ProAgri Zambia 55

ProAg Agri ri technology for the farmer

Z a m b i a No 55

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ProAgri is 25 years old!

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Contact details: Alfred Andrag | c: +27 82 824 1214 t: +27 21 950 4111 | f: +27 21 950 4208 | alfred.andrag@agrico.co.za

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W

e are celebrating! Our mother magazine, ProAgri South Africa, turned 25 years this year. As one of her offspring, we are celebrating just as enthusiastically, and we shall continue to celebrate with a special edition in October when ProAgri Zambia turns five.

ProAgri did a magnificent job in South Africa where we started a trend to deliver free and premium agricultural reading material, videos, and recently the Agri4All trading website where farmers can access offerings all over the region. Media synergy is the way forward in this highly competitive media industry. COVID-19 did not make it easier either, but we believe we have the recipe to continue our service to farmers and suppliers of agricultural technology during these interesting times and ahead.

Print media is declining, but we believe that African farmers will still benefit from it in the foreseeable future. Our platform for educational and informative articles is here to stay.

Content

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Here are a few quick facts about ProAgri: • 10 500 000 is the total number of copies distributed up to now • 650 000 000+ pages were filled • 1 070 000 kg of paper was used for this • 132 300 km is how far the pages will extend side by side: three times around the earth • 17 000 is the average number of words per issue • 178,5 billion words have been sent out into the world • 58 252 000 e-mail newsletters have been sent out over the past eight years • 5 countries now receive printed issues of ProAgri every month • 8 countries will be reached soon, also with television broadcasts and YouTube videos • 2015 is the year in which ProAgri Zambia was launched • 2018 is the year in which www.agri4all.com made its debut • 2019 is the year ProAgri Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe was born • 5 000 000+ people are now reached by all ProAgri's platforms every month In the spirit of celebration, we gave input suppliers an opportunity to tell us more about themselves in a special section. Enjoy this edition and keep every edition somewhere safe for generations to come.

Farm smartly!

Du Preez de Villiers dupreez@proagri.co.za

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48

3.

Yara: PhosSure prevents lick losses. Make the right choice.

5.

Profitable fishpond farming is within your reach

7.

Reduce ruminant weight loss with Novatek Winter 100

9.

Tiger Feeds supplementary feeding: Keep game and wildlife healthy and happy

11.

Jones Masjiene: Providing feed processing to Africa and abroad

15.

Irrigation made easy: Part 6

21.

You plant the crops; SENTER360 applies the water

23.

Reach every corner of the farm with the Reinke Mini centre pivot

27.

United Fertilizers: Potassium is the frontliner behind the scenes

35.

SeedCo: The impact of soil physics and soil life on crops

37.

Pick any size tractor at Saro Agro

39.

Omnia: MAXI GREEN™ ensures the right maize nutrition

41.

PlantCatalyst® deals with fertiliser shortage and increased costs

43.

PTH: Farm smarter with your water

45.

Zambian Pig Genetics: TN70 sows will push profits

47.

Yara, a leader in plant nutrition, tailor-made for the Zambian farmer

48.

AFGRI: Be a prepared farmer with Beroni

ProAgri Zambia 55

Cover

Letter from the Editor

Yara’s animal nutrition department distinguished themselves from the rest with their out-of-the-box thinking to make a difference in stock farmers’ lives. Read about their waterproof phosphorus supplement lick on page 3.

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 Candice Rieger > +27 83-292-3150 candice@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

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Now Available in ZAMBIA

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+260 211 254 024 / 497 / 498

ProAgri Zambia 55 admin@livestock.co.zm

PhosSure prevents lick losses.

Make the right choice

O

ne of the holy grail elements in the nutrition of cattle, sheep and goats is phosphorus (P) and it is impossible to overstate the importance of this component. Phosphorus is the second most plentiful mineral in the body (after calcium), and because it is important in nearly every biochemical aspect of metabolism, it has a huge influence on animal production and therefore on a farm’s profitability.

Phosphorous requirement Except for a basic P requirement for maintenance, any production above maintenance will increase the P requirement of an animal.

The rainy season is not only a time of active growth of animals, but most of the female animals are pregnant or lactating. Although green grass has an abundant supply of energy and protein, it lacks P and cannot provide the high P requirements of animals. Phosphorus supplementation in the summer is therefore especially important to overcome the gap between the animal’s requirements and what the veld can provide.

The reproductive rate of female animals is one of the most vital factors that determine the profitability of any production system. A recurring feature of animals grazing on acutely P-deficient pastures is unfortunately poor reproductive rates. The rumen microbes are mainly responsible for the digestion of feed and have a discrete requirement for phosphorous.

If this requirement is not met accordingly, the deficiency will be seen in a reduction of dry matter intake and reduced digestibility of forage. This directly influences the body condition of the grazing animal and more specifically, the breeding cow/ewe. The body condition of the breeding cow/ewe is of the utmost importance since the body score and the conception percentage are directly correlated (Meaker, 1991).

Conception percentage, together with other reproduction factors such as milk

Gone are the days of worrying about the forming of aflatoxins in your cattle feed after a good burst of rain.

Yara’s weather-resistant PhosSure 12 is the answer.

The proof is in the lick and your animals will love PhosSure 12 for its ability to lift their health to a next level. yield and calving/lambing percentage, contributes between 70 and 80% of the profitability of any production system.

Supplemental phosphorus To meet all the P requirements of animals, especially in the rainy season, we need to supply animals with phosphates. A large variety of phosphate sources are available to the Zambian Farmer. These can range from ready mixed products to concentrates for home mixing. The choice of a P source should however, be influenced by more than just the P source’s cost per bag.

Added value, such as the inclusion of trace minerals, weather resistance, consistent composition and technical advice, are but some of the factors that should be considered when buying feed phosphates.

During the rainy season, it often happens that farmers encounter great lick losses because of feeding troughs and licks that get drenched by rain.

When this happens, the lick must

ProAgri Zambia 55

either be thrown away, because it became mouldy or the lick intake per animal will drop dramatically because it became unpalatable. It is often found that because of this, farmers tend not to supply phosphate licks during the rainy season. Although ruminants can mobilise P from their skeletons, these reserves cannot last forever and must be constantly replenished to ensure optimal animal production.

Yara Animal Nutrition South Africa developed a unique weather-resistant product to decrease lick losses due to rain. PhosSure 12 is a unique phosphate trace mineral concentrate made from a high-quality phosphate source, namely monodicalcium phosphate.

The product is enriched with a spray dried molasses by-product to ensure increased palatability and weather resistance. PhosSure 12 forms a hard, protective layer whenever rain falls upon it. This layer can be easily broken to give animals access to the dry, undamaged lick underneath.

PhosSure 12 can be fed to animals by mixing it 50/50 with dry salt and feed at 18 to 36 g per sheep/goat per day or 100 to 240 g per cattle per day.

Feed your animals the phosphate they need, give them PhosSure 12!

For more information on phosphorus supplementation, contact a Yara Animal Nutritionist at +27(0)82-3220333.

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ProAgri Zambia 55

Profitable fishpond farming is within your reach

by Sven Pihlblad, General Manager: Namfeeds NMC

Z

ambia holds 104,8 billion m³ of renewable freshwater, or 4,5% of the total SADC region, making Zambia the country with the fifth largest supply of renewable freshwater.

This important resource is distributed along numerous major water sources such as the mighty Zambezi, Luangwa, Kafue and Luapula rivers, as well as major lakes like the Bangweulu and dams like Kariba. Couple this with thousands of smaller water bodies, most with excellent temperatures for fish farming, a population of about 17 million people who love to eat fish, a 40% stunted child growth rate and a 50% reliance on fish imports, and you have an attractive lure to practice profitable aquaculture farming in Zambia.

According to the FAO Fisheries Country Profile, fish is an important item in the Zambian diet, accounting for up to 55% of the national dietary animal protein consumption.

While commercial aquaculture has developed fish production tremendously in Zambia over the last few years, the gradual stagnation of wild capture output through excessive fishing in natural water bodies has created a supply void. This presents promising potential for small-scale aquaculture development, primarily via pond farming. Pond farming with tilapia can be practiced in all parts of the country along natural waterways, but also in ponds on dry land, utilising good underground water resources like borehole water, which is available in most parts of the country.

Zambia is adequate), decomposition of mainly fish excreta (produces harmful ammonia) and good surface aeration practices.

Light Tilapia do not move or eat in darkness.

They need bright light, preferably from the sun. Longer periods of light ensure they consume more food and therefore grow faster. This is also true for photosynthesis in plants that need light to help produce beneficial oxygen.

Stocking density Fish need room to swim. Overpopulation of tilapia in the pond induces stress and results in weaker immune systems. Overpopulation entails that oxygen is consumed faster than it is reintroduced back into the water.

(Oxygen is introduced and generated through surface aeration and photosynthesis in living organisms such as phytoplankton and water plants).

Diseases such as Streptococcus, Aeromonas or Columunaris may result from overcrowding.

Feed Tilapia are omnivores, meaning they enjoy a wide variety of feed. The fingerlings are about 30 grams when placed in the pond. The farmer targets a fish weight of 450 to 600 grams after 6 months. This requires nutrient

dense manufactured feeds, categorised largely as follows: • Fish Hatchery: Up to size 3 granules with 44% crude protein (CP).

Feed until fingerlings weigh 10 grams and are about 39 days old.

• Fish Starter: 1,5 mm to 2,0 mm floating pellets with 40% CP. Feed until fish weigh 70 grams and are about 86 days old.

• Fish Grower: 3,0 mm floating pellets with 33% CP. Feed until fish weigh 100 grams and are about 101 days old.

• Fish Finisher: 4,0 mm floating pellets with 30% CP. Feed until fish weigh 450 to 600 grams at about 180 to 226 days old.

How much food to feed your fish is an art to master. It is technical but simple once understood. The main aspects to familiarise yourself with are pond water temperature, average weight of each tilapia and pond biomass. The latter is more simply ascertained by stocking density per cubic meter of water.

Acquire all the information you need on successful tilapia farming at NamFeeds NMC by contacting Sven at +26(0)21-124-1076 or e-mail svenp@nmc.co.zm.

Tilapia have five basic needs to ensure they are healthy and grow as expected: Clean water Newly introduced water must be clean enough to drink and be in good supply. Dechlorinate it if treated with chlorine. Existing water must be maintained through filtration. Treatment of water is necessary to reduce toxins in the aquatic water. This allows for less frequent water changes.

Oxygen The oxygen quality and content of the pond is affected by the biomass (all the breathing organisms in your pond including fish and bacteria), water temperature (average 26° C is best), light (sunlight availability in ProAgri Zambia 55

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AA member member ofof the the Zambeef Zambeef Group Group ofof Companies Companies

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Winter Winter100100is isa adrydryseason seasonconcentrate concentrateaimed aimedatat minimising minimisingweight weightloss lossofofgrazing grazingcattle cattlethroughout throughoutthe thedry dry season. season.

It stimulates It stimulates rumen rumen microbial microbial action action byby supplying supplying mainly mainly protein protein and and energy energy asas well well asas allall essential essential minerals minerals & vitamins. & vitamins.

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ProAgri Zambia 55

Reduce ruminant weight loss with Novatek Winter 100 Mulele Nakweti

W

ith the onset of the dry season, grass and other vegetation become dry and scarce in Zambia. As a result, it is not easy for cattle farmers to keep their animals in a good condition.

Cattle, which are ruminants, can utilise roughage as a source of food. Unlike monogastric animals (chickens and pigs), ruminants need roughage to help keep their stomachs in a healthy, functional state. Therefore, a farmer cannot wholly rely on raw materials such as soya beans, maize, and sunflower oilcake as their only source of feed. Cattle require a well-balanced ration to grow and perform to their full potential.

During the winter months, grass does not grow back after it has been grazed.

Therefore, grass becomes scarce as the dry season progresses. Farmers will then need to purchase hay to feed their cattle. However, cattle will always prefer fresh grass over hay, and they will still struggle to consume the latter.

To help improve the intake of hay, a farmer can sprinkle molasses onto the hay. The sweetness of the molasses is more palatable for the animals, and they will then consume more of the dry roughage.

There is a tendency amongst Zambian farmers to add salt to the hay to increase intake, but cattle can become salt saturated. As soon as this happens, the animal will lose its appetite to consume more of the hay.

The nutritional value of roughage will vary depending on the season. In the dry season, grass tends to lose most of its nutritional value, and as a result, cattle should be supplemented with a lick or feed to meet their nutrient requirements. To help farmers supplementing their cattle in the dry season, we advise using the Novatek Winter 100 concentrate. This concentrate will help to minimise weight loss of grazing cattle during the winter months. Feeding this concentrate stimulates the rumen’s mi-

Dry winter grazing lacks the necessary nutrients to keep your animals in good condition, therefore supplements such as Novatek Winter 100 is needed. crobial action by supplying protein and all the required minerals and vitamins.

To achieve good results, cattle farmers must ensure that they are procuring high-quality raw materials to get the most out of their feed. It is also essential to ensure that there is adequate feeding space for all the animals to prevent competition, as the dominant animals will always push the smaller cattle away. This can be fatal for the larger animals as it can potentially lead to overfeeding or urea poisoning.

Generally, when licks contain urea, it is recommended that salt is mixed into the lick to help prevent the cattle from overfeeding. However, Winter 100 can

ProAgri Zambia 55

also be mixed and fed without salt, but first seek technical advice from the Novatek Technical team for details.

In conclusion, it costs less to supplement cattle in the dry season than spending a lot of money feeding cattle to bring them back into shape after they have lost their body condition during winter.

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.

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ProAgri Zambia 55

Tiger Feeds supplementary feeding: Keep game and wildlife healthy and happy

by Rowena Blanco, Nutritionist: Tiger Animal Feeds

Blue wildebeest will remain in shape during the tough winter months with the help of Tiger Feeds’ Game Blocks.

Keep your game happy and healthy right through the year with Tiger Feeds’ game supplements.

Y

ou may ask why should one need to feed game species if they already have natural grazing or browsing to live on? There are very good reasons. Supplementary feeding of wildlife is necessary for the following reasons: • Providing additional food resources to wildlife in emergency situations when natural foods become unavailable or are severely restricted due to drought.

• To improve the condition of individual animals in respect of body mass, growth rates and antler size or population performance in respect of survival, fecundity, restoration, and growth.

• Attracting or luring wildlife to alternative locations to reduce damage to agricultural crops or even livestock or to reduce threats to human health and safety.

• Artificially attracting or concentrating wildlife to enhance recreational activities such as hunting, wildlife viewing and photography.

Feeding a nutritionally acceptable supplementary diet to captive and free-ranging wildlife can improve body condition, increase survival rates, and enhance reproductive performance.

The magnitude of the response is proportional to the severity of the nutritional stress and the quantity and quality of available native forages.

Tiger Animal Feeds realised the need to provide game and wildlife with a nutritionally balanced ration for the very reasons stated above, hence we have produced the following products: Game Pellets and Game Blocks.

These rations are specifically formulated for the needs of game and other wildlife during the periods of limited forage availability. It is also formulated to supply all the nutritional requirements of game kept in pens or subject to minimal or poor quality grazing.

The Game Block is a source of protein and trace minerals, and suitable for all types of antelope, ruminant game and horses. 3,63% of protein is derived from NPN sources.

The Game feed range is totally safe to use and within specifications. It is approved by AFMA (Animal Feed Manufacturing Association) and supplied by Astral Foods.

Kudu need extra protein and trace minerals during difficult times.

Black and red impala will benefit from supplements when natural grazing is scarce.

ProAgri Zambia 55

Visit Tiger Animal Feeds’ main office or sales depots around the country for valuable technical services free of charge, and keep abreast of progress in livestock management information. Contact Given Hamanungu, Technical Advisor, at +26-097-540-3834 or givenhams@gmail.com for more information.

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ProAgri Zambia 55

Jones Masjiene:

by Jaco Cilliers

Providing feed processing to Africa and abroad F

eed processing plays a vital role in food production by adding value to an agricultural product. Feed processing machines enable you to produce food as well as animal feed. There are many types of processing machines available on the market, but there is one company that is simply a cut above the rest.

Jones Masjiene started manufacturing hammer mills and other grain processing machines more than twenty years ago. What started out as a small business has grown into a commercial manufacturing plant over the past two decades.

Since the establishment of the company, Jones Masjiene exported quality machinery to 31 African countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi and Mauritius. They have also supplied machines as far as Madagascar and Australia and will soon start exporting to the USA. Jones Masjiene specialises in manufacturing grain processing systems, not only individual machines. The complete process, from the design and fabrication to installation of the system, is expertly done by Willie Jones and his team.

Jones Masjiene manufactures more than 120 different types of grain processing machines, from hammer mills and conveyors to pellet machines and lick-block presses. These include dustless as well as aspirated hammer mills, mixers, extruders, oil expellers, pellet machines, screens, conveyors, and bucket elevators, as well as all their components.

They also provide training for the systems that were installed and keep enough parts in stock to meet the needs of their customers. “All the bearings and electrical components of our machines are branded with the Jones trademark. We pride ourselves in providing quality products to our customers,” says Willie Jones, founder and owner of the company.

Willie believes in using the best machines to build the best product.

The factory is equipped with the latest technology including a fibre laser cutter that can cut accurately up to 0,03 mm. “If the cutting is done with precision, it enables the assembly to be done accurately, thereby producing a product of excellent quality,” Willie explains. All the essential parts of the machine are welded by a robot welder, thus eliminating any chance of human error.

Willie believes in motivating his staff to take ownership of their work, and train-

This diesel-powered pellet machine allows you to produce quality animal feeds, even when electricity is not readily available.

The lick-block press is a vital piece of machinery for any livestock feed business. Jones Masjiene supplies the best quality machines that enable your business to keep growing.

The dustless hammer mill allows you to operate indoors without choking. This model can mill 4 tonnes of maize per hour. Jones Masjiene manufactures hammer mills that can mill up to 22 tonnes per hour. ing plays a major role in the factory.

What sets this factory apart from any other is not only the state-of-theart machines that they use in their manufacturing process, but also the fact that the whole factory is operated on solar power. This means that the factory can operate without worrying about an irregular electricity supply.

"We generate so much electricity that we are able to run our entire factory on clean solar power," Willie says.

Jones Masjiene is a client-focussed company that listens to the needs of

ProAgri Zambia 55

the user and designs a system that is tailor-made to suit their needs. Jones Masjiene has even designed a dieselpowered pellet machine for clients who live in rural areas where electricity supply is not always reliable. “Our clients are business owners and we want our machinery to help them grow their businesses,” Willie explains.

For more information on the products provided by Jones Masjiene, contact them on +27(0)-14-543-4889 or +27(0)-83-627-6026, send an e-mail to willie@jonesm.co.za or visit their website at www.jonesmasjiene. co.za. Find them on Facebook for their latest product developments.

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ProAgri Zambia 55

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ProAgri Zambia 55

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For all irrigation projects and designs, spares and technical services.

This highly efficient, and motivated team has all the equipment, and resources to design, install, service and repair drip, sprinkler, pod, micro, pivot, and bulk water systems anywhere in Africa.

With the combined experience of over 80 years in irrigation that our staff possess, we offer a comprehensive package to all our customers.

Irritech offers all forms of irrigation and bulk systems. Each project is custom designed, for the most efficient fit to your operation backed up by a team of experienced technicians and ample stock of spares.

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ProAgri Zambia 55

Photo: Pixabay.

Irrigation made easy part 6: Scheduling of water usage I

t is crucial to irrigate your crops on a daily basis to keep the upper zone of the soil wet. This is the region where the roots will not have to work hard to suck up water to the plant, where it enables all the chemical growth processes to occur.

Productive plant growth will largely depend on how hard roots must suck to draw water from the soil (see Figure 1).

2m

A single bubble of air in the straw will break the suction. The plant will try to suck up water through a broken straw, but will only suck up air.

Hard enough to suck water up a straw to a height of 2 m: Water is freely available to the plant. It is easy for the plant to find and suck up water. The plant will grow well, with no stress.

4m

Hard enough to suck water up a straw to a height of 4 m: The plant must work harder to draw up water. Some energy may be diverted from leaf or fruit growth to sucking up water.

6m

Hard enough to suck water up a straw to a height of 6 m: The plant must now start to work even harder to get water. Growth will slow down and the plant could wilt in the heat of the day.

8m

Hard enough to suck water up a straw to a height of 8 m: It is very difficult for the plant to suck up water needed to survive. Growth will stop and the plant could die in hot, dry conditions.

ProAgri Zambia 55

Plant production depends largely on how hard the root system must work to abstract the water that the plant needs from the soil.

Soil attracts and holds water molecules close to the surface of particles.

The plant needs to work hard to draw off the water that is held close to the surface of a particle in the root zone.

Irrigation systems are designed so that normally only 50% of the water that can be held in the soil profile is drawn off by the plant. The suction force needed to draw off this quantity of water is normally between 5 and 6 metres (or about -50 to -60 kPa). Much of the water held in the soil is not readily available to the plant.

Scheduling describes the management of irrigation applications, supplying the correct quantity of water, at the right time, to ensure that enough water is freely available to allow the plant to grow and prosper. Scheduling involves 15

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ProAgri Zambia 55

the planned replacement of water that has been drawn off by the crop in the soil profile. Various methods can be used to schedule irrigation. These include:

Determining soil moisture content by drying soils 1.

2.

3.

Using a fixed irrigation cycle Early in the season, enough water is applied to fill the soil profile with water. It is accepted that much of the water used by the plant will be provided by rainfall.

Use a soil auger to take a sample of soil from the plant root zone.

Soil water and air

4.

Weigh a 20 cm cake tin on a good scale.

5.

Add about 100 g of moist soil from the sample.

6.

Soil and water

Dry soil

The seasonal estimated irrigation requirement (crop usage, minus effective rainfall) is divided into daily or weekly increments. Fixed quantities of water (about 20 to 30 mm/week) are applied on a fixed cycle. It is assumed that temporary supply shortfalls during periods of peak demand will be met by water stored in the soil profile at the beginning of the season.

A fixed irrigation cycle can work well for several crops. Specific crops do, however, have critical growth stages.

For example, any water stress in maize during the critical tasselling period will result in a significant reduction in crop production.

A common mistake is to over-design the fixed cycle application, rather than to make provision for an additional irrigation at critical growth stages. In most cases where a fixed irrigation cycle is used, the crop is over-irrigated. Water, energy, labour, and fertiliser are then wasted, and crop production can also be lower.

Add 50 mm methylated spirits to sample.

Burn off the meths and soil moisture.

Weigh the dry soil.

7. Calculate the mass of dry soil only [mass – mass of pan only] 8. Calculate the mass of water removed [wet mass – dry mass] 9. Calculate the percentage moisture content of the sample

Example From laboratory tests: Dry density of soil = 1 600 kg/m³ Field capacity soil water = 133 mm/m From field test: Sample tin weighs = 138,5 g Wet sample plus tin = 236,7 g Dry sample plus tin = 229,9 g Dry sample = 229,9 – 138,5 = 91,4 g Water lost = 236,7 – 229,9 = 6,8 g Moisture content = (6,8 / 91,4) × 100 = 7,44% = (6,7 / 91) × 1 600 = 119 mm/m

Soil moisture testing in the lab.

The function of the first water application is to fill the soil profile with water. Photo: Pixabay.

ProAgri Zambia 55

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The plant draws up water through its roots and it passes through the leaves to the air

400 mm root zone

0,4 x 119 = 48 mm water is in the root zone of the plant. 50% of this can be used (24 mm).

• Crop = Cabbage with 400 mm rooting depth.

• Field capacity = 133 mm/m (given) • Readily available water = 66,5 mm/m (50%) sample moisture = 119 mm/m • RAW in sample = 119 – 66,5 = 52,5 mm/m • RAW in root zone = 52,5 × 0,4 = 21 mm If current plant water use is in the order of 7 mm per day, then irrigation is not needed for a further 21/7 = 3 days.

The drying of soil samples can be a good and accurate method of scheduling. It does, however, require a good deal of measurement and calculation,

together with a good understanding of the soil being tested and its properties.

Next month we shall look at scheduling according to weather conditions.

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.

NoseRing NoseRing®

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

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

NoseRing® is available at Livestock Services, Lusaka – Pamodzi Highway, off Nangwenya Road, Showgrounds; Tel: 0211-254497 / 254024; E-mail: admin@livestock.co.zm

Tel: +27 (0)5 Cell: +27 (0)8 E-mail: judy@nos Tel: +27 (0)53 927 4999 www.nos Cell: +27 (0)82 459 9451 judy@nosering.co.za

www.nosering.co.za

ProAgri Zambia 55

19

Your SENTER 360 is online...are you?

YOU ALREADY TRUST US FOR...

• Having the strongest structure in the industry • Best reliability • The best sprinkler packages

Our standard control system has

comprehensive cell/internet communication abilities

For best service contact us at +27 (0)18 469 1331 or +27 (0)82 564 5955 or www.senter360.co.za

Terms and conditions apply

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

20

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 55

You plant the crops; SENTER360 applies the water

SENTER360 is part and parcel a local product and blends easily into the African landscape.

S

uccessful and satisfied farmers agree: SENTER360 builds durable and very user-friendly pivot irrigation systems with state of the art control panels right here in Southern Africa.

They also stand by their farmers in the long run, promising to never let them down.

“At SENTER360 we are proud to not only supply the best possible products, but we also believe in building longterm relations with our clients by delivering a package of high-quality products and excellent service,” Theuns Dreyer, Managing Director of SENTER360, says. Their centre pivots, manufactured since 1994, are known for their excellent quality and strength above industry standards. “We have been part of the irrigation industry for more than 25 years and have interests in South Africa, Africa and in the rest of the world,” he says.

The team at SENTER360 is passionate about their centre pivots. They build a tough and extraordinary strong structure, and also put full efforts into small details to make a positive difference in a farmer’s everyday life.

Structural stability SENTER360 tower trusses are manufactured from pipe and not angle iron as is commonly used by other brands.

The lighter and structurally stronger material enables them to use two more sets of trusses per tower than with angle iron trusses, ensuring an exceptionally strong structure.

An added advantage of the pipe truss structure is its aerodynamic superiority above angle iron as a structural material. That is the reason why a SENTER360 machine can withstand a windstorm of 158 kmh (actual field data) without any damage. During that particular storm, all SENTER360 pivots remained standing amongst the other brands that toppled over. Standard long base beams, sturdy tower supports, stabilising rods, diagonals, and a low centre of gravity also contribute to exceptional stability.

“Last sprinkler” solutions One of the common problems with centre pivot irrigators is the regular blockage of the last nozzle. SENTER360 solved this problem in a simple, innovative way, constantly keeping the last nozzle clean throughout the irrigation cycle.

SENTER360 centre pivots are equipped as standard with the highquality, high performance Komet Twister sprinklers operating at 10 psi (0,7 bar) or optional 6 psi (0,42 bar), mounted on drop pipes. This top-quality product ensures outstanding water distribution and water in the soil, even in trying climatic conditions.

Heavy duty motors and gearboxes The standard drivetrain of a SENTER360 centre pivot is made up of heavy duty wheel gearboxes with an optional fiveyear extended warranty (Ts&Cs apply), driven by a 0,56 kW (40:1) motor gearbox combination (30:1 and others are optional).

Innovative control panels The same modular principles used throughout the entire SENTER360 design are also visible in their control panel design. Their "basic" control panel is similar in functionality to the top panels of other brands.

Standard functions include: • On/off • Feedback when the pivot stopped • Direct precipitation adjustment in mm • Show position of the machine • Low pressure and pressure start • Part circle and sector adjustment with variable application per sector • Auto reverse with variable application on return • Scheduling options, and many more!

The uncomplicated and highly effective pivots of SENTER360 can be erected quick and easy.

simple plug-in “Communicator” unit of your choice (GPRS/cellular network, WiFi or radio unit). Full pump control, VSD control and feedback are also available on the same system. New panels have full function internet controls, record keeping, graphs, et cetera.

Older panel controls can also be revived with the Communicator unit but are limited to on/off, direct application adjustment in mm and run and stop feedback communication.

All new SENTER360 panels can be controlled by your cell phone or tablet (Android, IOS and other mobile platforms), computer, or base station by adding a

ProAgri Zambia 55

SENTER360 supports a mobile pivot system which opens many doors for regular towing.

Contact Theuns Dreyer at +27(0)82-564-5955, +27(0)18469-1331, or send an e-mail to theuns.dreyer@senter360.co.za.

Their user-friendly website can be accessed at www.senter360.co.za.

21

www.reinke.com Patrick Ellis 22

+27 (0)31 350 4525

patrickellis@reinke.com ProAgri Zambia 55

Reach every corner of the farm with the Reinke Mini centre pivot

F

ew scenes are as pleasing to the eye as a centre pivot irrigator doing what it is supposed to do: Following the contours on a field of ripening wheat.

However, this was not always a scene possible for farmers on smaller farms, smallholdings, or for emerging farmers.

Reinke has now developed a mini centre pivot irrigator that can make all the difference for the smaller farmer between merely recovering his input costs and making a handy profit. The solution is a practical one and does not require breaking the bank!

Two problems causing the smaller farmer many headaches, are inadequate access to a dependable electricity supply (or expensive power) and low water pressure.

Reinke’s solution for the smaller farmer is a small, self-propelled irrigator – the EDMP (Engine Driven Mini Pivot), making it possible for the smallscale farmer to irrigate fodder for his livestock, or to irrigate a patch of maize behind the house. All he needs is a can of petrol to start the engine, and then he can stand back and see how his three hectares yield the same harvest as his commercial neighbour’s large fields.

He also has the option of investing in a towable centre pivot, making it pos-

sible to irrigate more than one smaller field with the same machine, or to move the machine around depending on seasonal requirements.

The main advantage of the petroldriven centre pivot over the water-driven model is that water pressure need not be all that high.

The Mini Centre Pivot has no control

ProAgri Zambia 55

panel, but it comes with a choice of gearboxes which determine the speed and thus the application rate of the water. The gearboxes come in low speed, standard speed, or high speed.

Depending on the gearbox ratio, the pivot will move faster or slower at the same engine revolutions per minute.

The power driving the EDMP is a 23

INTRODUCING THE REINKE ENGINE DRIVEN MINI PIVOT

www.reinke.com Patrick Ellis

No 24

+27 (0)31 350 4525

patrickellis@reinke.com

external or expensive power supply needed l Efficient l Easy to maintain and

ProAgrioperate Zambia 55

4-kW petrol engine. Fitted with a 22,7-litre petrol tank, the pivot will run for at least 16 hours non-stop, even if the farmer runs the engine at full speed. However, when irrigating, it will not be necessary to run the engine at such a rate. The engine is protected against the elements with a steel cover.

The Reinke team of experts will advise the farmer on the correct span length, overhang length, wheel size, propulsion, and sprinkler package.

The Reinke team will erect the pivot on the farm, and the company can also supply the farmer with all his pump and pipe requirements.

Span lengths vary between 41,8 m to 65 m and overhang lengths from 12,8 m to 32 m. Altogether, the Mini Centre Pivot is never longer than 97 metres.

The Mini is the latest in a full range of irrigation solutions offered to farmers by Reinke all the way from their Nebraska home in America, but here in Southern Africa, all the components, service and skills that the farmer may require, are available in a jiffy. The smaller centre pivots not only fill the gaps to better utilise the odd pieces of land on commercial farms, but can also make a telling difference in the efficiency with which the smaller farmer makes use of his land and water resources.

These systems can be used on any crop and will also facilitate labour cost savings.

Maintenance of the centre pivot also presents no problem. The sprinklers are not hidden between plants, as with other forms of irrigation. The farmer can see immediately when a sprinkler does not perform correctly. This can be remedied easily, or the sprinkler can be replaced. Because the centre pivot is smaller, it is erected quickly.

No electricity is necessary. As long as water is available, the centre pivot can do its job.

Generally speaking, any Reinke centre pivot has a lifespan of at least 25 years. However, the first Reinke centre pivot was erected in 1986 and is still working. Should a farmer regularly do

the required maintenance chores, the centre pivot can last for a lifetime.

The Mini Centre Pivot requires little or no water filtering. It is easy to ensure uniform water application. Water from a centre pivot falls similar to rain over the whole land profile, which promotes germination. It is also possible to fit a Mini Pivot with two sprayer packages – one for germination and one for growth.

With a dripper line system, which is normally seen as the alternative irrigation system, one regularly has to feed special chemicals through the piping to dissolve mineral concentrations that may clog the drippers, and to combat root damage to underground dripper lines. With the Reinke system, none of these problems occur. Water application from above ensures uniform distri-

ProAgri Zambia 55

bution over the soil surface with salts that can be controlled by washing it out of the root zone.

By using high-strength steel, the Reinke systems are made tough and dependable. For that reason, farmers worldwide have chosen Reinke irrigation systems for more than 60 years. A Reinke irrigator pays for itself over and over during its lifetime and ensures that your crops and lands will receive the correct quantity of water at the right time to help you harvest record yields.

To find out more, contact Patrick Ellis, director of Reinke South Africa, by phoning +27-(0)31350-4525, or send an e-mail to patrickellis@reinke.com.

25

Green Grow Pecan Nursery can supply grafted pecan nut trees and provide expert advice for your pecan farm.

We have over 10 years experience in the industry and comply to SAPPA standards.

Available cultivars are: Wichita

26

Navaho

Choctaw

Sutex

Western

We are situated in Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme, the heart of South Africa’s pecan production.

ProAgri Zambia 55 l email: marnus@greengrowpecan.com

+27 (0) 82 488 4288 l www.greengrowpecan.com l www.facebook.com/greengrowpecan/?ti=as

United Fertilizers: Potassium is the frontliner behind the scenes I

s it worth investing your finances, time, and effort to work out a fertiliser application plan? The answer is definitely yes! By starting off the season with correctly balanced basal fertiliser and following up with timely side-dressing, you can help your crops reach their potential. But what is balanced fertilisation?

Every grower knows that a plant builds its body with “blocks” – chemical substances collected from the environment, like carbon from the air, and water and minerals from the soil. The sun provides crops with the energy to drive the long chain of transformations to produce carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and fibre, all valuable constituents of yield and ultimately food for humans and animals.

It is a well-known fact that nitrogen is the most important, but also the most limiting of 17 essential plant nutrients. Nitrogen is the main constituent of proteins. Its supply determines the plant’s growth, vigour, and yield.

Nitrogen is highly mobile in soil, which makes it prone to volatilisation and leaching.

Nitrogen is also demanded by microorganisms.

However, one should not just confine oneself to nitrogen fertiliser. In reality, the efficiency of each applied kilogram of nitrogen fertiliser is directly related to sufficient availability of other nutrients, particularly potassium. The effect of the application of potassium-containing fertilisers might be masked by the response from nitrogen, especially during the initial stages of growth.

Vigorous growth and intensification of green colouration of leaves are the consequences of using nitrogenous fertiliser alone, but also in combination with potassium. Nevertheless, the role of potassium in crop production is difficult to overestimate. Potassium is a key element to water balance in plants, which drives their vigour. The availability of potassium in crop tissue provides a synergetic (mutually beneficial) effect on nitrogen, increasing its assimilation. Potassium is associated with root growth, transport of nutrient compounds between different plant organs, crop quality and crop resistance to lodging, disease and drought.

It is crucial to apply mineral fertilisers containing the primary nutrients, N, P and K, as without them, crops are forced to mine them from soil pools.

ProAgri Zambia 55

These natural sources are prone to depletion due to yield collection year on year, which inevitably leads to dramatic decrease of soil fertility and lowers the output.

A balanced crop nutrition approach is crucial to provide the right ratio of nutrients throughout the growing season, according to crop requirements and soil conditions. The correctly designed fertiliser programme should be based on the results of soil analysis and yield target (nutrient removal). It should therefore consist of basal fertiliser and in-season top-dressing. For instance, at planting time, the farmer may apply fertiliser with a low nitrogen and high phosphorus and potassium content, which provides only small quantities of nitrogen to prevent losses and meets 100% and 70 to 100% of phosphorus and potassium demand, respectively.

Compound NPKs (like NPK 10:20:20 or NPK 10:26:26), containing all three primary nutrients in each granule, might be of good fit, and separate sources and potassium chloride (MOP) will also do the trick. The side-dressing might include only nitrogen, or a combination of one with MOP, depending on the crop and yield goals.

More information about field tests is coming up in the next issues and at our website, www.ufertilizers.com.

27

irtual Summit & Exhibition

Where the Farmers meets the suppliers & buyers meet the Farmers

EVENT DATES

AUG 2020

25 - 27

THEME:

Innovation Agriculture Future Website: www.meetthefarmerszm.org Contact Us: Johanna: +260973578051/ Moono: +260974114191 Email: info@meetthefarmerszm.org 28

ProAgri Zambia 55

THE PROGRAMME:

The following is the external programme flow for day 1: START 09:00 09:45 10:00 11:00 11:15 11:45

12:45 13:15 14:00 14:15 14:45

15:45 16:15 16:30 16:55 17:00

MINS 15 mins 15 mins 60 mins 15 mins 30 mins 60 mins

30 mins 45 mins 15 mins 30 mins 60 mins

30 mins 15 mins 25 mins 05 mins ~ mins

ACTIVITIES General Session 1: Getting Ready for Summit: Orientation to platform General Session 2: Summit Overview Plenary 1: Opening Ceremony and Keynote Plenary Showcase 1: Tier 1 Partners Plenary 2: Enhancing the Value Chain for the Agriculture Sector in Zambia Parallel Groups 1: Workshop 1: Workshop 2: Workshop 3: Workshop 4: Improving Access Financing AgroSustainable Logistics, Supply to Markets for Business Energy for the Chain and the Farmers: Practical Ventures: Agro Industry: Agro-Sector: Initiatives that Challenges and What Needs to Challenges and work Opportunities Change?

Opportunities Feel-O-Meter 1 Interlude: Lunch Time Rhythms Virtual Entertainment Showcase 2: Tier 2 Partners Plenary 3: Exploring Growth Sectors for Farmers and Suppliers Parallel Groups 2: Workshop 5: Workshop 6: Workshop 7: Business Zambia’s A Beautiful Development Fisheries Landscape: Opportunities for Industry: A Upscaling the the Livestock Growth Market Horticulture Sector Sector in Zambia Feel-O-Meter 2

Workshop 8: Improving Business Support Services for the Agriculture Sector in Zambia

Showcase 3: Tier 3 Partners Plenary 3: Closing Plenary: Networking4Success General Session 3: Appreciations, Announcements, Virtual Hugs General Session 4: Closing Montage

ProAgri Zambia 55

29

Solutions tailored to farmers’ needs

Our deep expertise in crop protection and our game-changing seeds and traits portfolio, combined with digital tools, information and consulting, create more choice for consumers and farmers everywhere.

Crop Protection:

Seeds:

Digital Farming:

For more information, including full season pesticide programmes for your crops, contact: Bayer Zambia: Paul Kapapula, Territory Manager Tel: +260 (965) 582630, E-mail: paul.kapapula@bayer.com 30

Facebook: Bayer Crop Science Division Southern Africa Twitter: @bayer4cropssa

www.bayer.co.za www.cropscience.bayer.co.za

ProAgri Zambia 55

ProAgri Zambia 55

31

Available at all leading Chain & Hardware Stores and Agro Dealers Distributed by Starke Ayres Zambia TAG Ant and Roach Bait Station Reg. No. LSK/PTS/01164/Z03/2017: IP-PN 3331. Active Ingredient: Fipronil (phenyl pyrazole) - 0.6/kg.

C U STOM ER S ER V ICES: 0 9 7 7 7 4 0 1 8 0 • W W W. KO M B AT. CO. Z A • M E M B E R O F T HE PL E N N E G Y G R O UP

32

ProAgri Zambia 55

WEEKLY AGRI-TECH PROGRAMME Technology and Mechanisation matters on the African continent.

Visit www.techterrain.co.za to get free access to brand new episodes and bonus material, uploaded every week.

Episode 7

Focuses on parts and the Service Box The Service Box is a pre-packed service kit for your older machines.

Enquire with your dealer today about a generic parts solution for your specific model.

techterrain.co.za

Powered by: In collaboration with:

ProAgri Zambia 55

33

34

ProAgri Zambia 55

SeedCo: The impact of soil physics and soil life on crop production potential

by Adrian Chibanga

T

his is the time to put your summer crop production plans in perspective. In this month’s issue, we focus on the dynamics of soil physics and biology, and how these affect the production potential of crops in a field.

In more ways than one, the yield capacity of an environment is influenced by the aspects of soil physics such as texture and depth, as well as aspects of soil biology such as populations and types of microbes and soil organic matter (both humus and crop residue). The production potential of the soil is used as a guide to determine what crops can be grown in a field.

At SeedCo, our commitment is to offer seed solutions to every farmer, and further advise them on how to extract the best of the potential of the seed.

When we echo our mantra, “It starts with the right seed,” we emphasise that: • All crop production activities are focused on extracting a crop out of a seed, and so care must be taken that support inputs and operational costs are not invested in a seed variety that will not give a good return on investment.

• We emphasise that choosing the right variety of seed is a good agronomic practice that ranks as number one when forecasting yields and quality of a crop.

• We also warn that there are con-

sequences to wrong seed variety choices, and they can affect the bottom line of an enterprise, with a few cases where projected outputs of the entire crop production sector has been affected, when yields and even quality of a crop have been compromised, resulting in crop loss.

Aspects of the soil environment must influence the way a farmer should manage his fields to maintain or improve production potential. An understanding of the aspects of soil physics such as the depth of the soil in a particular field, the composition of the soil (including soil organic matter and humus), as well as the texture of the soil (highlighting percentages of clay, sand and silt) serve as a guide to determine the production potential of a particular field. Here we deal with soil structure, depth, and continue with soil biology and how to practically use it to our advantage. To delve deep, we highlight soil texture and depth, limiting factors, and the pros and cons of cultivation practices.

Soil texture and depth relate to the crop production potential of a field.

Figure 1 below shows the soil texture triangle, which is used to classify a soil, based on particle grades.

A soil with clay percentage in the range 15 to 35% is said to have sufficient colloidal forces to hold enough • •

•

moisture and nutrients in the rooting zone of a crop.

A soil with more silt in its top layer tends to cap a lot and would restrict rates of water infiltration, thereby impacting on the quantity of plant available water, and in situations of high rainfall even cause either standing water which brings about anaerobic conditions, or run-off which causes loss of top soil layers.

A soil with a high percentage of sand will be considered light and coarse and will usually not have good water and nutrient holding capacity, and so its potential for crop production is compromised. The production potential of a soil as it relates to soil texture is also crop specific. Tuber crops will fare well in lighter soils than they will in heavy soils, while other crops will do well in heavier soils Soil cultivation decisions must be made with information on type of crop to be cultivated, texture of the soil to be cultivated and effective depth of the soil. The most effective and sustainable methods of soil cultivation are conservation tillage methods which include zero tillage, minimum tillage, and strip tillage. These three methods have resulted in breaking up hard pans, improved moisture and fertiliser conservation or use efficiency, and improved resultant crop yields.

Percentages of each of these particles determine whether a soil is heavy (≥55% clay) or light (≥50% sand) How heavy or light a soil is impacts on its ability to hold moisture and nutrients, and its ability to release them for plant uptake. These properties of soil texture are part of determinants of a soil’s potential for crop production The best characteristics of soil texture as it relates to crop production lies in the highlighted ring

Join us in the next article as we continue with the aspect of soil life and its impact on crop production potential.

Figure 1: The soil texture triangle.

Contact SeedCo at seedco@seedco. co.zm or +26(0)96-795-8009 for more information and advice.

ProAgri Zambia 55 Celebrating 25 years of ProAgri

35

36

ProAgri Zambia 55

Tractors and implements for every farmer:

Pick any size tractor at Saro Agro

by Du Preez de Villiers

Saro offers an impressively wide range of tractors for farms of all sizes.

T

he small and medium-scale farming sector is growing steadily in Zambia.

These farmers' needs are growing and one of the big steps forward is the purchase of a tractor. Saro Agro positioned themselves very well in the smaller tractor market, as could be seen when they showcased their wide variety of tractor models and ranges at Agritech.

Calvin Salah, Saro Agro’s Marketing Manager says: “We’ve been here from the first Agritech and we always felt that we have to take part in every successive one. We can’t afford not to be here. This is a good platform for people in the agricultural sector to get together and see what all the stakeholders are offering. Saro Agro is a bit of an exception to most of the other players with our wide range of products for small to commercial farmers.”

Herman Rohm is in charge of Saro Agro’s tractor division. “We offer three brands of tractors – Tafe from India, Kubota from Japan and Landini from Italy,” he says. “Our Landini tractors range from 20 hp to 350 hp (14,7 to 257 kW), the two Kubota-models we offer deliver 85 hp and 95 hp (62,5 and 70 kW), and the Tafe-range stretches from 35 hp up to 100 hp (26 to 73,5 kW). Our biggest seller is Tafe, which is quite big in the emerging and

Herman Rohm, Saro’s Tractor Manager, says more and more tractors are supplied to small and mediumscale farmers. small-scale market. Some financing is available for small- and medium-scale farmers through Agleaseco.”

Saro Agro also serves the councils who use a large number of Tafe tractors with trailers for refuse removal, and they regularly tender for government departments. According to Herman, this is also a secure and growing market.

Without a sufficient, prompt supply of spare parts, even the best tractor becomes a piece of useless metal.

Therefore, Saro Agro carefully maintains proper stock levels to keep all the trac-

The Kubota is a high-quality tractor and Saro can offer it in package deals with implements.

ProAgri Zambia 55 Celebrating 25 years of ProAgri

tors they supply running at all times.

“Spare parts are expensive to keep in stock, but we are compelled to have them ready to supply our farmers. That is what the customer needs. His tractor has to be fully operational at all times,” Herman says.

Saro Agro’s sufficient spare parts go with their capable and well-equipped field service teams. “Unlike a motor car, you can’t drive your tractor in for a service. We have four service teams working from Lusaka, and one each in Mkushi and Kitwe, so we don’t have to cover these areas from Lusaka. We are planning to expand this service, especially for our smaller farms,” he says.

Combination sales are a well-received concept in Zambia. Even for the emerging and small-scale farmers, sales packages are very popular. At Saro Agro, the customer can buy his tractor in combination with a plough, sprayer, ripper, planter, or even more of the implements. Commercial farmers would generally buy a new tractor that requires a new implement with it. “Sometimes we sell a tractor with a generator. There is always need for something from our huge variety of products,” Herman says.

Japhet Mwaijibe is an engineer and Deputy Works Manager at Saro Agro, involved in marketing and manufacturing. He says: “We manufacture trailers designed to be drawn by tractors.

We build different sizes, from one to sixteen tonnes, in flatbed, drop-side or tipping configurations. A customer can also order a custom-made trailer where we will do the design, or get the specifications from him.”

Saro Agro’s tractors, trailers and wide variety of other products are also available at their branch outlets in Lusaka, Livingstone, Chipata, Mpongwe, Kitwe and Mkushi, and they also have sub-dealers that market their tractors.

A proper trailer is an essential piece of equipment on any farm to perform tasks such as removing waste, transporting labourers and moving equipment.

Visit Saro’s website at www.sarozambia.com, contact Calvin Salah at +26 (0)97-5714426 or +26 (0)21-138-70009/241477 or send him an e-mail to calvin.s@saroagri.co.zm to find out more.

37

Precautionary Statements

Hazard Statements

• KEEP UNDER LOCK AND KEY AND OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN • ALWAYS WASH YOUR HANDS AFTER USING FERTILIZER • DO NOT EAT DRINK OR SMOKE WHILE USING FERTILIZER

• HARMFUL TO AQUATIC LIFE

STORE INSIDE WARNING

KEEP YOUR COUNTRY TIDY

TO AVOID DANGER OF INJURY OR SUFFOCATION KEEP THIS PLASTIC PACKAGING AWAY FROM CHILDREN

60mm

: Manufacturing date : Expiry Date : Batch Number ZEMA Product Number :

Eugene Houdry Street Northern Industrial Area Sasolburg 1947

FERTILIZER GRP1 ACT 36/1947

Omnia Fertilizer A Division of Omnia Group (Pty) Ltd

Contains per Kg: 18%N - 11%P205 - 8%K20 4%S - 0,4%Zn - 0,17%B

COMPOUND MAXI GREEN

120mm 730mm

910mm BAG HEIGHT

COMPOUND MAXI GREEN

970mm CUT LENGTH

Omnia Fertilizer (Z) Ltd P.O. Box 39100 Lusaka, Zambia Plot 397 A, Makeni Rd, Lusaka Tel: +211 246 542/44

COMPOUND MAXI GREEN

Omnia: MAXI GREEN™ ensures the right maize nutrition for healthy plants and stable yields

by Kobus Smith, Omnia Fertiliser, Zambia

P

lant nutrition can be a complicated subject, especially since the needs of the specific crop, the nutrient source, as well as the climate and soil of the region must be considered. However, if you find the right combination of products to address the needs of a specific crop and a specific region, this process becomes much simpler and will yield more reliable results.

CUSTOMER: DESIGN:

Let us look at what a maize plant needs to grow healthy and give a good yield: • Nitrogen is needed by young maize plants to boost early growth to develop in a strong and healthy plant. Responsible for good growth and green colour. A maize crop requires 20 kg/Ha N for every tonne of grain produced.

• Phosphorus is essential for the development of a strong and healthy root system. Good roots help the plant to better tolerate water shortages. Maize requires 7 kg/Ha P2O5 for every tonne of grain produced.

• Potassium plays a big role in the transpiration tempo of the leaves and the water usage, thereby improving the water usage of the plant. It also assists the plant in dealing with salt stress. Maize requires 5 kg/Ha K 2O for every tonne of grain produced.

• Sulphur is important in the forma22/06/2020 WOVEN BAG WPP

DATE: DESCRIPTION: MATERIAL:

DBC WOVEN

OMNIA COMPOUND MAXI GREEN 50KG ZAMBIA

FILE NAME: 020295rf20.omnia_compound_maxi_green_50kg_zambia.ai

Kindly examine this artwork carefully and append your signature.

Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, we must remind you that the final responsibility is held by the person passing the artwork. Buyer at his own expense agrees to defend Repro Flex (Pty) Ltd against any claims or liabilities for patent or copyright infringement arising from the printing of this design.

Although every precaution is taken to produce barcodes to GS1 specifications, the responsibility for conformance of the barcode rests with you the consumer and begins with the correct design and positioning of the barcode. Repro Flex (Pty) Ltd will not be held responsible for any designs that do not conform to the full requirements as specified by retailers.

WIDTH: PITCH: EYEMARK SIZE: EYEMARK POSITION: BARCODE: BARCODE GS1 COMPLIANT:

580 mm 970 mm 80 x 10 mm LHS -

CYLINDER SIZE: STEP ACROSS: STEP AROUND: SURFACE / REVERSE: PLATE THICKNESS: PLATE PROCESS: PLATE TYPE:

970 mm PANTONE 1 COLOURS 1 1. PANT 137 C SURFACE 2. PANT 355 C 2.84 mm 3. PANT 1797 C CDI 4. BLACK ACT

LINE SCREEN SCREEN ANGLES -

-

UNWIND DIRECTION

2

PRINTER APPROVAL

SALES

READ

L

R

READABLE OUTSIDE FEET FIRST

PRODUCTION

CHECKED BY

SUBSTRATE COLOUR: WHITE

PRE-PRESS

AREAS OF CONCERN: -

CUSTOMER’S APPROVAL

PLEASE NOTE: IF PANTONE COLOURS JOB OP NAME: KURTIS ARE NOT SPECIFIED, PLEASE SUPPLY. PLATES OP NAME: --

PRINT NAME

SIGN

DATE

-------

FERTILIZER GRP1 ACT 36/1947

Precautionary Statements

Hazard Statements

• KEEP UNDER LOCK AND KEY AND OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN • ALWAYS WASH YOUR HANDS AFTER USING FERTILIZER • DO NOT EAT DRINK OR SMOKE WHILE USING FERTILIZER

• HARMFUL TO AQUATIC LIFE

COMPOUND MAXI GREEN

Contains per Kg: 18%N - 11%P205 - 8%K20 4%S - 0,4%Zn - 0,17%B

Omnia Fertilizer A Division of Omnia Group (Pty) Ltd

730mm

COMPOUND MAXI GREEN

Eugene Houdry Street Northern Industrial Area Sasolburg 1947

COMPOUND MAXI GREEN

910mm BAG HEIGHT

Omnia Fertilizer (Z) Ltd P.O. Box 39100 Lusaka, Zambia Plot 397 A, Makeni Rd, Lusaka Tel: +211 246 542/44

970mm CUT LENGTH

120mm

30mm

580mm 530mm IMAGE WIDTH

STORE INSIDE WARNING

KEEP YOUR COUNTRY TIDY

TO AVOID DANGER OF INJURY OR SUFFOCATION KEEP THIS PLASTIC PACKAGING AWAY FROM CHILDREN

30mm

60mm

: Manufacturing date : Expiry Date : Batch Number ZEMA Product Number :

The new MAXI GREENTM Compound from Omnia is an all in one fertiliser solution for maize farmers.

•

tion of proteins and in the formation of chlorophyll. Deficiencies have a great influence on crop yields. The maize plant needs 3 kg/Ha S for every tonne of grain produced.

Zinc and Boron – these micronutrients are needed in small quantities by the plant, but are important in disease resistance, plant health and crop yields.

All of these in one product Omnia has recently launched a new product, specifically for Zambian maize growers, that contains all these elements in the right quantities to ensure a good maize crop.

MAXI GREEN™ contains the following nutrients: • Nitrogen (18% N) in the ammonium nitrate form. Ammonium nitrate is the superior N source as it is more plant available and will not escape into the air like urea tends to do.

• Phosphorus (11% P2O5) as Nitrophos, which also contains nitrogen. This source is completely water soluble and is immediately available for plant uptake.

• Potassium (8% K 2O) as potassium chloride.

• Sulphur (4%) • Zinc (0,4%) • Boron (0,2%)

A few important factors have to work together to ensure a healthy maize plant.

How to apply MAXI GREEN™ As basal fertiliser, we recommend 250 kg (five bags) of MAXI GREEN™ per hectare. This should be followed by 200 kg (four bags) of GREENSULF™ per hectare as a top dressing. GREENSULF™ contains ammonium nitrate nitrogen, as well as calcium and sulphur.

These recommended rates will ensure enough nutrients to yield at least four tonnes of maize per hectare, if enough water (rain) is available and a good pest and weed control programme is followed.

In summary MAXI GREEN™ is a superior plant basal fertiliser specifically formulated for Zambian maize producers. It contains nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, boron and zinc and supplies all the required nutrients in the correct ratios. It improves yields when used as a basal fertiliser in combination with GREENSULF™ as a top dressing.

Use MAXI GREEN™ and GREENSULF™ for a healthy and GREEN maize crop and reap the rewards!

ProAgri Zambia 55 Celebrating 25 years of ProAgri

Zambian farmers will have reason to smile when using the new Compound MAXI GREEN™.

Contact Moomba Nang’amba at 097742-1311, or Phidelis Mubagwe at 097-726-8404 for more information.

39

A Nutrient Absorption Enhancer.

Invented by award-winning chemist Dr. John Willard (PhD Purdue University), PlantCatalyst® (www.plantcatalyst.com) is a proprietary water additive catalyst that enhances nutrient delivery and absorption in the cells. Small and commercial farmers have been using PlantCatalyst® since 1973 to enhance the utilization of nutrients and to improve cellular absorption and retention in any plant or crop. PlantCatalyst® enables smallholder farmers around the globe to grow more nutritious food in a natural, safe and non-toxic way and simultaneously decrease the amount of fertilizer needed to grow crops – thus reducing costs and increasing profit margins.

Benefits of using PlantCatalyst® include:

• INCREASE PROFITS! • Increase crop yield.

• Reduce dependence on expensive fertilizers.

• Improve environment by reducing CO2 emission.

Cowpea

No PlantCatalyst®

Beans

Treated with PlantCatalyst®

No PlantCatalyst®

Treated with PlantCatalyst®

GMO FREE. ALL NATURAL. EXTENSIVELY TESTED WE FARM WITH YOU Available Nationwide AgriFocus Head Office

Heavy Industrial Area Plot No. 4298, Buyantanshi Road Lusaka - Zambia

211 846 289 / 0955 582261 info@agrifocuszambia.com www.agrifocuszambia.com

Agmart Mkushi Plot No. 602 Independence Avenue Agmart Mumbwa Plot No. 1891 Mababe Building Independence Rd Agmart Choma

Plot No. E09297 Livingstone Rd TSS Livingstone Plot No. 95 John Huntway Rd TSS Kitwe

Kabengela Rd Kitwe TSS Samfya Lubwe Pamoza Agro

Lusaka Northend Chachacha Rd Pamoza Agro Mpongwe Shop NWK

Retail Shops Kumawa Agro Services Chongwe

PlantCatalyst®: “New” product deals with fertiliser shortage and increased costs I

f we told you there’s a product on the Zambian market that could help you maximise the fertiliser you’re using to lead to better production, even with only two bags of fertiliser, and increase your profit margins by more than 40%, you’d probably laugh yourself silly, right?

Well, you may want to sit down while you read this article.

This revolutionary product was invented in 1965 by American chemist, John W Willard PhD, and sold in the United States since 1973. The appropriate name for this product is PlantCatalyst®. It is a water additive that helps plants better absorb and utilise nutrients, develop stronger root systems, and build greater resistance to stressful events such as drought. This means that farmers can get the most out of as little as only 100 kilogrammes of fertiliser and still see increases in their yields by double digit percentages! At a low cost of K380 per litre, using PlantCatalyst® will help Zambian farmers, particularly with the recent dramatic fertiliser shortages and price increases, without sacrificing profits or yields.

PlantCatalyst® was first introduced to Zambia in 2016 through a partnership with the international development group, iDE. This organisation is working to help smallholder farmers in the Lusaka, Copperbelt and Southern provinces find new ways to expand yield and profits. When they heard about how PlantCatalyst® can help farmers

Cowpea under cultivation this season. The PlantCatalyst® treated crop is on the right and the crop without PlantCatalyst® is on the left.

The field beans on the right were sprayed with PlantCatalyst®. We suspect the yields to be higher than those on the left. You can see darker, healthier beans on PlantCatalyst® applied crops. We have seen similar results in green beans where yields were increased significantly with little amount of fertiliser used, as compared to about six t/ha in the plot where only fertiliser was applied.

in so many ways, iDE was eager to test the product and they set up comparison plots throughout the three agricultural regions to conduct research on how the product works, and how it can be incorporated into Zambian farming practices. In that same year, the Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI) also began to conduct research on the effect of PlantCatalyst® on maize, soya beans, groundnuts and cotton. ZARI also focused their research on how using PlantCatalyst® can affect farmers’ yield and profit margins.

The results of these research projects continue to demonstrate the effectiveness of PlantCatalyst® and conclusively prove using it can help Zambian farmers in several different ways. For example, those farmers accessing inputs through the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) typically don’t get enough fertiliser. These farmers can adequately address their needs by adding PlantCatalyst® to their inputs, which would then allow them to significantly increase yields

ProAgri Zambia 55 Celebrating 25 years of ProAgri

and profits. For farmers that buy larger amounts of fertiliser, such as commercial farmers, using PlantCatalyst® would allow them to reduce fertiliser costs while simultaneously increasing yields and profits. For some crops ZARI found that profit increases could be as much as 40% per hectare!

ZARI’s trials also showed how using PlantCatalyst® can help achieve President Lungu’s 21st century agriculture goals by reducing Zambia’s dependence on fertiliser, and maximising the limited supply currently available through the FISPprogramme.

The following are photos of crops which are still growing and are showing significantly improved growth. Each of the crops compared were planted on the same day and on the same land.

You can get supplies of PlantCatalyst® from AgriFocus Ltd. Their headquarters is in Lusaka along Buyantashi Road in the Heavy Industrial area. The other main distribution agents are: Pamoza Agro in Lusaka town along Chachacha Road north end, +260-968-624-712 Pamoza Agro in Mpongwe, +260-974-881-674, AgMart in Choma, +260-977-898587 /+260-969-592-925 / +260964-637-637, AgMart in Mkushi, +260-976-264121 / +260-968-265-774, AgMart in Mumbwa, +260-962614-074 / +260-977-855-867, Technical Service Services in Livingstone, +260-976-553-035 /+260-975-270-952, Technical Service Services in Kitwe, +260-078-388-492 /260975-271-065, Technical Service Services in Samfya, +260-975-271-346, and other locally based business agents that are being established throughout the country.

41

Eliminate limescale and rust in your pipes!

Without PTH:

With PTH:

Single installation, lasts a lifetime No maintenance or running costs

No chemicals and salts

No electricity

Simple structure

Perfect for households, wineries, dairy farms, crop growers etc.

You can expect • • • •

No more scale & corrosion Remove existing scale & rust Increase cleaning power Prevent fungus growth

Tested by the Agricultural Research Council and the University of Stellenbosch.

Contact: 42

Pierre +27 82 900 9253 / Tom +27 76 036 2340 / Suretha +27 72 702 4157

ProAgri Zambia 55 www.watersofteningrsa.co.za / pthwater@gmail.com

PTH: Farm smarter with your water

by Du Preez de Villiers

T

he joy of a brand-new borehole is significantly dampened when almost more minerals than water are bubbling out. The presence of calcium and magnesium ions in a way enhances the bad cholesterol levels of your irrigation system. If you do not consistently apply a decalcifier with great effort and cost, you will continue to struggle with water pressure, water accessories that do not work properly and an excessive power bill. It will take two shakes of a lamb’s tail before you suffer a lot of damage.

An ingenious design causes turbulence in the pipe which softens the water together with electron transfer.

PTH systems larger than 50 mm are connected by means of flanges.

The PTH device is amazingly simple and easy to install in your existing water system.

Fortunately, there are smart people like PTH, who understand the chemistry behind calcification. With a clever innovation, they have designed a simple, permanent and maintenance-free system that softens hard water.

PTH stands for Protection against Total Hardness. This Israeli-made water treatment system consists of a stainless-steel casing and a tube with a built-in core, composed of 12 different precious and semi-precious metals, which serves as a catalyst. The system

is manufactured in sizes from 12 to 300 mm, to handle water volumes from 600 to 1 million litres per hour. Systems up to 50 mm in diameter have standard threads on the points for easy installation, while larger units make use of flanges.

The PTH requires no chemicals or salt and operates without any electricity. By releasing electrons from the inner core, as well as turbulence generated by the unique shape of the core, with its built-in fluid orbits, the lime (cations, for example calcium and magnesium) present in the water is effectively broken up and kept in suspension, so that it harmlessly flows through the water system without forming a precipitate.

In other words, when water flows through it, weak electric fields are produced by electric potential difference between this patented alloy core and the metallic cylinder. These fields and the venturi effects stemming from the unique configuration of the core, prevent the adhesion and cohesion of

ProAgri Zambia 55 Celebrating 25 years of ProAgri

the waterborne mineral particles.

Additional electrons are released from a neutral ground-earth wire, which is supplied free of charge with each device. The lime present in the water is therefore not extracted as with a conventional water softener, but its composition is changed and broken up or neutralised. (The polarity of the mineral salts is also changed in the treatment process so that it no longer binds together and forms a limestone deposit.) This causes brackish water to taste noticeably better and that is infinitely more suitable for crops and plants that are sensitive to water of poor quality (for example waters with high salinity which causes brackishness, that is due to high concentrations of sodium and chloride).

PTH guarantees to save you power, cleaning agents and maintenance, while helping your crops absorb nutrients and water more easily.

For more information visit their website at www.watersofteningrsa.co.za.

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

Introducing the TN70 • The TN70 is a cross between the Topigs Large White and the Norsvin Landrace.

Characteristics • Highly prolific, easy in use sow • Amazing weaning ability • Top contribution to finishing pig quality • Produces large litters of strong, uniform

TN70 & TN Tempo: The ultimate combination • TN Tempo brings robustness, uniformity and fast growth potential • The TN70 is an excellent mother which strengthens these qualities by contributing the best feed efficiency to the finisher compared to any other sow in the world • Together, the TN Tempo and TN70 offer you the potential to produce the most output against the lowest cost, combination unrivaled.

THE TRUSTED COMPANY THAT'S A BREED APART. GENETICS | TECHNOLOGY | SERVICE +260 762 589 884 | +260 972 788 521 | jgwolhuter@gmail.com The TN70 will be replacing the TN60 as the parent sow from week of birth 10 with delivery to clients commercing in May 2020.

44

www.topigsnorsvin.co.za ProAgri Zambia 55

Zambian Pig Genetics: TN70 sows will push profits

Internationally bred TN70 pigs that thrive in Africa.

N

ew and enhanced genetics is like a fresh breeze for every farmer and we salute the scientists who went through painstakingly precise, experimental processes to ensure that farmers can farm easier and more profitable.

The piggeries in Africa will rejoice in the arrival of the TN70 genetics, developed by Topigs Norsvin, a worldfamous Dutch pig genetics breeder.

The TN70 already showed significant improvement on the TN60 predecessor in the countries where it is already introduced.

Built on our global research, innovation and absolute commitment to integrity and biosecurity, Topigs Norsvin’s close partnership approach means your farm benefits directly from their experience, energy and passion.

Topigs Norsvin was the first breeding company to implement selection for piglet survival in its balanced breeding programme. Their vision is a sow that can rear many high-quality, fast growing piglets all by herself.

Zambian Pig Genetics (ZPG) has been distributing Topigs Norsvin genetics throughout Central Africa since 2015. Outside Zambia, they serve countries such as the Congo, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, Mozambique, Angola and others in the region. Their genetic stock is specifically suited to the central African environment. They recently introduced the TN70 to the African market with the support from Topigs Norsvin South Africa.

The TN70 is a cross between the Topigs Large White and the Norsvin

TN70 sows are world renowned for their mothering skills and high weaning percentage.

Landrace. She has excellent mothering skills and is a highly prolific, easy in use sow with an amazing weaning ability and a top contribution to finishing pig quality. She produces large litters of strong, uniform piglets that excel in fast, feed efficient growth and carcass quality.

The TN Tempo Boar needs no introduction and together with the TN70, extraordinary offspring is guaranteed.

TN Tempo brings robustness, uniformity, fast growth potential, and excellent carcass qualities to the table.

The TN70 is an excellent mother which strengthens these qualities by contributing the best feed efficiency to the finishers, compared to any other sow on the world. Together. There is no doubt that the TN Tempo and TN70 combination offers you the potential to produce the most output against the lowest cost.

Independent researchers also agree

ProAgri Zambia 55 Celebrating 25 years of ProAgri

on the outstanding abilities of the TN70. The Danish University of Aarhus concluded that this breed has excellent mothering skills while simultaneously producing the same number of weaned pigs per litter with fewer resources.

This just proves the strengths of Topigs Norvsin's TN70 sow, as already experienced by many farmers all around the world.

The further findings of the study was as follows: Piglets born from a TN70 sow are, on average, 264 grams heavier at birth, which makes them stronger and less vulnerable to hypothermia.

TN70 sows have enough teats to feed their offspring and so the piglets have a higher chance of surviving and developing properly. This all results in a higher weight at weaning.

For more information or to order world class genetics, contact: Johan Wolhuter +26(0) 97-278-8521 jgwolhuter@gmail.com, Francisco Kasuba +26(0) 76-258-9884 or sales@zpgzambia.com, Mbunji Samazaka +26(0) 96-405-6668 or office@zpgzambia.com. Their helpful website is available at www. topigsnorsvin.co.za, or follow them on Facebook under ZPG Topigs Norsvin.

45

Yara Yarabrings brings new new DD Planting PlantingFertilizer Fertilizer to toyou you

DD

DD D D

Total Total N: N: P2O P52O5 K2OK2O Sulphur: Sulphur: Zinc: Zinc:

10.5% 10.5% 15%15% 8%8% 8.4% 8.4% 0.13% 0.13%

Yara, a leader in plant nutrition, tailor-made for the Zambian farmer Written by Chrisna Heuer, Yara Marketing Manager for Southern Africa

Yara is the reason why African crop farmers are still eager to stay in the game, find Yara products at a retailer near you.

Crop farming and food security surely depend on the modern and head-turning Yara fertilizer plant in Norway, in the city Porsgrunn.

T

he President of the British Royal Academy, Sir William Crookes, warned that a lack of food security could pose a danger to England and other prosperous nations in the foreseeable future. His prediction in 1898 sent shockwaves through the science community. Admittedly, food shortages did not become a large-scale reality then; however, a few years later it started negatively affecting certain European countries.

In 1905, seven years after Crookes' warning, two Norwegians set up the company Norsk Hydro to help combat the looming famine in Europe. Norsk Hydro developed into the world famous Yara.

Today, Yara has a worldwide presence with about 17 000 employees and operations in over 60 countries, supporting their facilities in 160 countries.

Yara grows knowledge to responsibly feed the world and protect the planet, to fulfil its vision of a collaborative society, a world without hunger and a planet respected, still in line with the original reason for its origin, but in a much more responsible way.

To meet these commitments, Yara has taken the lead and works closely with partners throughout the whole food value chain to develop more climate-friendly crop nutrition solutions.

Yara offers the market’s most complete portfolio of mineral fertilizers and solutions for sustainable agriculture – covering all necessary nutrients for most crops. Yara’s knowledge, products and solutions grow farmers’, distributors’ and industrial custom-

ers’ businesses profitably and responsibly, while protecting the environment.

As Africa’s leading crop nutrition company, Yara provides millions of farmers across Africa with knowledge and best practices to sustainably improve crop yields, standards and increase farmers’ profits. Yara produces quality fertilizers available where and when they are needed by African farmers. To deliver crop nutrition solutions and improve farmer livelihoods, Yara works in partnership with hundreds of local farmers’ organisations, community groups and non-governmental organisations.

In Southern Africa, Yara has a strong presence and focus in South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi, Botswana and Namibia. Yara Fertilizer Zambia Limited representing Zambia, Mozambique and Malawi has developed crop-specific nutrition concepts tailored to local conditions and farmers’ needs. Employing expertise in precision farming, Yara delivers knowledge and solutions to improve agricultural productivity and farming profitability.

Through continued investment in research and development activities, Yara delivers improvements in process technology, crop nutrition strategies and environmental solutions.

In collaboration with partners and customers, farmer-centric solutions

Celebrating 25 years of ProAgri ProAgri Zambia 55

are provided that optimise yields and agricultural quality, while minimising the use of resources like water and nutrients. Safety, HESQ and quality are synonymous with Yara and are seen as our licence to operate.

Zambian farmers have specific needs for their crops, and Yara has been working together with local farmers to create a product that will provide them with all the necessary minerals that their crops need. From this collaboration, the MiCrop range of products is Yara’s commitment to support Zambian farmers to have a successful harvest, by providing quality products at an accessible price.

The newly launched MiCrop D supports the same smallholder farmer, now with planting fertilizer, containing zinc that not only makes plants green and healthy, but is also important for early root growth and development.

New MiCrop D planting fertilizer also contains sulphur that improves yields and quality of produce, helps plants to resist diseases and to make their own food.

MiCrop Top, Yara’s top dressing fertilizer has been developed with the Zambian smallholder farmer in mind, considering the typical soil conditions in Zambia, as well as the micronutrient deficiencies of crops in Zambia.

Yara’s vision and mission to feed the world and protect the planet is a company culture lived by the employees, every day.

Yara’s high performing products are available at retail stores across the country and near you. For more information, contact the team in Lusaka at zambia@yara.com.

47

Be a prepared farmer with Beroni Y

ou probably haven't heard a lot about the name “Beroni� in Zambia yet. These hard-working implements are new to the African soil and are poised to make a huge impact on the smallholder and emerging farming community. The product line offers an affordable, yet high-quality farming solution to farmers looking to successfully compete in the agricultural market.

Zambia’s dependence on small-scale farming and informal sector sales is set to increase considerably in the shortterm future. Emerging farmers can make a significant contribution to our food security, both in food production and in community development. The demand for food security has been clearly demonstrated in the last few

Gold rotary tiller

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ate so that a new farmer faces minimal complexities while working in the field.

With over 35 categories of farm equipment, they are equipped to assist a new farmer in ripping, harrowing, planting, ploughing, transporting and spraying.

These machines are easy to service and repair, and mostly use common parts that are readily available at any AFGRI Equipment Zambia branch. You name it, Beroni has it!

Bottom Line: We need farmers now.

Lets get farming, Zambia.

Tipping trailer months during the pandemic that hit the world, creating a lot of restrictions and forcing many countries to be self-reliant especially with regards to food production.

Beroni is perfectly positioned to ensure that mechanised farming is easy and effortless.

Each piece of equipment is designed to be robust and easy to oper-

Celebrating 25 years of ProAgri

Contact your nearest AFGRI Equipment branch at sales@afgri.com.zm, or +2607621-72412 for more information.

Hydraulic harrow

ProAgri Zambia 55

HELIODOR VERSATILE AND COMPACT

The Heliodor is a true all-rounder: it is ideally suited not only for shallow stubble cultivation of light and medium soils, but offers outstanding performance even in seedbed preparation for mulch seeding and after ploughing!

Benefit from its numerous other advantages:

 The optimum angle adjustment of the discs ensures good penetration and intensive mixing  Maximum clearance to prevent clogging  Low lifting power requirement due to low weight  Flexible uses for both soil cultivation and tillage  Hydraulically adjustable levelling tines for optimum levelling

lemken.com

ProAgri Zambia 55

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ProAgri Zambia 55

SUPERFERT WVC

SuperFert WVC is a basal dressing fertilizer (8:24:16) very rich in phospherous. This fertilizer helps to promote quick root formation and establishment in the early stages of crop life. Heavy feeder crops like tomatoes respond very well to the supply of this fertilizer at only 10g per plant and 5cm away from the plant in holes and burry after application. It can be applied before planting or within the first week after transplanting. The low nitrogen percentage at 8% leaves a farmer with no worries of fertilizer scotch to the new tender upcoming roots of the young plants.

SUPERFERT SULPHATE OF AMMONIA (SOA)

SuperFert Sulphate of Ammonia 21%N + 24S is a very good Top-Dressing Fertilizer. This fertilizer comes in two forms, Prilled and Granular. The presence of the 24% Sulphur helps to hold the 21% Nitrogen and starts supplying it gently to crop use, thereby avoiding it be leached to deeper layers beyond the rooting zone. Sensitive crops like Onions, do very well with this fertilizer because adequate Sulphur helps increase the shelf life of the bulbs and the paratability increased as well.

The Farmer’s best Fer�liser. Call us today for orders and extension exper�se.

Fert Seed & Grain Ltd

Contact us:

+260 977 610 498 | +260 973 848 229 | +260 973 782 627 marketing@fsgzambia.co.zm | sale@fsgzambia.co.zm

ProAgri Zambia 55

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Tank Range 500 - 10 000 Lit r e

ProAgri Zambia 55

ROTO TANK FLOATERS & PONTOONS

BOAT JETTIES l AQUACULTURE CAGES l FLOATING PUMPS IN RIVERS/LAKES l FOR LODGES & MORE

BOATS L SERVICING BOATS IN AQUACULTURE L FLOATING STRUCTURES FOR PUMPS & MORE ProAgri Zambia 55 53 s ales @r otot ank zambia. co. zm 0960 567 058 www. r otot ank s . com

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 54

ProAgri Zambia 55

Mayo Agro Services Nurturing Nature

A trusted and reliable logistics service provider The home of top quality Vegetable Seedlings. We nurture nature for your success.

Road Freight

Sea Freight

StuďŹƒng and UnstuďŹƒng Warehousing

Rail Freight Cargo Insurance

Customs Clearance

Air Freight Cargo Inspection

Booking Agency

Import, Export and Transit Permits +260 761373755 +260 977494867 +260 966803615 operations.cargoservices@gmail.com www.cargoservicesfreight.com

ProAgri Zambia 55

Contact us: Location: Plot 288A S/D s makeni, Lusaka Phone: +260 966 220 076 +260 962 723 713 Email: mayoagro@gmail.com Facebook : Mayo Agro Services

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ProAgri Zambia 55

ProAgri Zambia 55

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How Protected is your broiler chick?

Ross Breeders has proudly invested in new vaccina�on technology in order to improve our customer’s broiler performance as well as enhance protec�on from Newcastle disease and Infec�ous Bursal disease (Gumboro) through the use of Vectormune and Transmune respec�vely in the hatchery. The two diseases can cause huge economic losses amongst poultry farmers when they occur.

“Ross Zambia is proud to u�lise the Ross gene�cs, which is ranked as the world’s number one broiler breeder brand with a product range that offers customers the solu�on for all requirements, rst-class gene�cs and product performance. Ross is considered the breed of choice for the global poultry industry.”

Benets of Vectormune and Transmune to Ross clients.

1. Enhanced and long-las�ng immunity 2. Reduced on -farm vaccina�on frequency 3. Reduced risk of post vaccina�on reac�ons.

4. Applied in the hatchery with each chick individually being vaccinated 5. Be�er protec�on against Newcastle disease and Gumboro.

6. Improved chick performance.

NUTRI has evolved out of our understanding of our customers needs. We aim to provide the highest quality protein products for all markets.

Ross Breeders Zambia Ltd Sales: +260 0966 321 310 Email: rbzsales@rossafrica.com

Nutrifeeds Zambia Ltd Sales: +260 966 627 765 E-mail: nutrisaletech@rossafrica.com

Solar PowerPorts and Energy Solutions The Sun Ship PowerPort is a standalone power station, which consists of a steel structure, 6 high performance bifacial solar panels and built in inverters, for residential or commercial use. Long life Lithium Ion battery banks are optional.

Products ST10 ST1

PowerPort with 2.5KW PV Panels, no inverter

ST3

PowerPort with 2.5KW PV Panels, includes 3KW hybrid inverter and 4KWh Lithium Ion battery.

PowerPort with 2.5KW PV Panels, includes 2.4KW full microinverter Kit with 230V output

ADVERTISE HERE! 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

Delivery: All destinations in South Africa, and SADC countries.

Prices available on request.

Tel. +27 (0)21 791 0675 www.sunshiptech.com info@sunshiptech.com Instagram: @sunshiptech Facebook: /sunshiptech

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ProAgri Zambia 55

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

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

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QUALITY THAT EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS Steel shades and warehousing for farming businesses • • • •

Construction of Steel Structures Plumbing and Sanitary Installations Carpentry, joinery, Roofing and water proofing services Precast and Pre- stressed concrete

Repair and installation of variable speed drives and motors Approved channel partner and distributor of ABB

Email: saea.za@gmail.com cheebo.kabamba@saea.co.zm Phone: 097 123 9613 / 097 783 4868 60

ProAgri Zambia 55

Affordable quality hammer mills

RNJ Exports : Johan Nel +260 96 495 3383 / +260 96 751 8320 Saro Agro : Amin / Herman / Asok +260 21 128 7414 / 3 / 5

T2

S1

S6

kW Required

2.2kW

kW Required

2.2kW / 4kW

kW Required

11kW

HP Required

5HP

HP Required

5HP / 9 HP

HP Required

19HP

Rotor Diameter

1240 mm

Rotor Diameter 300 mm

Rotor Diameter 450 mm

Screen Size

800 x 110 mm

Screen Size

Screen Size

Maize

900 x 110 mm

Maize

1500 x 130 mm

Maize

0.8 mm

30 kg/hr

0.8 mm

100 kg/hr

0.8 mm

400 kg/hr

1.6 mm

64 kg/hr

1.6 mm

200 kg/hr

1.6 mm

800 kg/hr

4 mm (chicks)

128 kg/hr

4 mm (chicks)

400 kg/hr

4 mm (chicks)

1400 kg/hr

8 mm

250 kg/hr

8 mm

700 kg/hr

8 mm

2000 kg/hr

M8

M16

M24

kW Required

11kW / 15kW

kW Required

22 kW

kW Required

37 kW

HP Required

24 HP

HP Required

30 HP

HP Required

60 HP

Tractor Required n/a

Tractor Required

35 kW

Tractor Required

50 kW

PTO Speed

PTO Speed

540 rpm

PTO Speed

540 rpm

Rotor Diameter 450 mm

Rotor Diameter

680 mm

Rotor Diameter

940 mm

Screen Size

Screen Size

2100 x 190 mm

Screen Size

3000 x 190 mm

n/a 1500 x 190 mm

Maize

Maize

Maize

0.8mm

450 kg

0.8mm

800 kg

0.8mm

900 kg

1.6mm

700 kg

1.6mm

1 000 kg

1.6mm

1 300 kg

4mm (chicks)

1 200 kg

4mm (chicks)

2 000 kg

4mm (chicks)

3 500 kg

8mm

2 000 kg

8mm

4 000 kg

8mm

6 000 kg

Grass

Grass

Grass

12mm

200 kg

12mm

800 kg

12mm

1800 kg

20mm

400 kg

20mm

1 500 kg

20mm

2200 kg

Call or Whats App: Alomia / Fouzia: +27 (0)11-864-1601 l Francesco: +27 (0)83-267-3286 alomia@drotsky.co.za / fouzia@drotsky.co.za l francesco@drotsky.co.za ProAgri Zambia 55

www.drotsky.co.za 61

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ProAgri Zambia 55

[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. 1. Weed- killing through leaves first instead of by roots first like 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

DRIP IRRIGATION

FARMERS AFRICA ((ZAMBIA) LTD FA RMERS AFRICA 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 | E-mail: sales@farmersafrica.com Contact: +260 978 463921 office: +260 966 500096 | +260 966/ 500032 farmersafrica01@gmail.com | Cell: +260 978 463 921 / +260 966 500 096 / +260 966 500 032 E-mail:sales@farmersafrica.com |farmersafrica01@gmail.com

ONE STOP SHOP FOR STEEL & STEEL RELATED PRODUCTS THE BEST DEAL IN QUALITY STEEL! • • • • • • •

Welding Rods Galvanized Wire Cutting Discs Primer Paints Bolts & Nuts Barbed Wire Razor Wire

• • • • • • •

Welded Mesh Diamond Mesh Field Fence Y Standards RooďŹ ng U Channels Lipped Channels

LUSAKA BRANCH P.O. BOX 38395, Lumumba Road, Lusaka, Zambia Tel: +260 211 222112 +260 211 223625 Fax: +260 211 221487 saleslusaka@bsisteel.com

• • • • • •

One stop shop for steel & Roof Screws Steel related products Structural Steel Insulations Reinforcing Bars Light & Medium Sections Steel Plates & Sheets & Many more

KITWE BRANCH PLOT 1304, Chibuluma Road, Kitwe Zambia Tel: +260 212 210670 +260 212 210063 Fax: +260 963 905673 saleskitwe@bsisteel.com

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ProAgri Zambia 55

A FIRST FOR SOUTH AFRICA!!!

KUDOS FOR BONNOX’S NEW 3METRE FENCE.

3m

WOW! Kudus can’t clear THIS fence!

2.44m

1.8m

1.2m

AVOID POOR IMITATIONS AND BUY DIRECTLY FROM THE ONLY BONNOX FACTORY, SITUATED IN SUNDERLAND RIDGE, CENTURION ONLY A BONNOX INVOICE SERVES AS A CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.

zane@bonnox.co.za • gerda@bonnox.co.za • linda@bonnox.co.za

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+27 (0)12 666 8717 www.bonnox.co.za • 012 666 8717

ProAgri Zambia 55