProAgri Zambia 52

ProAgri Zambia 52

19

At QBS, foundation seed multiplication is our business.

YOUR INVESTMENT: (Y) cents RETURNS: (Y) = 25,000,000 kernels WHY QBS? • • • • • • • •

Financial Resources Competent Staff Technical Capacity Quality Control Economies of Scale Confidentiality Production Cold Storage Facilities

Make every kernel count.

Put it in the right hands.

The Finest Parent Seed for Africa 20

ProAgri Zambia 52

Quality certified seed is critical in improving agricultural productivity in Africa T

o enhance agricultural productivity, improve food security and raise domestic economic activity among smallholder farmers within the continent that is dependent on agriculture for economic mainstay, there is need to use improved, quality certified seeds to increase yields for farmers.

Quality certified seed is critical to enable farmers to raise agricultural productivity, increase income and reduce poverty. However, farmers continue to suffer low crop yields and even frequent crop failure due to the use of poor-quality seed or reduced availability of better performing seed.

A critical component to the realisation of quality certified seed is foundation seed or parent seed, also known as early generation seed. Still, many of the independent seed companies that service Africa’s smallholder markets have difficulties with production and maintenance of quality foundation seed, resulting in a low and inconsistent supply, which in turn impacts the

Luiz Silva, Production Consultant, and Davison Silungwe, Production and Supply Manager, are very satisfied with the progress of their maize.

Foundation seed doesn’t shy away from any other seed cultivar. availability of certified seed for sale to farmers. It is estimated that 80 percent of the small and medium sized seed companies, who can reach more than 60 percent of smallholder farmers in SSA, struggle to produce a consistent supply of quality foundation seed due to technical, infrastructural and financial challenges.

To assist seed companies addressing the challenge of accessing essential parent seed to ensure consistency in production of foundation seed, QualiBasic Seed Company (QBS) is scaling up its operations in Africa to offer a commercially sustainable foundation seed supply solution to seed companies and farmers in Africa. QBS supports seed companies in SSA to ensure the quality of certified seed by operating a centralised system that manages foundation seed production, quality control

Davison Silungwe is all smiles when he admires the results of QBS’ good quality seed.

ProAgri Zambia 52

and storage, in a highly effective and efficient way.

Recently, QBS commissioned a seed processing plant in Zambia where the company has invested in the latest processing equipment from PETKUS, which allows each grain of seed to be cleaned, separated into sizes, and any contamination by foreign bodies removed using an array of cleaners, sizers and gravity separation. Once processed, the seed can then either go into cold storage or be treated and bagged for sale. This use of gentle, high precision equipment is another critical step in producing high quality seed.

According to the QBS managing director Andy Watt, it is paramount for seed producers to observe high standards in seed production. “As a company specialised in production of foundation seed for independent seed companies, we work with seed companies to help them realise their goal of producing quality certified seed by taking off the burden of foundation seed production from them,” said Watt during the commissioning of the plant in Zambia. He pointed out that QBS is committed to producing and preserving seed quality, giving significant attention to details in the field production stages.

To ensure the quality of the seed is preserved, the production facility allows for selection of seed from any stage in the process and puts it into cold storage where the seed can be kept in the very best condition for extended periods at 10 degrees centigrade and 50 percent humidity – these cool and dry conditions are key to preserving quality.

“Once we have received an order, we put the seed through our latest rotary batch treater to apply appropriate seed treatments to assure the best germination and early season growth of the plant and then finally we bag and label the seed for sale in multiples of 1 000 kernels, reflecting the high quality and indeed high value of QBS foundation seed,” explains Watt.

Beginning this year, QBS will include a polymer coating in the seed treatment process to ensure the seed flows and transports well, the seed treatment remains on the seed, improving field performance as well as reducing exposure of operators to any dust and chemicals.

The company will continue to make foundation seed production more cost effective and efficient for seed companies so that they can improve their production cycles by being able to access high quality foundation seed in a timely manner.

Contact Davidson Silungwe at 096-609-0228 or Davison@Qualibasicseed.com or info@Qualibasicseed.com to get more information.

21

The Strength to Weight Ratio Industry Leader

www.reinke.com Patrick Ellis 22

+27 (0)31 350 4525

patrickellis@reinke.com

ProAgri Zambia 52

The EDMP is the latest in a whole series of irrigation solutions offered to farmers in Africa all the way from Nebraska in America, but all the parts, service, and expertise that a farmer may need is available locally.

offers solutions for Africa

Meet the new Engine Driven Mini Pivot The new Reinke Engine Driven Mini Pivot (EDMP) is ideal for areas where there is no reliable power supply.

T

he pivot still reigns as king in the irrigation world, but limited access to a reliable power supply, or expensive electricity and inadequate water pressure often prevent farmers from taking this huge step forward.

With Reinke’s new Engine Driven Mini Pivot (EDMP) an extensive farmer can now choose the best spot on his farm to plant some lucerne for his cattle, without worrying about getting electricity to that point. He only needs to take his can of petrol, start the engine, and watch his three hectares wholesome lucerne grow.

Small farmers with access to flowing rivers or water pipelines in irrigation schemes can now also move away from manual and labour intensive irrigation methods such as flood irrigation or quick coupling pipe systems, and move to the king!

The beauty of the EDMP is that you do not need as much inlet water pressure as you need for a water driven pivot.

A farmer can also choose the towable version to keep more than one field going with the same pivot.

The EDMP does not have a control panel, but offers a choice of gearboxes determining the moving speed of the pivot and thus the application rate.

There is a low, standard, and high speed gearbox that will determine the speed of the pivot at the same engine revolutions per minute (rpm).

Powering the EDMP is a 4-kW petrol engine. The 22,7-litre tank will propel the pivot for at least 16 hours, even when the engine is running at full speed. For proper irrigation, the engine will never run full speed. A steel cover protects the motor from the elements.

Different gearboxes determine the speed at which the pivot moves, and no further control is needed. There is also no cable theft!

Reinke’s experts can help a farmer to choose the correct span length, overhang, wheel size, gearbox, and spray package. Any of the Reinke dealers in Southern Africa can install the pivot on the farm and supply pumps and pipes.

Span lengths on the EDMP vary from 41,8 m to 65 m, and the end boom or overhang can be from 12,8 m to 32 m long. In total the EDMP will not be longer than 97 m.

A steel cover protects the motor from the elements, and all that is needed to get your Mini Pivot going is some petrol in the tank.

ProAgri Zambia 52

Reinke leads pivot technology Reinke is the only pivot manufactured with a high-strength steel structure.

The high-tensile steel structure, combined with superior engineering, has created an irrigation system that is lightweight, and uncompromisingly durable at the same time. The result is an up to 50% stronger structure weighing as much as 20% less.

In 1968 Reinke changed the centre pivot industry with the introduction of the first reversible, electric drive centre pivot with a collector ring, allowing for continuous rotation. Reinke was also the first pivot with a span more than 30 metres in length.

Today Reinke is still at the leading edge of innovation with the Reinke Precision Management Control Panels, the remote monitoring and control options through ReinCloud, Reverse Towable Pivots and Flexible Three Wheel Base Beam.

Reinke grows with Africa Reinke has been part of agricultural growth and development in Africa for many years and recently anchored themselves even more strongly in Africa with the opening of a complete warehouse and parts centre in Durban, South Africa. That means fast and efficient service all over Africa.

“We would never have reached the growth we have without the right team,” says Patrick Ellis, Manager Reinke SA. Patrick and his team can provide a turnkey solution including project design, supply, and installation of all the equipment, as well as operational and maintenance training.

"I have a very capable team in the warehouse under Dhliep Bissessar, Warehouse Manager, and we have strong technical support and after sale services with Jaco Scheepers as Technical Sales Manager and Paul van den Berg as the Technical Service Engineer."

Pivots from Reinke South Africa are creating fertile fields in Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia, Mauritius, Nigeria, Sudan, Algeria, Guinea, and Senegal.

Patrick says: "We have shown enormous growth over the last couple of years. This is not only due to the superior quality and reasonable price of the Reinke pivot, but also because we understand that the success of our client is also our success!"

Contact Patrick Ellis at 031-3504525 or patrickellis@reinke.com, or visit www.reinke.com to find your nearest dealer.

23

Left: The massive macadamia plantation on Chalimbana is doing extremely well with the aid of Agrico’s microjet irrigation system. The microjets feeding every individual macadamia tree can be adapted for an expanding root system.

by Du Preez de Villiers

Agrico’s irrigation boosts the macadamia era M

acadamia nuts are here to stay despite the economic turbulences experienced in Zambia. In fact, it is a barrier against local fluctuations.

The Chisamba farming community is constantly reinventing themselves to remain strong, and macadamia nuts, focused on the export market, is one of the innovative trends.

Chalimbana Fresh Produce Ltd is a prominent farm in Chisamba. With the help of Agrico, they recently started to follow the macadamia route.

Alistair Sansom is the Director of Chalimbaba and he has been acquainted with Agrico since 2006, when he met them locally and was introduced to their quality products.

When he recently planted 30 ha macadamia trees, he consulted Agrico and concluded there was only one irrigation solution – a microjet system from Agrico. He planted 321 trees per hectare, 4 metres apart and 8 metres between the rows.

This was a massive project, but Agrico capably rose to the occasion. It was a very successful combined effort.

Chalimbana dug the trenches and Agrico could get down to business. Despite some delays in getting materials from South Africa and through the border posts, it only took them three months to complete the whole project.

The water is pumped through the system with two pumps equipped with 18,5 kW motors. They are controlled with dual variable speed drives and with Agrico’s web controller. The pressure is sensed continuously and the pumps react to the pressure requirement according to how many blocks Alistair would like to irrigate at any given time.

All of this happens automatically, but the grower has access via the internet to monitor the system and make adjustments manually. Agrico can also assist remotely to finetune the system or with fault finding, if necessary.

At the pump station, the highest

pressure is 500 kPa into a 200 mm PVC mother line. The pressure going into the microjets is set at 120 kPa. The 25 mm laterals feeding the microjets are manufactured from high quality Polyethylene Pipe. Each microjet provides 60 ℓ/h of irrigation water to each tree. The microjets have been installed initially with a concave spray plate that limits the throw distance of water to provide very specific irrigation directly onto the root zone of the young tree.

As the tree develops, a different spray plate will be fitted to increase the irrigated area, in accordance with a larger root zone.

Agrico’s irrigation system is also able to handle fertiliser.

Alistair is very satisfied with what he sees. “Although it is a new plantation, the response of the trees has been excellent so far. Instead of chemicals, I put bacterials through the system for pest control and soil health. The microjets are handling it without any hassle and I do not have to clean it at all. My only duty is to flush the system once a month,” he says.

The nearest Agrico support base is only 80 km away in Lusaka, and so far everything went as slick as can be.

“Nothing has gone wrong yet. Agrico reacted promptly and efficiently to all add-on requests and changes requested. They are very professional and a pleasure to work with,” Alistair says.

Agrico’s irrigation system allows for the application of chemicals and fertiliser like organic bacteria.

Alistair Sansom, Director of Chalimbaba, is very satisfied with the pump station designed and installed by Agrico to irrigate his macadamias.

ProAgri Zambia 52

Invest in an efficient, cost-saving irrigation system supported by a helpful and knowledgeable manufacturer. Contact Alfred Andrag on +27-82-824-1214 (cell), +27-21-950-4111 (landline) or send an e-mail message to alfred.andrag@agrico.co.za.

25

MZURI Zambia's best onion to plant later in the season for fast maturing export quality.

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ProAgri Zambia 52

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For more information contact: AFGRI Equipment Zambia +260762172412, sales@afgri.com.zm

Irrigation made easy part 4:

Water on your crops puts profit in your pocket

by Kevin Scott

D

rought is any farmer’s worst nightmare. Irrigating your crops will ensure a better harvest, and with advances in different types of irrigation, for example drip irrigation, the practice has become more accessible to farmers. You no longer need to have a river on your farm to be able to irrigate successfully.

Benefits of irrigation The quantity of natural rainfall that penetrates the soil and becomes available to a plant and the quantity of water needed by that plant for good crop production will seldom be the same. Irrigation is designed to meet the shortfalls in water supply that occur naturally, increasing production or ensuring good production.

For any selected crop, planting date, soil and climate, an analysis can be made of the quantity of water needed to ensure the best possible yield. We know that if less water is applied, plant growth and crop production will be reduced. If a plant has to work hard to get that water that it needs to merely survive, fruit, sugar, starch and leaf production will all suffer. For most types of crop and growing conditions, we would still expect some residual production if we did not irrigate to make up shortfalls in crop water demands.

Dry-land crop production is erratic and will depend largely on highly variable climatic conditions. Crop failures during droughts can cause severe economic hardship. Efficient irrigation can boost crop production and reduce the chance of crop failures.

Irrigation does, however, come at a cost. We need to consider the following: • Even under the best conditions, there is always a risk attached to water supply.

• It costs money to install and operate an irrigation system, and these costs must be recovered by the improvements in crop production.

• The cost of energy (electricity or diesel to motors that drive pumps) can be high.

• Increased crop production can usually 28

Irrigation can drastically improve crop production, but only when the correct management principles are applied.

Tomatoes can easily be damaged if water is sprayed directly onto the fruits or leaves. The type of irrigation should meet the needs of the specific crop chosen.

ProAgri Zambia 52

only be achieved with higher inputs in terms of management, fertilisers, labour, transport costs and marketing.

The benefit of irrigation can never be measured solely in terms of the value of increased production, but relates to increased profitability after all additional costs are considered.

Consider the following example of maize production in the Natal Midlands of South Africa: Irrigation will not magically transform an uneconomic dry-land situation into a winning profit situation. Inefficient irrigation, poor soils, or imperfect management can lead to increased losses instead of a benefit. For many different types of crop or soil conditions, there will be no benefit in irrigation unless the best management practices for that farming system are achieved and maintained. Even then, it is not certain that a benefit will be gained in every year. Irrigation benefit is often only seen in terms of long-term average profits.

It is important to distinguish between potential and achievable results.

Suitability of a system for a chosen crop Many types of irrigation systems may not be suitable for a chosen crop.

When individual types of systems are discussed, it is often advisable to indicate the suitability of that system for various crops.

No irrigation system is ideally suited to all crops. A farmer who uses an existing system should be aware of system limitations.

A garden sprayer placed on the ground could, for instance, not be used to irrigate a tall crop such as maize.

Water would spray up against the plant leaves and proper distribution of water over a wide area could not be achieved.

This type of emitter would normally only be used to irrigate shorter crops such as cabbages planted in rows.

A crop like tomatoes is sensitive to water droplets that fall on the fruit.

Sunlight shining directly onto water droplets can burn spots on the tomato.

Ideally, a tomato crop would be irrigated using a flood or dripper system.

Any crop will have inherent system design limitations.

Similarly, soils can define the type of system that should be used. The rate at which water infiltrates into the soil could limit application rates, cycle times, or even the selection of a type of irrigation system.

Irrigation practice Operating, maintaining and managing an irrigation system entail the control of elements that will affect the performance of the system. This section discusses many of the most imporProAgri Zambia 52

29

tant elements of irrigation practice.

Pressure Water can flow from a high to a lower tank by gravity. To transfer water from the low to the higher tank we need to do work. Energy must be spent to lift the water to a higher level. If we raise the end of either hose to the level of water in the tank, water will stop flowing through the pipe. The height to which we need to raise the end of a hose before all flow through the openend stops can be expressed in terms of a height above ground level at that point. Pressure is measured either in terms of the forces exerted on the pipe wall (kPa), or pressure head (metres).

In essence, water supplied from a tank raised to a height of 10 m above the outlet is delivered at 10 m head, or 100 kPa. Each type of emitter (water outlet) used in an irrigation system is designed to operate with water supplied at a certain fixed pressure. Water must be supplied at this pressure for the system to work properly.

Changes in working pressure will change the way that water is distributed. Consider a sprinkler designed to operate at a 30 m head. Higher or lower pressures will alter the pattern of distribution both through the air and as that water sinks into the soil. It is im-

portant to know the correct operating pressure for emitters used in the field and to control pressure in an irrigation system.

Gauges in the field should always be clearly marked with the correct operating pressure for the system at that point.

Next month we shall take a look at the labour costs of irrigation. This series is published with acknowledgement to the ARC Agricultural Engineering for the use of their manuals.

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

Depending on the type of crop, soil conditions and size of the field, these sprinklers can be beneficial over larger irrigation systems such as centre pivots.

30

ProAgri Zambia 52

Rhino 300

Patrick Moonga Lusaka

Rainmaker 200

Mobile: +260 (0) 978 386660 Office: +260 (0) 211 241286 moonga@saroagri.co.zm

Rainmaker 200 4x4

Clubman 100

Greenkeeper 200

Sportsman 120

The most versatile irrigation system on the market Cane Master 300

www.rotrixafrica.co.za

ProAgri Zambia 52

Hose Master 50/100 31

Turn your crops into condiments and seasonings: Part 5

Tomato Chutney

by Theresa Siebert

Y

ou can earn more for your produce than the current market prices.

If you add value to your produce by processing and packaging it, you can increase your profit by selling processed condiments at higher prices. In the previous edition of this series we covered peach chutney. This month the focus is on tomato chutney.

Chutney is a sweet, tangy condiment that is served with curries, hot and cold meats and savouries. Tomato chutney may be prepared from both green and ripe tomatoes, along with onion, sugar, vinegar and various other ingredients, including spices. It is packaged in glass bottles and has a shelf-life of several months at cool temperatures.

Tomato chutney can be made from green or ripe tomatoes. For green tomato chutney, the tomatoes are picked at full size, just prior to it turning colour. It should be free from rot and disease. Minor blemishes can be tolerated as these are easily trimmed away.

When ripe tomatoes are used, the tomatoes are picked in the firm-ripe stage. Selective hand picking enables the fruit to be sorted in the field. Any sunburnt, overripe and infected tomatoes are discarded.

Peeled, chopped onion, brown sugar and vinegar are basic ingredients of any chutney. Peeled, chopped apples (preferable Granny Smith) and sultanas 32

are popular additions to tomato chutney. A wide selection of spices can be added. Green tomato chutney favours the addition of mustard, cinnamon, cloves, cayenne pepper, chillies, and garlic. Ripe tomato chutney blends well with allspice, curry powder, garlic, chilli powder, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.

(Please consult recipe books for precise chutney formulations.)

It is always better to wash the to-

Tomatoes. Photo: Pixabay.com. matoes before using them in a recipe, especially if the tomatoes are soiled or have been sprayed with chemical pesticides. Washing takes place in a water bath with soft brushes.

Peeling tomatoes is easy when following this simple hint. The tomatoes are scalded for approximately 1 minute

Processing tomatoes into tomato chutney can increase your profit.

Photo: Pixabay.com.

ProAgri Zambia 52

in hot water or steam at 98 to 100 °C. The tomatoes are then given a cold water dip or spray. This rapid drop in temperature helps to loosen the skin for easy peeling without loss of subsurface tissue. The cooled tomatoes are given a shallow slit at the blossomend and the peel is pulled off using a sharp knife.

Onions are topped and tailed and given a lateral slit before the outer shell is peeled off. Apples are peeled and cored by hand or special handdriven apparatus.

Chopping of tomatoes and other fruit is done by hand using stainless steel knives, hand driven apparatus or small electric food processors. The size of the fruit pieces will have a great effect on the consistency of the end product.

During the cooking process, all the ingredients are combined in a large saucepan or batch cooker and slowly heated until all the sugar has dissolved. The heat is turned up to bring the mixture to boil and then left to simmer (uncovered) until the moisture starts to thicken (usually after about 45 minutes). Occasional stirring is required to prevent pieces from settling on the bottom and burning.

Glass jars used for the preservation of food should be of high quality, without any cracks or chips and should form tight seals. These are various methods of sterilising jars involving either dry or moist heat.

Oven method: The clean jars are placed upright in a cold oven, allowing an even spacing between the jars.

The temperature is set on 160 °C and the jars are left to spend a minimum of 30 minutes in the oven. The hot bottles are removed from the oven using gloves and tongs.

Boiling method: The clean jars are placed lying down in a deep pot and covered with cold water. The water is brought to boil. After 10 minutes of boiling, the jars are removed using gloves and tongs. The jars are placed upright on a wooden board and are

ready to fill.

Steam method: Jars can be sterilised by saturating the interior with steam.

This can be done by simply holding the open neck of the jar over the spout of a steam generator, water boilers or even kettles for 1 minute. Tongs or clams are necessary to handle the hot jars.

NB: Take note that as a general rule, hot food goes into hot jars and cold food into cold jars.

Filling involves displacing the air in the container with a food product prior to sealing. The hot chutney is filled into the hot, sterilised jars, leaving virtually no room on top. This is important since

the hot chutney shrinks upon cooling.

The filled jars are left to cool before they are sealed with suitable, tightfitting lids. Metal lids are generally not suitable since the high acid content would cause corrosion of the metal, leaving the product inedible. Specially lined or lacquered lids are required.

The containers are labelled and coded so that the product contains all the necessary information. The labelling of these containers should be done in accordance with the labelling legislation of Zambia to ensure that the correct product details and nutritional information is displayed.

The chutney is stored in a cool, airy, dark place. Once the seal has been broken, it requires refrigerated storage.

LITERATURE SOURCES 1. Arthley, D. & Dennis, C. 1991.

Vegetable Processing. New York: Blackie.

2. Arthley, D. & Ashurts, P.R. (eds) 1996. Fruit Processing. London: Blackie Academic & Professional.

3. Fellows, P. 1988. Food Processing Technology: Principles and Practice. Chichester: Ellis Horwood, Ltd. 4. Macrae, R. et al. 1993. Encyclodaedia of Food Science, Food Technology and Nutrition. pp. 2960 - 2966 5. Potter, N.N. & Hotchkiss, J.H. 1995. Food Science. 5th ed. New York: Chapman & Hall.

Jars or bottles can be used for packaging and storage. The jars need to be properly cleaned and without any cracks or faults. Photo: Pixabay.com.

6. Luh, B.S. & Woodroof, H.G. 1988. Commercial Vegetable Processing. 2nd ed. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

7. Gould, W.A. 1992. Tomato Production, Processing & Technology.

3rd ed. Timonium, Maryland: CTI Publications, Inc. 8. Somogyi, L P, Ramaswamy, H S & Hui, Y H. 1996. Processing fruits: Science and Technology: Vol 1 & 2. Lancaster: Technomic Publishing Co.

Onions are one of the ingredients that you can also produce on the farm or in your vegetable patch. Onions are one of the key ingredients for tomato chutney. Photo: Pixabay.com.

ProAgri Zambia 52

Next month we shall take a look at the production of ginger oil.

Published with acknowledgement to the ARC Agricultural Engineering for the use of their manuals.

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

33

Composting and composting systems Part 1:

How to make compost

by Ben Havenga

Creating your own compost will allow any small-scale farmer or gardener to produce higher yields and better quality crops and vegetables.

Y

our vegetable garden at home can be transformed into a growing, sustainable food source without having to buy expensive chemical fertilisers.

Making your own compost is cheap and will rejuvenate your garden soil, ensuring you the best quality vegetables that you can produce. This series will explain the making and benefits of organic compost in your backyard.

This first part will explore how to make good compost in your garden.

Compost forms continually in nature as plants decompose and animals die.

Decomposition is the process in which organic material (plant and animal remains) is broken down into simpler components by bacteria and micro-organisms. As a result of decomposition 34

into compost, an earthy, dark, crumbly substance is formed. This substance is called humus and contains nutrients necessary for plant growth.

Compost or humus acts like a sponge, thus helping the soil to retain moisture and plant nutrients. The crumbly structure helps breaking down heavy clay soils and binding sandy soils to a loamier soil. Quick run-off of water and erosion is reduced by humus, and soil drainage is improved drastically.

Because of the nutritious nature of compost, the need for chemical fertilisRecycle your organic household refuse to create compost that can improve your soil quality and fertility.

ProAgri Zambia 52

ers is greatly reduced if not eliminated.

This leaves an excellent opportunity for any gardener or small-scale farmer to produce his own compost for his crops or gardens by using easy accessible materials like grass clippings, animal manure, leaves or any available substance that is suitable for composting.

How to make compost Composting is a matter of providing the ideal environmental conditions for micro-biological life. This can be obtained by providing the following factors: Air Microbes responsible for composting are called aerobic micro-organisms − the composting heap must therefore be sufficiently aerated. If not, slow decomposition will occur. Anaerobic microbes will take over if the compost heap is not well aerated and this will lead to bad odours given off by the heap. Green grass clippings and wet leaves are examples of composting materials that mats down easily and should be thoroughly mixed with materials like sawdust and straw for better functioning of the compost heap. The heap should also be turned with a spade or garden fork to give it a more "fluffed-up" condition for better aeration.

Water The compost heap must be moist, but not waterlogged, almost like a wrungout sponge. If the heap is too wet, it will inhibit decomposition and will release bad odours. At the ideal moisture content there is a thin film of water around each particle in the heap, that improves the distribution and activity of microbes. If the pile is too dry, it will slow down composting significantly.

In dry conditions it may be necessary to wet the compost heap from time to time, and in wet conditions, to provide cover over the heap to prevent too much water from penetrating.

To test moisture content, take a handful of compost and squeeze it in

your fist. A few drops of water should be released. If the heap gets too wet, it can be corrected by turning the heap to allow moisture to evaporate. You can also add some dry materials like straw or sawdust to absorb the excess moisture.

Heat Heat in the compost heap is a sign that the micro-organisms are at work. If the moisture content and oxygen in the heap are sufficient, the temperature may well exceed 55°C. 55°C is a desirable temperature because all weed seeds and fly larvae are killed and more microbes are present, therefore the warmer the heap, the quicker the decomposition. It is helpful to insulate the heap to contain the heat inside.

Food The nitrogen/carbon ratio in a compost heap is of the utmost importance. Nitrogen can be obtained from "greens", such as materials like fresh grass clippings, fruit and vegetable

scraps, green leaves, coffee grounds, tea leaves and fresh manure. Carbon can be obtained from "browns" such as straw, sawdust, autumn leaves, cornstalks, et cetera. "Browns" are made up of long chains of sugar joined together and serves as energy for the microbes. "Greens" or nitrogen on the other hand is a critical element in amino acids and proteins and can be seen as a protein source for microbes to multiply.

In next month’s issue we shall take a look at the various materials that can be used to create a good quality compost.

We thank the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) of South Africa for the material they provided for the readers of Zambia. For more information visit their website www.arc.agric.za.

The structure of compost helps to keep soil loose and allow for better water drainage.

ProAgri Zambia 52

35

STUBBLE CULTIVATION IN AN ENTIRELY NEW LIGHT WHEN WORKING WITHOUT SIDE PULL. RUBIN 10 ▪ Fuel savings due to directional stability with no side pull ▪ Precise performance in the field with GPS steering systems ▪ DuraMaxx discs for a longer service life and longer operating times ▪ Comfortable harrow adjustment for optimal incorporation and levelling ▪ Safe driving performance both on the field and on the road due to a new transport wheel design

36

ProAgri Zambia 52

HIGHEST QUALITY PECAN TREES As pecan farmers ourselves, we have practical experience. Our clients are people who wanted the same, good quality trees that their neighbours and friends got from us.

We started the Nensis Trees nursery because of our own need for quality, cultivar pure trees.

• • • •

We are registered with SA Pecan Producers’ Association (SAPPA) and the South African department of agriculture (DAFF) Our trees meet the SAPPA standards for X-Large, Large and Medium trees Nensis is a registered exporter with experience in exporting pecan trees to other countries Our trees are grafted with DNA-tested scion wood from our own orchards

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 Zambia 52

37

38

ProAgri Zambia 52

ProAgri Zambia 52

39

2+

Ca 2+ Mg

•

& Quality • Increase stem thickness & diameter • Less risk of lodging

+

K

Ca

K

Mg

ANTI-BLOCKING AGENT:

optimizes Potassium penetration in the leaves & protects K against antagonisms in hard water with Ca and Mg.

DURABLE EFFECT

because Final K is absorbed into the leaf even in dry weather (when the relative humidity of the air is low) which is not the case of other potassium sources.

Outlined

by 40

ProAgri Zambia 52

Zambian study case: Standard water analysis of Zambia

•

Unit

Result

Guide High

Calcium (Ca)

ppm

71,5

> 60

Magnesium (Mg)

ppm

30,2

> 25

Bicarbonate (HCO3)

ppm

298

> 91

Hardness (CaCO3)

ppm

303

> 60

Hard water contains high levels of Bicarbonates, Calcium and Magnesium cations that lock out Potassium Cations.

Final K improve the Potassium uptake by blocking the impact of Bicarbonates, Calcium and Magnesium presents in water.

AD

EC O

MM

EN D

ON

T REC

O

R P

R

TI

•

Parameter

A

Cereals: 1 - 2 L/ha at stem elongation; 1 - 2 L/ha at beginning of ?owering.

Maize: 1 - 2 L/ha at 4 - 6 leaves stage Soya Bean:1 - 2 L/ha x 2 applications at early and end ?owering to mid-pod development.

Sugar Cane: 2 - 3 L/ha at plant development (stem elongation) and 2- 3 L/ha at ripening stage (not later than 3 weeks before harvest)

Steward Moonga Zambia steward@planthealthagri.com +260977505031

Eric Kalima Zambia eric@planthealthagri.com +260977486836

Angus Ker Sales and Marketing Manager East Africa angus.ker@tradecorp.rovensa.com

ProAgri Zambia 52

41

a UNITURTLE enterprise...

Cell: 0974 990928 / 0973 142990 Fax: 0211287528/0211 287611 Email: infolime@uniturtle.com

Chivuna, Mazabuka Tel: 03 233069

Plot 12913, Mumbwa Road Tel: 286057 / 286064 / 286258

Also available: Stock Feed lime & Stock Feed Grit

42

Lime Your Fields, Get Better Yields

Get better Yields: Using Turtle Agri-Lime!

FOR EACH TON OF FERTILISER, THE SOIL NEEDS ONE TON OF LIME

ProAgri Zambia 52

Zambian Pig Genetics is the distributor of Topigs Norsvin genetics in central Africa. Built on our global research, innovation and absolute commitment to integrity and biosecurity, our close partnership approach means your farm benefits directly from our experience, energy and passion.

TN Natural Service boar • Tough robust boar for any farm

TN Tempo boar (AI only) • Natural resistance to Circovirus • High born alive • Strong uniform pigs • Excellent growth & feed conversion • Good temperament

TN 60 sow • Excellent mothering characteristics • Large uniformed litters • Performs well in challenging environments • Great temperament

THE TRUSTED COMPANY THAT'S A BREED APART.

The only SPF pig herd in Zambia, which means we supply pigs that are free of diseases such as mycoplasma and APP.

GENETICS | TECHNOLOGY | SERVICE +260 762 589 884 | +260 972 788 521 | sales@zpgzambia.com

ProAgri Zambia 52

www.topigsnorsvin.co.za 43

Ensuring your worker is protected from head to toe in high quality safety equipment and work wear.

We manufacture a large range of Protective clothing covering all Industry sectors.

All garments are made in Zimbabwe.

Industrial Footwear, Rainwear, PPE, all available under one roof.

Heading out on patrol? Our scout shirts and trousers made in various bush colors along with all the accessories you need on a patrol.

Webbing belts, whistles, batons, water bottles, handcuffs, military boots, veldskoens, PVC Bivvy/Poncho, and sleeping bags.

44

Stylish outdoor adventure clothing for men and women.

Mazari is made from the finest 100% cotton fabrics.

Perfect for your corporate wear, Safari clothing or for your lodge,and front of house staff.

Follow Us On Facebook: @bronsonntselentis Instagram: tselentis group

www.tselentisgroup.com Please email us for quotations and all your PPE requirements. harry@tselentisgroup.co.zw tracey@tselentisgroup.co.zw taki@tselentisgroup.co.zw 62 MUTARE ROAD, MSASA HARARE, ZIMBABWE PHONE: +263867 7007066-69

WE WILL DELIVER TO LUSAKA.

ProAgri Zambia 52

[GLOUFOSINATE-AMMONIUM 200G/L SL] IS THE NONSELECTIVE POST- EMERGENCE HERBICIDE WHICH CONTROLS PERENNIAL, BIENNIAL, ANNUAL GRASSES AND BROADLEAF WEEDS IN ALL CROPS WITH NO RESIDUAL EFFECT IN THE SOIL. A balanced formulation of essential vitamins and

FA R MER ’ S S UP ER LI CK minerals for milking cows, pregnant cows and heifers

1. Weed- killing through leaves first instead of by roots first like during dry and rainy periods. glyphosate.

2. Weed killing by contact.

3. Effect in three days. Glyphoste needs 7-10 days 4. Application in all crops, including vegetables and fruits.

5. Good effect in some difficult weeds killing 6. Transplanting in 1-4 days. Glyphosate needs 20-30 days

FARMERS AFRICA AFRICA ((ZAMBIA) LTD FARMERS Z AM BIA) LT D (FACTORY OUTLET FOR VETENARY PRODUCTS & AGRICULTURE INPUTS)

FACTORY OUTLET FOR VETENARY & AGRICULTURAL INPUTS Plot. No 396A/67/D/1 MakeniPRODUCTS P.O.Box 34902, Lusaka, Zambia

PLOT No. 396A/67/D/1 Makeni, P.O. Box|34902, Lusaka - Zambia | Cell: +260 966 500 096 / +260 966 500 032 Contact: +260 978 463921 office: +260 966 500096 | +260 966 500032 E-mail: farmersafrica01@gmail.com / farmersafrica02@gmail.com / farmersafrica04@gmail.com E-mail:sales@farmersafrica.com |farmersafrica01@gmail.com

Fert Seed & Grain Ltd Zambian small scale farmers, do not be left out. Superfert fertilisers has become a household name among farmers in Zambia. Use high quality fertilisers from FSG Zambia for a good crop yield. When a client buys fertilisers from FSG Zambia, they also get to enjoy free technical support and a proper fertilisation program made for them.

Farmers in Zambia, do not gumble with fertilisers. Use fertilisers from FSG Zambia for a good crop yield. Call us on +26 097 761 0498 or +26 096 916 9563

ProAgri Zambia 52

45

Imtec Sales SKF Products and engineering solutions

Challenge power transmission parts

Ball and roller bearings Industrial and automotive bearings and kits Mining and special application bearings Agricultural bearings and oil seals Condition based monitoring

V and Wedge belts All types of couplings Conveyor and agricultural chains

Fasteners, bolts, nuts, washers etc.

Sparex Tractor spares and agricultural equipment

Bolts and nuts - MS, HT, SS, EG Threaded bars - SC, EG

Massey Ferguson Ford / New Holland Fiat Case International Landini and Tafe

Workshop accessories Welding accessories Workshop tools - general

Tivoly Cutting and drilling tools for:

Agricultural implements and parts Plough and harrow discs - Ovfas Kongskilde parts - range of tips Ground engaging tools and accessories Twist drills - HSS, SDS MAX

46

Concrete, Masonry, Metal, Plastic, Glass, Tile, Hardwood and Composite boards

COPPER BELT

LUSAKA

CENTRAL PROVINCE

SOUTHERN PROVINCE

Tel: +260 212 511 242 Cell: +260 979 773 830 alves@imtec.co.zm

Tel: +260 211 235 383 / 221 085 Cell: +260 978 217 217 imtec@zamnet.zm

Tel: +260 215 362 040 Cell: +260 964 355 746 anitraptors@gmail.com

Tel: +260 213 225 030 Cell: +260 978 777 919 greensolutions.sales@gmail.com

Johnson’s Arcade, Corner of Zaona Avenue & 16th Street, Luanshya

Plot 1663, Panganani Road, Lusaka P.O Box CH 310220

Raptor R us Plot 12/13, Buteko Avenue, Mkushi

Green Solutions Ltd. P.O Box 630 358, Choma

ProAgri Zambia 52

ProAgri Zambia 52

47

www.bigdutchman.co.za

modular clima te an d pr odu ctio n

VIPE R

ers

ge

a ti c

ana

Feed

Sow M

Always a step ahead with our housing and feeding equipment for modern poultry (broilers, layers) and pig production.

ster Ma Air

With Big Dutchman you’ve hit the bull’s eye!

nt

Au

me

to m

TOP QUALITY PRODUCTS

co mp ute r

Nipple Dr inkin gS yst em s

Vent Uni

Flu

xX

Bro

il e r

Sup

ple erTri

De

ck

Big Dutchman S. A. (Pty) Ltd PO Box 276 Edenvale Gauteng 1610 RSA, Tel. +27 11 452-1154, sales@bigdutchman.co.za Richard Scorgie, Zambia Office Tel. +26 97 778-4916, richard@bigdutchman.co.za

ADVERTISE HERE! Massey Ferguson 440

Massey Ferguson 475

2009 | 4x4 | 6 500 hours Good overall condition

2005 | 4x4 | 7 500 hours Very good condition

R 210 000

R 260 000 Export papers available to all African countries Transport not included but can be arranged

Massey Ferguson 290 1992 Rebuild

R 150 000

Sales, Services, Transport, Exports, Spares and more...

New/used spares for Massey Ferguson, Ford & Fiat tractors

Zainab pandor +26 (0)97 769 9786 zainab@proagri.co.za

Xander pieterse +27 (0)79 524 0934 xander@proagri.co.za

Gerhard Potgieter +27 (0)74 694 4422 gerhard@proagri.co.za

Anelda Strauss +27 (0)74 424 0055 anelda@proagri.co.za

Johan Swartz +27 (0)71 599 9417 johan@proagri.co.za

Tiny Smith +27 (0)82 698 3353 tiny@proagri.co.za

We are happy to assist you!

Philip: +27 (0)76-957-5924 Office: +27 (0)16-365-6369 Spares: +27(0)82-871-2458 www.randvaaltrekkers.co.za

117 Kapokblom Street, Valley Settlements, Meyerton (Next to R59 highway)

48

ProAgri Zambia 52

We sell the full range of Kymco ATVs including: MXU150, MXU250, MXU270, MXU450, MXU700

We sell a full range of Yamaha and Lifan motorcycles including: XTZ125, AG125, AG200, TW200, YZ125, DT125, DT175, YBR125, LF125GY

We sell Kymco’s SIDE x SIDE ATV’s including: UXV450 & UXV700

We sell an extensive range of Yamaha power products including engines, generators, pumps and lawnmowers

We sell the full range of Yamaha Marine motors including: F25, F40, F60, F70, F100, F115, F130, F150, F200 and more

+260 973 584 778 / +260 964 584 778 / info@bestofbikes.com www.bestofbikes.com

ProAgri Zambia 52

49

DEKALB SEED NEW LOCAL SEEDS

DKC80-33 • Early Maturing

DK777 • Medium Maturing

• Good tolerance to stress and diseases • Reliable yielder • Double cobbing potential

• Suitable for mid-altitude environments • Excellent yield • Double cobbing potential

DKC90-89 • Medium Maturing • Good poundability • Good tolerance to stress Should not be planted in Grey Leaf Spot hotspots • Very good Diplodia resistance

A successful growing season should always include Dekalb Maize seed varieties: The "trusted and stable" DK 777 (Shoma). Good yielder, stable, double cobbing potential, excellent flint grain quality and responds very well to good management (can tolerate higher plant populations).

Second in the rank is the "real deal" DKC 90-89 (Ngao-Ngao). Medium maturing hybrid with high yield potential of 12 tons/ha and good tolerance to stress. This forms the foundation of your success.

The "early maturing" DKC 80-33 (Tamanga) is the reliable yielder with double cobbing potential. It is an excellent hybrid for winter maize cropping. Secures your food security.

DKC80-53 • Medium Maturing • Excellent germination and emergence • Good tolerance to diseases (GLS, Blight, Rust and Cob Rot) • Suitable for mid-altitude environments

Look out for the official Bayer, shaping the Future of farming

50

launch!

Your post harvest advantage.

Easy to apply grain protection.

For more information: +260 762 582 102

ProAgri Zambia 52