Africa Agriculture Insight July August 2020 Edition

AFRICA AGRICULTURE Africa’s own Agricultural Journal July-August 2020 > Issue 4> Vol.#2

INSIDE: EMT –Fertiliser Blender and Bagging projects established in Africa Pg.16

Anglo Agri-Parts The Family run business Pg.06

Contents

C O N T E N T S 4

BMPE The food system technology specialist

08 Tomra Food Helps Rago To Sort The Best Salad

10 Moisture Monitoring During Grain Storage

by Ergson GmbH

20 Futureco Bioscience invests in biocontrol solutions in Africa

22 The Humane Slaughter Association – providing technical advice and support for over a century

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How to safeguard your fish against the cold

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Editor’s Note

Editor’s Comments As we glide into summer away from the winter season, I welcome you our valued readers to this edition of our magazine prepared with you in mind. It is our duty here at Agricultural Insight to keep you abreast of what is happening in your area of specialization.

We are proud to be associated with you our value readers as you give us purpose to keep the magazine going.

To those who were engaged in winter cropping, I ma sure you are preparing for your harvest. As I travelled through the Free State in South Africa I could not help to admire the wheat crop which stretched for miles on the different farms. This made me to appreciate our farmers who invest into this venture to feed our nations

Front cover Editor Goodwill Sibanda editor@africaagricultureinsight.com Writer Kennedy Chamu kennedy@africaagricultureinsight.com Sales Lenox Marufu lenox@africaagricultureinsight.com Muthulis Nkiwane muthulis@africaagricultureinsight.com Design & layout Peter Johnson peter@africaagricultureinsight.com Accounts Sharon Moyo accounts@africaagricultureinsight.com Subscrip�on Thato Ndlovu subscrip�on@africaagricultureinsight.com landline +27110257031 info@africaagricultureinsight.com sales@africaagricultureinsight.com www.africaagricultureinsight.com

The last summer season was very good and saw South African farmers increasing their hectares on Soya beans by 8%. This was due to the demand of the commodity on the local market and the price which the crop was fetching. The good rains which showered South Africa helped immensely to prompt the farmers to increase their hectrage.

With good rains forecasted for the 20/21 seasons across southern Africa farmers should use this information to maximise on production. No cyclones or violent weather is predicted for the season and this should be good news both to the commercial and communal farmers. Based on available information, the start of the20/21 season across southern Africa is likely to be normal.

Cumulative rainfall during October to December 2020 and January to March 2021 period is mostly likely to be average across most of southern Africa. This should bring relief to most farmers especially those without irrigation infrastructure.

It is very important for farmers to be given this information timeously as it helps them to plan ahead and prepare adequately for the season. Gone are the days when agricultural wok was based on expectations and looking at the sun for signs in order to predict the weather. This primitive way though used mostly by communal farmers is no reliable and is misleading. Farmers should be equipped with information on weather patterns for them to be successful and no to be surprised by changes in the same.

This season offers farmers a variety of crops to plant. These range from the seasonal grains such as maize, sorghum, finger millet, soya beans and sunflowers. Pumpkin, watermelon, peanuts, and sweet potatoes do very well during this hot season when coupled with plenty water or rain. Apart from these there are a variety of vegetables which can be planted during this time. It is our expectation here at Agricultural Insight that our farmers in the region will take advantage of the regional weather forecast for this season and maxmise on production.

Until our next edition enjoy reading what we have prepared for you in this edition.

Your Editor

Editor G. Sibanda Disclaimer: All material is strictly copyright. The magazine or any part thereof may not be reproduced or adapted without written permission from the publisher: Africa Agriculture Insight welcomes material submitted for publication but retains the right to edit copy. The views expressed in the publication are not considered those of the publisher (Cleopas Projects), which accepts no liability of any nature arising out of or in connection with the contents of this magazine. While every effort has been taken in compiling this publication, the publisher does not give warranty as to the completeness or accuracy of its content. The publisher and the editor cannot accept responsibility for any loss inconvenience & damage that may occur there from.

April-June 2020 | www.agricultureinsight.com

5

Agribusiness

Anglo Agriparts is a family run, father & son business based in Hampshire, England. We specialise in replacement parts and accessories for a wide range of modern, classic and vintage tractors including: Ford New Holland, Massey Ferguson, John Deere, Case International Harvester, Fiat, Fordson, Ferguson and David Brown.

Anglo Agri-Parts The Family run business

The owner, and Father, Alastair McHarg, was an engineering apprentice at the age of 16.

He has been involved in the International Tractor Parts business since 1972 and started his own company in 2001. This focused on OE business, supplying parts to original tractor manufacturers.

In 2013, along with his son John McHarg, they launched Anglo Agriparts as our aftermarket sector of the business. We’re proud of our OEM heritage, which has allowed us to launch our aftermarket brand from our OEM supply base.

about what they sell. We understand the business and understand your needs. We are always looking to expand our company and partnerships from around the world. “A company is nothing without it’s people”, and we can proudly say, we have built a strong knowledgeable team who understand the UK and export market and can provide a reliable, well established service.

John has taken Anglo into the next generation, commissioning an online retail site, developing new products, growing the warehouse and sales teams and developing trade accounts across the middle east and Africa. The family heritage remains strong with Alastair still greatly involved in the day to day running of the company.

This year Anglo launched our Next Generation Range, exclusively designed and developed for Anglo Agriparts.

We are committed to continually investing in product development and sourcing the best quality manufacturers from around the globe.

As a supplier to two of the top global agricultural Original Equipment Manufacturers, Anglo knows quality. Due to the volume nature of OEM business, Anglo are able to negotiate the most competitive pricing in order to give you guaranteed quality at the best prices.

As time has moved on, so has our business. We have grown in sales, staff and warehousing. In August 2015 we moved to our new 10,000 sqft. headquarters.

Customers can speak with likeminded enthusiasts, passionate

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July-August 2020 | www.africaagricultureinsight.com

Agribusiness

Cameroon’s tomato industry rots

ervé Kouamo used to sell his tomatoes at the local market.

Now he goes from door to door, searching for potential buyers. Markets in his town, Bangangté in Cameroon’s West region, are flooded with the fruit.

“That’s the only option if I have to get at least half of the money I spent to cultivate this crop. More truckloads of tomatoes come to markets here every day,” said the 34year-old.

Kouamo’s customers used to be in Cameroon’s big cities — Bamenda, Douala and Yaoundé — and bought in large quantities. Now, things have taken a turn since the country’s nation’s borders were closed in an attempt to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

“I used to sell about 30 baskets in a day — each for 5 000 to 6 000 francs [about $9 to $10].

Now I sell [a basket] at 1 500 francs [about $3] and rarely at 2 000,” said Kouamo.

According to Cameroon’s state broadcaster, CRTV, about 877 000 tonnes of tomatoes are produced yearly — mostly in the country’s west, northwest, southwest, central and far north regions, as well as the Adamawa region —

and a huge chunk of this is exported.

Cameroon’s decision to close its borders in March meant its tomato producers could no longer reach regional markets in West and Central Africa,

“We will be happy if we can have a processing plant functioning, so that we don’t fall into this shock again,” said Mbaizoa. “It aches my heart.” where the majority of the perishables go. Those markets include Nigeria, Gabon, Chad, Equatorial Guinea and the Central African Republic.

“Nigerians paid us a lot for our tomatoes. They usually buy about 10 000 tonnes annually but now that channel has closed,” Joseph Kana, a member of a tomato producers’ association in the west region, told state broadcaster CRTV. At least two tomato farmers have died by suicide because they could not pay back the money they borrowed to grow their crops, Kana said. He added that there are others who have killed themselves.

July-August 2020 | www.africaagricultureinsight.com

Cameroon’s lone tomato processing plant in the west region closed down years ago, which means the country cannot process the fruit into other products and farmers have limited time to sell the produce.

“We usually contact clients before going to the farm — so they just come and carry them [tomatoes] in baskets.

Now without ready markets, we are forced to throw some [away]. The situation is really bad,” said Mary Mbaizoa, a tomato farmer in Yaoundé.

Last month, in response to the situation, Cameroon’s minister of agriculture and rural development, Gabriel Mbairobe, said his ministry was planning a bail-out for the sector amounting to two billion francs (about $3.5-million). Part of the plan is to use the money for distributing fertilisers, seeds and pesticides to cooperatives while the government gets the abandoned tomato processing plant in the West region going again.

“We will be happy if we can have a processing plant functioning, so that we don’t fall into this shock again,” said Mbaizoa. “It aches my heart.”

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Technology

BMPE The food system technology specialist BMPE is the leading supplier of superior quality New and Refurbished Food Processing and packaging equipment to the African market. Providing a professional service to the Food Industry.

Founded by Olaf Blömker and built on his experience of over 30 years in the industry. He has vast knowledge not just on equipment but also deboning, meat processing, recipe formulation, packaging, technological Information, production flow and the legal understanding surrounding the business.

Importing machines for our clients across Africa, ensuring that they benefit from the highest quality at a competitive price. We are proud to represent the following companies: •

• • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • •

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Nowicki - Meat Injectors, Ice Generators, Separators, Cooking Pots, Tumblers, Crate Washers, Grinders, Bowl Cutters, Cookers, Coolers Risco - meat processing machines and systems.

Stalam - Radio Frequency & Microwave Heating Kolbe - Meat Processing Equipment Lorenzo Barroso – Clips, Loops, Clippers and Tiers, Spool ClipsItalian Pack – Packaging Machines AVS Agric - Compact Abattoir & Meat Processing Solutions Bastra - Smokers and Cookers Bizerba - Labelling, Weighing & Food Processing Equipment Nock - Ice flakers and Slicers, Derinders, Skinning Machines Ice-Ups -Flake Ice Machines, Seawater Ice Machines, Direct Cooling Ice Machines, Fruit and Vegetable Vacuum Coolers Colimatic – Packaging Machinery Reepack – Packaging Machinery SuperVac - Vacuum Packing Machines AWE – Food Processing Equipment Alco – Food Processing Equipment Graeff - Professional cutting technology Schiwa - Slicing Solutions Saccardo - Vacuum Packing Machines

•

PSS - Meat Processing Machinery

Services Offered: • • • • • •

Project planning Complete layout designs Product Flow Management Consultation Turn Key Solutions Product Development

We also offer contracted Preventative Maintenance Service for the refurbishment of machines and have access to all significant brands of spares. This is a workable solution to help preserve the mint condition of your assets – especially if it is subjected to strenuous working conditions on a daily basis.

giving optimal washing effects. It is available in a modular version (with possibility of extension of the initial washing module and/ or the air blow-off module).

• • • • • • •

•

•

Water heating systems: electric, steam, electric-steam, gas, oil and hot water Guiding mechanism for washed containers Mechanical conveyor for containers transport with a speed regulation Touch screen control panel Closed water circulation system Stainless steel centrifugal pump Regulation and distribution of rinsing water in terms of: intensity of rinsing, refreshing of tank water and, sanitizing. overflow system allowing water savings in the washer in case of temporary lack of a container in the tunnel Chemical dosing

In addition to our washers we are also passionate about the benefits of RF Defrosting (Radio Frequency), its ability to safely and rapidly defrost meats, poultry and fish without compromising quality or hygiene. Manufacturers are realising that there's nowhere to hide when it comes to food safety, and a critical hazard point is defrosting.

COVID 19 Before and during the Covid-19 pandemic, Crate washers have become one of the most sought after hygiene equipment in the broader spectrum of all Food companies. Giving the producer the utmost hygiene standards required within the industry keeping their processes internal and external bacteria free. This standard has become a huge requirement in passing audits and keeping factories safe from listeriosis, salmonella etc.

Nowicki has a wide range of washers to meet every hygiene requirement. All washers are designed to wash all kinds of plastic containers, covers of containers

As the Market leader in packaging and food processing equipment in Sub Sahara Africa we represent many processing plants in the territory.

We believe in supporting our customers in the same way that they support us. This ensures that BMPE is The Food System Technology Specialist.

Useable Links: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=LZjB2Y6pvNY https://youtu.be/ijJqf6bQstE https://youtu.be/VAtXbIfi0Fg https://metalbud.com/en/ products/meat-industry/ washers_kopia_0ec2c7

July-August 2020 | www.africaagricultureinsight.com

Machinery

Tomra Food Helps Rago To Sort The Best Salad

RAGO Group is one of the leading Italian producers of washed, packaged and ready-to-eat (fourth range) salad, and the second biggest exporter of rocket in Europe.

On the market since 1892 and now run by the founding family’s fifth generation, RAGO’s strengths lay in its sustainability and innovation.

Every single process in the company is monitored and meets stringent quality parameters – from the production on its 500 acres through to packaging and shipment of the product.

At RAGO’s, innovation goes hand in hand with continuous investment in research and development, which takes up 4% of the company’s turnover.

This belief in innovation and technology was at the root of the company’s decision to purchase five TOMRA Food sorting machines, which were delivered in December 2019.

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Mariano Rago, CEO of the company, said: "We knew TOMRA and its cutting-edge technology, so we decided to adopt its sorting equipment.”

Gianluca Coloretti, Area Sales Manager Italy, TOMRA Food, said: "In Italy, the salad sector has already reached a good level of automation, but a focus on food safety from increasingly demanding customers continues to grow.

As a consequence, producers and packagers are looking for more and more sophisticated technologies to avoid complaints or damage to their image, which they can’t afford. Our sorting machines with combined laser/camera technology have set a new standard in food safety in this type of product. That’s why we perfectly meet RAGO’s needs."

The five new TOMRA sorting machines have been positioned on the line

dedicated to salad preparation, washing and drying. RAGO takes the greatest precautions to ensure the visual and sensory qualities of its ready-to-eat products, and eliminate all foreign bodies such as insects, or plastic and wood fragments that may have come from the fields. RAGO’s battle against foreign bodies begins in the fields, where it takes a host of precautions and processes to mitigate the issue. From the field, the products go to the processing and packaging house where the TOMRA machines take over and remove any remaining foreign bodies.

Mariano Rago explained: "When a large mass of leaves is processed, the danger can lay hidden among them. This is where the sorter plays an important role, ensuring continuous visual control using the most sophisticated technology."

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Machinery

The TOMRA sorting machines have been in operation for several months, closely monitored by Gaetano Rago, who is in charge of technological innovation at RAGO, and the company is satisfied with the results: "From the controls, we carry out daily, we have been able to appreciate TOMRA’s contribution to our achieving the highest quality of the finished product, with no residues or foreign bodies – all to the benefit of our brand and our customers." The TOMRA sorter guarantees a full inspection of every single baby leaf or rocket, taking quality and food safety to unprecedented levels.

"Quality control is RAGO’s signature benefit. We cannot afford any exceptions. For this reason, all our products are controlled by a specialized team of agronomists and food technologists to ensure only guaranteed and certified food goes to the shelves and tables.

TOMRA’s sorting technology completes a control chain that leads to excellent results," said Gaetano Rago.

Coloretti explained: "Through continuous investments in R&D (8% of the global turnover), TOMRA always offers the customer the best technology available and applicable to

the specific product. Another strong point of TOMRA machines is the reliability and quality of the components used, as well as a consulting service supported by our European Test Centers – now also available remotely – and excellent after-sales service."

Optical sorting technology reduces waste and delivers higher yields In addition to the quality of the finished product, another central element in RAGO’s philosophy is the great attention to eco-sustainability.

The company’s environmental impact is already minimal and is further reduced by a green park covering about 15,000 m² to return oxygen to the atmosphere and balance the CO2 produced by the company.

The company has set itself the challenge of making the full production process ecosustainable through constant and numerous investments – in place and planned for the future – with the ultimate goal of the intelligent exploitation of resources: water, land and solar energy.

Under this point of view, the issue of false rejects is particularly relevant: now, thanks to the optical and laser selection accuracy of TOMRA’s technology, false rejects are reduced to a minimum, thus optimizing product yields and reducing waste. With a view to the increasing global food requirements (it is estimated that to feed the population, which is expected to reach 10 billion by 2050, we will have to produce 70% more food), decreasing what FAO defines as 'food loss' (the loss of food that occurs in the early stages of production, processing and transport) becomes fundamental.

Coloretti concluded: "It is worrying to think that the processing industry loses between 35% and 50% of all the food it processes. Clearly, this is unsustainable. With the same raw material, by using TOMRA’s technologies, we will be able to better exploit the resources available on our planet."

The decision to use TOMRA sorting machines is part of RAGO’s initiatives aimed at ensuring a “green” approach.

July-August 2020 | www.africaagricultureinsight.com

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Machinery

Mobile Grinding, Rolling and Mixing Plants Buschhoff

Mode of Operation and Economic Use Mobile grinding, rolling and mixing plants are mobile concentrated-feed plants.

They produce mixed feed from self-produced grain and components for pigs, sheep, ruminants and poultry. With these plants the lessor can offer his clients the possibility to use their grain in the most effective way – as animal feed.

Mixed feed of any structure and fineness can be produced. The hammer mill is sucking the grinding stock; its grinding output amounts, it depends on type, as many as 25 tons per hour. 72 hardmetals hammers serve to reach a uniform quality of the finished material.

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The rolling output is similar to the hammer mill. Different types of grains, such as peas and beans, can be crushed without problems.

The finished product can be added by admixtures, such as crushed soy, mineral feed and the like. The components are dosed by weight and carefully mixed in the feed mixer. Even soy oil can be added to the mix. The mixer’s capacity is up to 7 tons of feed.

The finished mixed feed is discharged via a swivel screw or a pneumatic discharge system into silos or other appropriate storage facilities.

The conveying capacity is 36 to 60 tons per hour.

In many cases, shredding or crushing as outside service is

more economic for the farmer than the use of an own stationary plant.

With mobile concentratedfeed plants the lessors dispose of robust plants which are on the latest technical state. The high capacity and the problem-free operation of mobile concentrated-feed plants guarantee safe yields, as evidenced by efficiency quotations.

The plant can be run 12 months per year; annual outputs of more than 10,000 tons are possible.

Some Technical Details The plant is driven by a Mercedes Benz turbocharged

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Machinery

Diesel engine of 260 kW (354 h.p.) with high torque.

Magnetic separators prevent metallic parts from getting into mill or crusher.

The hammer mill with its 72 hard-metal-hammers ensures high grinding output and long lifetime. The desired finished material fineness is obtained by use different punchedplates or wire-mesh screens.

The optional crusher includes two massive cast steel rollers.

For the purpose of saving the surface, one of the rollers is hydraulically prestressed and allows springing apart for foreign objects passing through the rollers. By changing the hydraulic roller prestressing it is also possible to modify the crushing quality.

From the operator’s panel the crushing gap can easily be modified for different stocks and structures to be crushed.

Hence, there are no problems even when crushing maize, peas and beans. The roller is overload-protected.

The rotary piston blower ensures uniform and high conveying capacity. It is standard-equipped with safety valves on both suction and compression sides. An automatic dust separator serves for effective separation and dust-free waste air.

The mixer is suspended in a weighing appliance. The

weight of the mixer content is permanently indicated. The mixing stock can be checked through a sampling nozzle.

Appliances for suction and proportioning of soy oil are optional.

hours, oil pressure, cooling water temperature, tank content, as well as manometers for suction, compression and hydraulic oil pressures.

A hydraulic tilting mechanism simplifies admixture feeding.

The cabin is of ergonomic design, weatherproof, lockable and protected against dirtying on motion.

Bulk components not to be shredded or crushed can be sucked and conveyed directly into the weigh mixer.

The weigh mixer is discharged either by the pneumatic discharge system or the 6.0 m long swivel discharge screw. It can be lifted or lowered from the operator’s cabin, too.

The entire plant is controlled by the operator from his cabin; it includes all operating and control elements, such as indicators of speed, working

July-August 2020 | www.africaagricultureinsight.com

The conveying hoses of 90 or 100 mm diameter.are arranged on large trays, providing good accessibility.

Spotlights are available to illuminate the working place.

Their robustness and reliability have proved for more than 50 years. Mobile grinding, rolling and mixing plants or mobile grinding and mixing plants (without roller) can be supplied as second-hand plants, too

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Irrigation

How much water does my crop need?

Fate of Irrigation water; only two components, Transpiration and Soil surface evaporation (in green) form the Crop water use. Only in drip method these two components alone can be applied to the crop. All the rest (in red) are avoidable sinks for irrigation water This question is getting more intense and raised more often as the scarcity for water increases. Historically, the query was never raised in the past, as no one doubted about the availability of water.

"It is always there" so why bother to ask at all. In the changing scenario, where water resources are no more available to use it as we wish, humans started measuring, estimating, and looking for opportunities to improve water productivity, conserve water or reduce its consumption. This phase has come into the crop agriculture also.

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reduce the second component of water loss, surface evaporation. In conventional irrigation major part of water loss is not these two essential sinks but the rest (red in the photo).

major portion of the applied water from the field. This fraction of water is actually wasted and not used by the crop resulting in very low water use efficiency and water productivity.

Where does all the water go after one irrigates a crop field?

Here when a farmer asks the question, HOW MUCH DOES MY CROP NEED? The answer is the ETP (evaporation plus transpiration). Accordingly I have estimated the water required for a good high yielding sugarcane crop. The difference among the regions is due to difference in evaporation rate during the growing season of the crop. In this case the 12 month period of sugarcane.

In precision Irrigation the water given would only be equal to the sum of Transpiration (which increases as the crop grows and the canopy becomes large) and evaporation from exposed soil surface (which decreases as the crop cover increases ). The goal of perfect irrigation is to

How Much water I need for sugarcane crop?

These water requirements of the crop can be applied to precision only through drip method. In conventional method water is applied till the field is filled up with water and therefore the components of water loss (in red) removes a

For a 12 month crop duration, sugarcane requires only 14660 m3 to 15580 m3 water per hectare to produce 150 –250 t/ha yield under drip – fertigation assisted precision farming in the central and south peninsular India. Its requirement is 9680 m3 in north temperate region where low temperature restricts growth for 3–4 months. In this region the productivity is also comparatively low, 150–175 t/ ha. Applying water as per the estimates above is possible only through drip method of irrigation. In conventional irrigation system the whole season consumes 25000 m3 on average in all these regions and the productivity of sugarcane ranged from 70–87 t/ha only.

July-August 2020 | www.africaagricultureinsight.com

Agri-Inputs

EMT –Fertiliser Blender and Bagging projects established in Africa EMT, a manufacturer of Fertiliser Blending and Bagging Equipment, has been heavily involved in the development of the African fertilizer industry.

The company, based in the Netherlands, has a long list of references, in total we have installed more than 460 projects in more than 70 countries worldwide. The company has exported to more than 20 African countries in the previous years, as can also be found on the website.

One of the most recent larger installations on the continent has been a Weighcont Continuous Blender Line with small bag bagging lines. The company Glofert in Ghana

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has invested in a machine line with a capacity of 80 tons per hour. With its machine installation Glofert can continuously produce blends and bag the fertilizer through 2 bagging lines of each 40 tons per hour. The company is a local Ghanaian company that is directly selling the fertiliser to their local distributors. Ghana has a strong presence of Fertilizer blenders with EMT equipment including LDC – Chemico and Yara. Of which also Yara has recently expanded their facility with machines of EMT. Analysing the African market as a whole we can see Ethiopia as a big investor with

EMT Blender and bagging lines on 4 different locations.

In the Sub Saharan countries South Africa has the highest presence of companies running with EMT equipment, but as Botswana, Angola, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Malawi, Nigeria, Togo, South Africa and Zimbabwe. These local companies are running with blending and bagging equipment from the Dutch company.

The African market is constantly in need of further development in its agricultural sector. Currently Rwanda, Burkina Faso, Mali and Nigeria have projects running together with EMT.

July-August 2020 | www.africaagricultureinsight.com

Agri-Inputs

New developments in the area but also outside of Africa is the upcoming from coating for Urea and/or Blended fertilizers. Almost all of EMT’s blending equipment is suited for liquid adding so that the impregnation of for example Urea, can be done in the same machine line. Also stand-alone coating units have been developed which are solely focussing on coating one type of fertilizer, usually urea, with an inhibitor.

The years of experience in the fertilizer field have made EMT one of the largest well known machinery producers in the world. Its combination of blending lines and bagging lines which are supplied and constructed by 1 Producer makes EMT a good partner for all types of customers. All machines are pre-assembled and tested in the EMT factory.

The machines are all engineered to make them fit in to a container or truck/ trailer. This is for easy transport to the customers. The installation is done by the EMT

Supervisor with help of the customer technicians. The whole machine set up is then a turn key set-up.

With the different machines EMT is supplying all types of companies, from the local distributors to the multinational producers, can always find the right machine line which fits

July-August 2020 | www.africaagricultureinsight.com

into their budget and capacity request.

For contact see the EMT website emt@emt.tech or contact the local distributor of EMT equipment.

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Grains

Moisture Monitoring During Grain Storage by Ergson GmbH rain is a staple food of the world's population. The demand for grain is increasing steadily due to the growing world population. Providing people with high quality food is a strategic and important issue for a country. It plays a significant role in the growth and future of our population.

G

Grain is nutritious and low in water which makes it suitable for storage. However, during storage there is a high risk of quality losses. It is estimated that up to a third of the grain harvested is lost before consumption and sales. After harvest, grain continues to ripen. Moisture and thermal energy is released while the grain is stored in a closed container. This encourages the growth of mold fungus and insects.

The two indicators temperature and humidity influence each other with regard to the shelf life and quality maintenance of grain.

Warm and humid conditions during storage promote early germination, outgrowth and infestation of mold and microorganisms. An increase in microorganisms means that the grain spoils rapidly. Fungi are a big problem because they produce toxins.

In order to enable a long-term storage without quality losses, the grain must be kept in an ideal state. Monitoring physical quantities in the silo is of great importance in order to make an exact statement about the condition of the grain and to introduced preventive measures at the right time.

Maintaining a certain humidity content inside the storage bin is important to prevent rotting and fungal attacks. When a moisture development is recognized early, moisturereducing measures such as drying, cooling and aerating can be initiated to protect the grain quality.

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Sensor monitoring systems for grain silos help to keep the grain healthy and in good quality condition over long time periods. Our GrainManagement System is a continuous temperature and humidity monitoring system.

The monitoring system consists of sensor cables and devices measuring the conditions inside the storage bin. Sensor cables are suspended from the silo roof and are distributed evenly within the storage bin. The cable solution allows the temperature and humidity values to be measured at different heights of the stored grain bulk during the entire storage period.

The sensor cables are protected by an outer protection tube. They are built to various lengths to match the silo height. The spacing between the sensors may be a standard distance or customized to match the installation. The sensors are polled individually for their data. A Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) operates as an interface converter to digital sensors and other analog or digital signals. It is a unique equipment ideal as a signal converter between site sensors and PC.

Grain rotting can thus be detected at an early stage.

Pre-warning systems and information messages to the user offer great advantages in terms of economy, health and environmental protection.

Spoilage, breaking and shrinking of grains are avoided. The environment is protected with less waste, less use of chemicals and energy savings. Contamination of the grain can be reduced or even avoided by predictive monitoring.

The measured data can be read from a local site control room or with a mobile device from anywhere via cloud. Our program informs you via computer, tablet or smartphone with alarms at the right time to protect your grain.

July-August 2020 | www.africaagricultureinsight.com

Grains

GrainSense – sales has started.

First batch of 30 grain quality measurement devices released for the Swedish, Finnish and Baltic markets

Affordable by individual farmers: GrainSense has after years of development work and a long waiting time of the first commercial version of their product, started sales and released the first batch of 30 grain quality measurement devices for the Swedish, Finnish and Baltic markets.

cup, cap and 1 year warranty.

A personal user account is needed for the use of the device; 250 euro/year (tax 0%), includes 4 grain species (initially available are wheat, barley, oats and rye, rapeseed will follow), updates and calibrations, unlimited data storage and possibility to share the measurement results. “A lot of effort has been put to finalize the design, securing

GrainSense is the first grain quality measurement device that is affordable and field durable enough to be owned and used by farmers. The enduser international sales price is 3.900 euro (tax 0%), including device, carry bag, measure

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the infrastructure and ramping up the production including an intensive testing of the device, says GrainSense CEO Edvard Krogius. We are very excited and pleased to deliver the first devices to our committed community of farmers, Edvard Krogius continues.�

Big interest among the farming community: The GrainSense solution has been developed in close collaboration with individual farmers and farming organizations. The feedback from farmers has confirmed that currently there are no suitable tools available to support farm-level decision-

July-August 2020 | www.africaagricultureinsight.com

Grains

making in order to manage and optimize the protein content of crops.

Bringing the grain quality measurement practice to the farm level:

GrainSense has developed the world’s first truly hand-held device for grain quality measurement. The GrainSense hand-held device measures the protein, moisture, oil and carbohydrate content of cereals and other crops – i.e. key determinants of the harvest value and processing cost. The device is battery powered, requires only a few grains and takes just seconds to make each measurement.

The service includes a mobile application with GPS positioning and cloud connection, which supports a suite of value-added services for improving productivity and profitability.

Laboratory accuracy from field in seconds: For the first time, farmers, seed producers and plant breeders will be able to rapidly measure the key parameters of their crops in the field (even before harvesting) and make decisions that can significantly improve their productivity and profitability. The device will also enable meat producers to control and adjust the protein content of feed in real time, which can have a major impact on profitability.

The unique features of GrainSense are: •

It is 5 times smaller than closest alternatives and battery-powered, and therefore convenient to use in field conditions.

•

It is at least 3 times less expensive than closest alternatives.

•

It takes just 30 seconds to make a measurement, including sample loading.

•

It is the only device that can be used before harvest.

•

Anyone can use it without special training.

•

It will include the most comprehensive package of value-added software services providing actionable insights instead of plain data.

•

It has a potential payback time shorter than one harvesting season.

Sales through distributors: GrainSense distributor partner Berner Ltd has started the sales and introduced the device on the Swedish, Finnish and Baltic markets. “Wherever the GrainSense solution has been introduced, we have seen exceptionally strong interest in testing and pre-ordering, says Kalle Erkkola, Head of Division, Berner Ltd. We are as well very excited indeed to see this device in field use, continues Kalle Erkkola.”

For more info visit: http:// www.grainsense.com

July-August 2020 | www.africaagricultureinsight.com

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Technology

Futureco Bioscience invests in biocontrol solutions in Africa Agriculture is, and will remain for years to come, the main driver of economic development in Africa.

Horticultural crops as corn, maize, wool, cotton, tobacco, tea, coffee, sugar cane, nuts, seeds, grapes, orchards and cut flowers are important sources of both cash and nutrition. Insect pests and diseases, however, can reduce yields by up to 80% and farmers often resort to using chemical pesticide to mitigate the problem.

Given the concerns posed by pesticides and their long term negative effects, already visible in the environment, the use of biological products is high on the list of near-term activities identified in action plans both national and regional level in Africa. Moreover, while the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) emphasizes the need of alternatives to pesticides, the markets for African products exportation, especially Europe, require compliance with strict maximum residue limit (MRL) standards, pushing African farmers to adopt clean solutions. The issue to overcome remains the limited access to information and the products availability that, even for biological control products that are already present in the market, varies greatly between countries.

The development of biocontrol products requires specific skills and competencies, continuous innovation in technology and logistic and marketing strategy focused on specific customer needs. Additionally, compliance with a number of complex requirements covered by plant protection product legislation makes this process not available to all companies. Created in 2004 and based in Olèrdola (Barcelona), Futureco Bioscience is an agrobiotechnology company dedicated to research and innovation in crop protection and nutrition products. Characterized since its creation by an ecological and sustainable approach, and a focus on regenerative agriculture, the company is distinguished by its in house organization. Research, development and manufacture of its products happen entirely in its own headquarters from which the products are marketed globally.

Futureco Bioscience, following its

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goals of increasing its horizon and promoting a culture of sustainable and environment-respectful agriculture, is determined to push forward the current market of their clean products (bioestimulants and biocontrol) in Africa.

BESTCURE®, a biofungicidebiobactericide based on a botanical extract of citrus species, was the first biopesticide of the company Futureco Bioscience marketed in Africa. Initially registered in South Africa in 2012 for the control of grey mold (Botrytis cinerea) in vines, and black rot (Xanthomonas camprestris) in tomatoes. More crops and diseases (Xanthomonas arboricola in Prunus and Alternaria in tomato) were later included in its authorization.

The product is currently being registered in Morocco and is already authorized in various countries on the American continent.

The active substance of the bioinsecticide NOFLY®, based on the entomopathogenic fungus Paecilomyces fumosoroseus strain FE 9901, has been authorized in Europe in 2013 and registered, for the first time in Africa, in Kenya in 2014 (under the brand name PACYLOS®). Registered in Morocco in 2018, it is in the registration process in Senegal, Mali and Ivory Coast and it is already approved for its use in several European countries, USA and Latin America.

The use of NOFLY® is recommended for the control of different species of whitefly (Bemisia tabaci, Trialeurodes vaporariorum, Aleurodicus dispersus, Lecanoideus floxisimus) and thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis). Nevertheless, several field trials carried out in Kenya (2013), Ivory Coast (2018) and Mali (2017-18) showed that NOFLY® is able to control also aphids in beans, the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armígera, the cotton leaf roller Haritalodes derogata, the sucking pest Jacobiella fascialis and the spiny bollworm Earias sp. in cotton.

Avoiding the indiscriminate use of broad-spectrum insecticides that can wipe out pests' natural enemies in Africa is possible, and should be a priority: Futureco Bioscience products are the natural way to do it.

July-August 2020 | www.africaagricultureinsight.com

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Bioinsecticide with excellent efficacyand compatibility with IPM

futurecobioscience.com info@futurecobioscience.com

Bioscience

Biological solutions are impacting agriculture

Madumbi Sustainable Agriculture, KZN based market leaders in BioManagement and BioStimulant solutions, aims to change the way food is grown.

This is the vision of Madumbi’s founder and CEO, Andre Fox. Andre is a visionary leader in the agricultural industry, recognised for successfully pioneering and navigating the biological conversation in an environment resistant to change.

Today, there is no doubt that change is upon us.

Environmental issues are at the forefront of every conversation and the current Covid-19 pandemic is set to challenge every norm. Now, more than ever, healthy, sustainable food production is in the spotlight.

Biorational solutions are expected to play a critical role in meeting this demand. The biocontrol market is growing globally at between 15 – 17% CAGR. The organic market and the biocontrol market are

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often incorrectly perceived to be the same, however it’s important to note that the organic market is not driving the rapid growth of biocontrol.

The organic market is growing at 11% CAGR and represents 10% of the biocontrol market use1.

There are many factors contributing to the rapid growth within biocontrol with some of the main ones being: Consumer demand The unsustainable cost of developing traditional pesticides Development of pest resistance and the need for biological products as resistance management partners.

‘There’s a much higher level of acceptance now than there was ten to fifteen years ago.

Today’s consumer is demanding residue-free, nutrient-dense food to feed their families and be safe doing so.’ – Andre Fox, Madumbi CEO

The use of biocontrol products is not expected to displace traditional crop protection products in the foreseeable future1. However, the growth is anticipated by the increased usage of biocontrol products within Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems – a combined program of biocontrol and traditional products, for the best costbenefit, yield production and sustainability References: 1.

Dunham Trimmer report 2019

July-August 2020 | www.africaagricultureinsight.com

Livestock

Livestock And Crop Farmers Sensitised On Conflict

National Livestock Owners Association with support from FAO has sensitised livestock and crops farmers on conflict management that aimed at promoting effective conflict management.

The meetings were held in Kinteh Kunda Janneh ya of Lower Badibou, Jurunku Upper Nuimi, Essau Lower Nuimi and Kerr Jarga Jobe of Jokadou in the north bank region.

Ebrima O Jallow, President of National Livestock Owners Association commended the districts authorities for their support and cooperation to advance welfare of animals. “Finding positive conflict management between farmers would obviously contribute to promote peace and security. The protection of cattle tracks from encroaching by crop farmers would obviously promote peaceful coexistence,� he said.

citing VDC and development partners to preserve land for future development of animals.

He also challenged district chiefs to support livestock farmers to have water, grazing and security to help enhance socioeconomic development.

documentation of movement permit to control theft.

Demba Jallow, a livestock farmer stressed the need to protect cattle tracks, preserve and protect. He said farmers should ensure that alkalolu should preserve land for grazing areas.

Chief Fabala Fadia Kinteh of Lower Badibou hailed the association for the foresight and assured of district authority and tribunal support to animal’s protection and to preservation of cattle tracks.

Musa Jallow a representative of regional Livestock Directorate said animal welfare is high on the department quest to boost animal production.

He called for collective efforts to control peaceful conflict resolution to embrace peaceful relationships.

Ali Bah alkalo of Mbamori Kunda said the outreach program aim to protect cattle tracks and calls for behaviour changes to promote animal welfare.

Chief Kinteh urged cattle farmers to ensure proper

He called on traditional authorities to assist with water drinking points and grazing areas through involvement,

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July-August 2020 | www.africaagricultureinsight.com

Poultry

The Humane Slaughter Association – providing technical advice and support for over a century The Humane Slaughter Association works to improve the welfare of food animals during transport, marketing, slaughter and killing for disease control and welfare reasons. It is a registered charity, based in the UK, but works all over the world through research, education, training and technical advances, to improve standards and bring practical and lasting improvements to the welfare of food animals across the globe.

The charity has gained an international reputation for being a knowledgeable and practical organisation, with a sound understanding of livestock and livestock handling. It provides education and training in the fields of transport, marketing and slaughter in the UK and around the world. Significant improvements continue to be achieved through working constructively alongside agricultural, meat industry, veterinary and other welfare and professional organisations.

Can we help you?

The HSA provides: Education and Training – courses and lectures, run by licensed personnel who have both theoretical and practical knowledge of animal slaughter. These can be tailored to suit specific requirements and can be delivered at any suitable venue in the UK or abroad.

As part of its education and training initiatives, the charity also produces up-to-date technical and educational publications on all aspects of animal handling, transport, slaughter and killing in a range of formats and languages, many of which are available to download, free of charge, from our website. These guidance and technical notes have been taken up widely by the industry and have been

28

found to be very helpful for training and promotion of humane operation practices.

Funding for essential research and other projects through grants and awards.

Independent advice to governments, other welfare organisations and the food industry. As an independent organisation, the charity is beholden to neither political nor trade nor emotional pressures and is thus able to play an unbiased role in promoting the humane treatment of livestock.

Visits to markets and slaughterhouses to recommend and advise on improvements, where necessary. The HSA is often

approached for advice on animal welfare aspects of the operation of equipment or systems for handling, transport or killing of livestock. We welcome opportunities to observe and assess the operation of new or modified technologies or systems used in the handling, transport or killing of farmed food animals.

Please see our website www.hsa.org.uk for more information on our work and to view and access the publications available. If you require advice on a particular matter or would like to discuss something relevant to your facility, please email the HSA in the first instance at info@hsa.org.uk.

July-August 2020 | www.africaagricultureinsight.com

Poultry

The local poultry sector could generate 150,000 jobs by 2025

BREEDING FOR 1ST QUALITY EGGS

In Togo, the poultry industry could create around 150,000 new jobs by 2025. The estimate released by the ministry of animal production is ten times more than the jobs the sector currently accounts for.

Nonetheless, the projection is likely to become a reality only if “local poultry is sold more” across the country. Also, importers should purchase more local products.

Indeed, while the sector has recorded some improvements in recent years (output soared from 8 million to 25 million heads between 2011 and 2017), there is more room for progress, both in terms of output and job creation.

In this framework, the ministry of animal production banned last month, imports of poultry to the country.

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Institut de Sélection Animale B.V. Villa ‘de Körver’, Spoorstraat 69, 5831 CK Boxmeer, The Netherlands-EU. +31 485 319 111 layers@hendrix-genetics.com hendrix-genetics.com isa-export.com

Poultry

Passion Farm: Striving to Grow Liberia’s Poultry Industry The inability of Liberian commercial poultry farmers to increase production has made Liberia to depend largely on imported alternatives since the end of the civil war. According to stakeholders, the country spends nearly 1 million United States dollars annually to import poultry and meat products to ensure food security.

Passion Farm, a local poultry enterprise located on the outskirts of Gbarnga City, Bong County, is working to change this trend. The facility currently produces 5,000 affordable eggs for the Gbarnga market on a daily basis, to afford rural residents to improve nutrition and help reduce Liberia’s dependence on food import.

Established in 2019, the enterprise provides employment for several vulnerable youth and women.

There are five permanent staff and several daily hires.

According to Tornola Varpilah, owner of the poultry farm, he plans to expand on the facility within the next few weeks as the supply of eggs is expected to increase to 20,000 daily, which will extend the market to Ganta, Totota, and major surrounding towns.

Mr. Varpilah, former Transport Minister during the administration of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, spoke to the Daily Observer recently on his farm in an exclusive interview.

The significance of the farm Varpilah stated that he has established the farm to enhance food security and create employment for the residents as well as support social programs within the community.

“With the existence of the farm, many residents and businesses in Gbarnga are no longer depending on imported eggs. Passion Farm eggs are now dominating the market,” he said.

July-August 2020 | www.africaagricultureinsight.com

According to him, since the farm was established, students have obtained contracts to generate money to further their education. The farm has also provided employment for women to generate incomes to avoid dependence on husbands or boyfriends who most of the time use domestic violence against them.

“The issue of gender-based violence was high in the communities. But this farm is now helping to reduce the effect of the menace as the women are working to raise monies. Many rural men use women to do most of the farm work which makes the women tired, and the men beat on them when they cannot fulfil their sexual desires,” Mr. Varplah said.

Varpilah added that he is also using income from the farm to provide scholarship for less fortunate children and support recreational activities for kids.

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Aquaculture

Small-scale fisheries key to economic growth

The story of transformation and empowerment in South Africa cannot be told fully without acknowledging the struggles of the country’s small-scale fishers and their battles to be recognised as a viable formal sector, writes Musa Ndlangamandla The contribution of the fisheries unit of the department of environment, forestry and fisheries in formally recognising small-scale fishers for the first time in South Africa’s history, has been a turbulent journey.

Prioritising the recognition of thousands of small-scale fishers from informal and subsistence to small-scale commercial players, is one of government’s top achievements.

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sector contributed more than R3 billion to the country’s GDP last year.

This translates to more than 15 000 jobs.

“The fisheries sector is an important element of the oceans economy strategy and the battle against poverty, inequality and economic challenges,” said Minister of Forestry and Fisheries and Environmental Affairs Barbara Creecy, when issuing 15-year fishing rights to 20 cooperatives representing more than 1 500 small-scale fishers at Kwazakele in Port Elizabeth, in the Eastern Cape, recently.

In South Africa between 90% and 95% of the small-scale fishers’ catch is for local consumption.

The small-scale fishing sector will directly benefit more than 30 000 people from the coastal communities in the Northern Cape, the Western Cape, the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

With support from the fisheries unit of the department, in collaboration with key strategic players, the fishing

The fishing industry comes from a painful history of neglect.

Even after South Africa ushered in a new democratic dispensation in 1994, the wheels of transformation have been grinding slowly for the industry.

Compounding the situation is the climate crisis, a global phenomenon that has led to an unprecedented dwindling of marine stock.

To turn the tide, the fisheries unit, in collaboration with the private sector, has prioritised capacity building, skills development, access to finance and markets for smallscale fishers, so that they play a more pronounced role in the mainstream economy – instead of remaining mere price takers fighting for survival in an industry that historically has kept them on the edges of the value and supply chain.

“This fuels overfishing as the small-scale fishers are left with few options but to catch more fish to sustain their livelihoods.

This perpetuates their marginalisation and incurs huge social costs in fishing

July-August 2020 | www.africaagricultureinsight.com

Aquaculture

communities, while the environment faces increasing pressure,” said industry expert Chris Kastern of Abalobi, a fisher-driven social enterprise based in Cape Town.

Small-scale fishers, through their cooperatives, are allocated solid fishing rights and access a number of support programmes in partnership with provincial governments and the private sector.

The department has been visiting the coastal fishing communities to issue certificates to registered cooperatives and allocate renewable fishing rights of 15 years.

address issues of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in their coastal waters.

“Guided by the small-scale fisheries policy of 2012, the department has been working in close collaboration with industry partners and the private sector to assist smallscale fishers to set up cooperatives in the coastal communities, registering them with the Companies and International Property Commission and providing extensive training in fishing and cooperative management,” Creecy said.

To date 122 small-scale fishing cooperatives have been registered across the Northern Cape, the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

The department initiated a programme to train researchers, recruit students at tertiary institutions and encourage them to take up careers in the industry.

The Western Cape fishing communities are eager to get on board.

Internships, some at institutions overseas, are also offered.

These milestones would not be possible without the active participation of the private sector.

The programme has been expanded to neighbouring countries to ensure the department recruits young black scientists.

There is a bursary scheme in place to support young people in different areas of study, including aquaculture, oceanography and fishery science and fishery economics.

Creecy also noted that the sector needed to embrace digital technology which would open tremendous opportunities to transform cooperatives into sustainable and inclusive businesses.

Working with Abalobi, nonprofit organisation and the small-scale fishers, the Abalobi app was designed.

According to Serge Raemaekers, the director of Abalobi, the app enables small-scale fishers to play a meaningful role in the comanagement structures and

The Oceana Group, the biggest fishing company in Africa, which is listed on the JSE and in Namibia, has been instrumental in fostering real transformation in the fishing industry.

This has been done through providing jobs to members of fishing communities and formalising training opportunities for all registered small-scale fishing cooperatives.

“At Oceana Group we draw from more than 100 years of industry capabilities to work in close collaboration with the department in the provision of sustainable and scalable solutions to small-scale fisheries cooperatives and all stakeholders across the fishing value chain,” said Imraan Soomra, Oceana’s chief executive.

impact and reach, the shared solutions should ultimately lead to the small-scale fishers being financially self-sufficient.”

Oceana’s goal therefore was to work with the department and other players in the fishing industry to lay the foundation for, and facilitate growth of, profitable and sustainable small-scale fisheries cooperatives that satisfy the needs of the local and international markets, he said.

Soomra said the goal was for Oceana to play its part to ensure that the small-scale fisheries cooperatives became successful and attracted support from impact investors.

The department’s positive approach to gender equality was also highlighted as a key success factor.

“The department continues to bring positive change to an industry that was dominated by big fishing companies run by white men with a monopoly over our marine resources,” said Khethiwe Mabuza, a member of a smallscale fisheries cooperative in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.

“We laud minister Creecy and her officials for empowering women and young people by ensuring that they benefit from the fishing industry eco-system.

This includes the secondary spin-offs comprising sales of fish and fish products, fish cleaning and preparation, boat building and boat repairs and net making and repairs,” Mabuza said.

“The department understands that women are often the primary care-givers and sole income earners in their families, and face daily struggles to sustain their extended families. The department also understands that South Africa’s young people need to be absorbed into the fisheries sector, and given the required tools and skills in order for them to lead healthy, productive lives.”

“We share the department’s belief that to ensure real transformation and real empowerment and for high

July-August 2020 | www.africaagricultureinsight.com

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Aquaculture

How to safeguard your fish against the cold

A severe drop in water temperature can kill tilapia fish stock in an aquaculture system, and a proper heating system is the only solution.

The first flush of winter cold usually provokes a flurry of activity in the warm water fish sector when system operators suddenly realise that cold can be a killer.

In the past few weeks, I’ve come across several farmers, mainly those with aquaponics systems, who were unprepared for winter and whose water temperatures declined to below 14ºC. This can be lethal to the stock.

The cold facts Whilst many tilapia species can survive winter cold to some extent, an examination of the facts clearly shows the following: • Larger fish of over 1kg are more cold-tolerant than smaller fish; • Cold-tolerance is enhanced in brackish water; • Temperatures must decline slowly, at not more than 2ºC a week, to be tolerated.

Mozambique tilapia in the wild, at the extremity of their natural range (in the Eastern Cape), can survive 9,5ºC for a few days. Crucially, however, this applies only to wild

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populations, and only to large adult fish.

In the more stressful environment of an aquaculture system, where crowding and water quality impose stress on the fish, I suggest that 14ºC is the lowest practical temperature that tilapia can survive.

Yes, we’ve all heard about Joe’s fish that lived through the winter outdoors in a farm tank in the Karoo, and no, we don’t believe it! Mostly these are misidentified vlei kurper (Tilapia sparrmanii) anyway.

Small-volume systems such as those typically seen in aquaponics, where cut-down domestic plastic water tanks are often used, lose temperature very quickly, sometimes as much as 4ºC overnight.

This can provoke outbreaks of fungal diseases and create a situation where latent parasite infections suddenly become lethal as the fish become stressed and lose immunity.

Increasing the salinity to around five parts per 1 000 can help considerably, but this cannot be done in an aquaponics system due to plant intolerance of such salt levels.

Apart from the obvious solution of housing the fish culture system within a well-sealed greenhouse tunnel, what other heating options are viable?

Many fish farmers have said they are going off-grid, and whilst this may seem desirable, it is not viable for anything other than a small-volume system of a few thousand litres.

Doing the calculation on a recirculating system of 20 000ℓ or more shows that investing in solar heating makes little sense. As for the ‘black pipe on the roof’ option, this simply doesn’t work.

Boilers work well, but refuelling them poses difficulties at night.

A large boiler heating a 200 000ℓ system requires copious quantities of wood or coal, and the latter is expensive.

Electric geyser-type elements are used only in government projects where the bill is passed on to the taxpayer, and they are inefficient anyway.

Heat pumps are the one and only reliable and viable option.

At a heating coefficient of about 3,6:1, they are economical to run, and a 1,2kW unit will keep a 20 000ℓ tunnel-based system warm without drama or excessive running costs.

July-August 2020 | www.africaagricultureinsight.com

Aquaculture

A word of warning for start-up producers

Prospective fish producers should consider all the hurdles that stand in the way of making a profit.

ask whether his or her system has a high food conversion ratio (FCR) at a high stocking level.

Recently I heard of a proposed project that planned to produce 90t of tilapia annually from a greenhouse-based system in the southern coastal region of South Africa.

Whilst it is always encouraging to hear of new projects, promoters and investors should go into such a venture with their eyes wide open, as well as a certain degree of humility and the knowledge that many producers have tried and failed before. Let’s examine some of the reasons this happens.

I challenge anyone operating a warm-water RAS in South Africa to better an FCR of 1:1,5 from fingerling to market size.

This is due partially to the relatively poor quality of feed available, but also the need to house fish at high stocking levels (>30kg/m3 water) to utilise the limited space efficiently and to produce at a viable economy of scale.

Fish reared in an RAS depend completely on the feed given.

It takes a superbly designed system and skilled management to turn 1,5kg of feed into 1kg of marketable fish meat repeatedly and profitably.

The fundamentals Before initiating a project, it is crucial to conduct in-depth research. Simply to claim that the “correct grow-out and filtration design will be employed� ignores the fact that the techniques of heating, oxygenation, filtration and nitrate disposal in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) are far from foolproof.

Certainly, most operators running substantial systems know more than the basics, but their systems may not be economically viable in terms of capital input and running costs. Every operator needs to

Add up all the costs Running costs are often inadequately assessed when promoting a project to investors. If an RAS draws about 10KW of electricity continuously (that is, two blowers, six small pumps and some lighting), the electricity bill will be over R10 000/month.

Labour (two workers) will add another R10 000/month, and feed (based on a hoped-for 90t production per year, or 7,5t monthly) will mean a bill of R146 250 monthly.

Add another R20 000 for transport, repairs, packaging,

July-August 2020 | www.africaagricultureinsight.com

processing, insurance, accounting, Internet connectivity cost, telephone, rates, fingerlings and incidentals, and the 7 500kg fish cleaned to represent 6 675kg sellable will have to be sold for more than R28/kg just to break even.

The entrepreneur then sees tilapia fillets or processed tilapia for sale in upmarket supermarkets at over R150/kg and assumes that he or she can realise a gate price of at least half of this.

Not true. Most supermarkets add far more than 100% to the base price, and in South Africa, most value-added tilapia originates from Indonesia and other Eastern countries at a landed price of below R30/kg.

Value-adding by the supermarket then trebles this price to a wholesale value, which is doubled for retail to the public. It then competes head-on with value-added marine products.

The warning inherent in this is that the production cost of locally produced tilapia must be extremely low to be viable.

Where 100% dependence on expensive and mediocre feed is necessary, farmers should be aware of the real production costs.

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