More highlights of Agritech Expo Zambia 2023

by Bianca Henning

The Agritech Expo Zambia 2023 promised more agro technology and innovation advancements, and surely delivered on that promise! We couldn’t depart from the Agritech show just yet. There were too many exciting things and highlights to capture in one edition, therefore, we decided to dedicate a few more pages to the show this month.

Many small-scale and emerging farmers were intrigued by Zambian pig genetics discussion. Zambian Pig Genetics (ZPG) has been distributing Topigs Norsvin genetics throughout Central Africa since 2015.

Joseph Phiri, Sales Representative and Technical Adviser from Zambian Pig Genetics, showed visitors what they have to offer to pig farmers.

Novatek is well-known as Zambia’s leading stock feed producer and distributor. They pride themselves in supplying the best quality feed, tailored to the needs of local livestock. The Novatek team welcomed farmers warmheartedly at the recent Agritech expo in Chisamba, supplying them with all the information on quality feed.

The Novatek team: Back: Vernon Muzamai, Lemmy Sikumba and Kuzwana Jere. In the front are Robert Kanyembo, Riyashna Rampersadh and Chisala Kapya.

Saro Agro is the proud supplier of Rotrix Africa Rainmaker Irrigation Systems. These irrigators are available in different sizes and are the most effective and cost-efficient travelling irrigation systems available in Africa.

Lindsay Africa are the distributers of Zimmatic equipment in Africa. Zimmatic dealers are conveniently located across Africa so that farmers have easy access to the irrigation equipment they need to ensure proper yields.

John Deere’s reliable green and gold workhorses attracted many farmers at this year’s Agritech expo. John Deere 5045 is a power packed agricultural tractor with high back-up torque and accelerated productivity for all agricultural applications.

Seed Co has 80 years of experience in the production and supply of certified high-yielding seed varieties bred in Africa for African conditions.

Zambia Seed Company Limited is the oldest seed company in Zambia. Their reliable seed attracted scores of farmers to their stand at this year’s Agritech impressed crop farmers.

Bee conservation was one of the seven themes presented at the recent Regional Apimondia symposium held in Durban, South Africa. Five bee specialists from different countries in Africa shared their research and experiences on the theme.

Conservation beekeeping and climate change

Sisiphiwo Dingana presented a paper on the University of the Western Cape’s (UWC) crop trials in the Eastern Cape towns of Mthatha, Bizana, Port St Johns, and Matatiele. He offered an insight into the valuable traditional ways of beekeeping, which could contribute to preserving bee genetics.

Sisiphiwo is currently working as a postgraduate research assistant at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). He is leading the UWC Plant Research Assistance Crop Trial Programme in the Eastern Cape.

Insect samples, including honeybees, were collected during the past three years as part of these trials. While doing so, he searched for local beekeepers in the surrounding areas. “Surprisingly, most beekeepers were not registered at the Department of Agriculture, Land Redistribution and