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Ecovado's plant will be driven by the Alfa Laval processing line.

Agriculture

A South Africa-based agroprocessing company called Ecovado has launched an avocado oil processing plant in Vhembe, Limpopo, in collaboration with global heat exchanger manufacturer, Alfa Laval Middle East, South and East Africa (MESEA)

This move follows Ecovado identifying Vhembe's largely unexplored market potential in avocados, which the region is naturally blessed with -- enough to sustain its wider economic progress. Boosting local avocado production will secure long-term supply and open up income opportunities for households. The success of this project will fulfil Ecovado's fruitforcash vision as part of its local development cause for employment generation and agricultural sustainability. 

Ecovado's plant will be driven by the Alfa Laval processing line, giving the South African company an instant edge in the export markets with its quality products matching global standards. The project is being funded by Alfa Laval through Swedish export credit agency, EKN. Alfa Laval has also extended its funds beyond Vhembe to cover the costs of avocado seedlings for small scale farmers from the adjacent regions.

Local residents are running the day-to-day operations at the Ecovado plant, with fruits sourced directly from small scale growers. The company is now focusing to scale up production before it can grow its network of community suppliers, and in turn, expand export reach.

“This project represents exactly what sustainable industrial development should look like: world class technology enabling local entrepreneurship, job creation and long-term community development,” said Alfa Laval South and East Africa general manager, Bongani Twala.

Sustainability continues to drive modern floriculture. (Image source: IFTEX)

Horticulture

Kenya's floricultural influence and resilience in the face of global geopolitical uncertainties clearly reflects as IFTEX 2026 is set to return this year in Nairobi from 2-4 June with more than 200 exhibitors

Participants, including growers, breeders and supply chain specialists can leverage the event to secure businesses and partnerships for the long term as companies reassess strategies based on current market volatilities.

While sustainability continues to drive modern floriculture, other factors that hold commercial value in shaping the industry include environmental compliance, carbon footprint reduction, certification requirements, and responsible production standards.

Innovation, on the other hand, is contributing to market dynamism, from breeding and post-harvest performance to digital monitoring, freight optimisation and data-led production systems. To gain an edge, market players are focusing on launching solutions that respond directly to today’s market pressures while preparing businesses for future regulatory and commercial demands.

This year's exhibitor list comprises a diverse range across breeding, production, logistics, post-harvest technology and trade, to name a few. This means buyers can expect a showcase of premium flower production, new varieties, sustainable production systems, and export expertise.

 

 



AEROSEM has multiple hopper systems. (Image source: Pottinger)

Machinery & Equipment

Austrian manufacturer Pöttinger’s latest innovation in operational convenience and cost effectiveness is the AEROSEM seed drill, which comes with multiple hopper systems

There are options of a standard hopper, with or without precision combi seeding (PCS), and a double hopper with a pressurised hopper system. The standard hopper holds 1,250 litres of seed material and can be expanded by a further 600 litres.

Standard hopper has a capacity of 450 litres for maize (2 x 225 litres) and 800 litres for fertiliser. The optional hopper extension increases the capacity to 650 litres of maize (2 x 325 l) and 1200 litres of fertiliser.

The PCS version, on the other hand, adds precision metering separator elements to the seed drill hopper for economical precision sowing of maize seed. The 2000l-capacity double hopper is equipped to handle application rates of up to 520 kg/ha. Its pressurised hopper system unlocks new agronomic strategies, offering a one-stop shop for the drilling of different-sized seeds, depositing fertiliser granules, or sowing a companion crop.

For sowing using the single-shoot method, the double hopper is partitioned 60:40 and has a separate metering unit for each hopper. This means that different components can be optimally mixed and placed together in the same seed slot.

Both the hopper options in the AEROSEM M is driven by the intelligent distribution system (IDS) that controls each outlet via the bus system. This option unlocks diverse prospects for contract work and machinery rings when it comes to handling coulter pipes and tramlines.

The high output AEROSEM seed drill is equipped with precision metering and rugged coulter system to efficiently place the seed at the right position for assured results.

Challenging operating conditions are simplified with consistent distribution from the injector metering system. High yields are ensured for the combined effect of the precision metering system, the large and versatile distribution head, and the coulter rail with dual disc coulter system.

The double-disc coulters are easy to adjust and can reach a pressure point of up to 60 kg. The dual disc coulters have been especially modified by Pöttinger to sow maize so that every seed is optimally embedded in the seed slot. When the seed exits the coulter pipe it is carefully pressed down by the firming roller.

Right after, the optional harrow tines cover the seed with soil. The dual disc coulters work well even on clayey soil that contains considerable plant residues, and at high driving speeds.

Whether deployed together with a power harrow or compact combination, the Pöttinger AEROSEM M brings consistency to seed placement, optimised weight distribution, and high sowing accuracy.

As Africa’s farming sector is experiencing the transition phase in digital adaptation, a region-specific integrated approach of traditional application alongside technology can be the practical way forward.

Convenient and cost-effective precision farming offerings such as Pöttinger’s AEROSEM M can make adaption easier for smallholder farmers, making a difference where it matters. Once this can be initiated on the ground level, deploying further advanced applications such as geographic information system (GIS), global positioning system (GPS) or variable rate technology will be a matter of time.

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Event News

Producer profitability took centre stage during panel discussions. (Image source: Grain SA)

Event News

True to its theme 'Resilience through Innovation', Grain SA's 2026 NAMPO Harvest Day highlighted the economic realities facing South African grain producers as the country's agriculture industry continues to move forward despite challenges

While the sector evolves, experts observed that producer profitability, long-term competitiveness and practical market solutions will be the key factors driving change. 

The shifting price-cost dynamics between rising production costs and producer income are redefining profitability as broader food security and economic stability issues that surpass farming.

Producer profitability took centre stage during a panel discussion titled 'To Farm or Not to Farm: The Economic Reality', facilitated by Theo Vorster and featuring Grain SA chairperson, Richard Krige, Hansie Viljoen, Jaco Minnaar and Japie Grobler.

A central question posed to the panel asked, “If you were starting today, would you choose to farm -- and what would need to change for that answer to be yes?”

Panellists agreed that tackling climate change has been a big challenge for the agricultural sector, which has also adversely impacted the economy at large. Improved profitability, more predictable policy frameworks, stronger logistics systems, expanded market opportunities and greater long-term investment certainty were established as the needs of the hour.

“We cannot separate sustainability from profitability,” said Krige. “If producers are not profitable, investment slows, succession becomes uncertain, and food security is placed at risk.”

Throughout the day, Grain SA also highlighted the urgent need to improve market access and move surplus grain more efficiently through export channels and value-chain development.

VIV Europe will unite the animal protein production and processing industry.

VIV Europe 2026 will mark the key factors redefining global food production.

Livestock

Nigeria’s livestock plan set to drive growth

Livestock

Nigeria’s livestock sector is gaining fresh attention as a new development framework promises to open up opportunities across the industry.

The President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Akajiugo Emeka Obegolu, has shared an optimistic outlook, stating that the initiative could create up to 350,000 jobs within its first two years.

According to Obegolu, the framework is designed to attract investment and support growth across the entire livestock value chain. Central to this effort is the planned Livestock Development Fund, which aims to make financing more accessible for farmers, processors, and other stakeholders. With better access to funding, businesses in the sector are expected to expand and improve their operations.

He also praised the current administration for establishing a dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development, describing it as a timely and strategic move. This step, he explained, gives the sector the focused attention it needs to reach its full potential. Rather than taking direct control, the government is encouraged to create supportive policies and regulations that allow private investors to play a leading role.

The scale of opportunity within the livestock industry is significant. Obegolu noted that the sector could be worth around 33 trillion naira, covering areas such as meat production, dairy, leather, and poultry. With proper planning and investment, these segments can contribute strongly to economic growth.

He highlighted the importance of improving key areas such as feed systems, animal breeding, and veterinary services. Advancing techniques like artificial insemination and better genetics can help increase productivity and efficiency across farms.

Another major focus is the need to modernise how meat is processed and transported. Moving away from the traditional practice of transporting live animals over long distances, he suggested a system that relies on processed meat and cold chain logistics. This approach would reduce losses, maintain quality, and improve overall efficiency.

With growing collaboration between the government and private sector, the livestock industry is steadily moving towards a more structured and sustainable future. The proposed framework is expected to support job creation, improve food supply, and strengthen Nigeria’s wider economy.

Murat Yakar, General Manager of Aviagen Arabia. (Image source: Aviagen)

Zimbabwe Agri venture targets rural growth (Image credit: African Agri Council)

Crops

Ecovado's plant will be driven by the Alfa Laval processing line.

Agriculture

A South Africa-based agroprocessing company called Ecovado has launched an avocado oil processing plant in Vhembe, Limpopo, in collaboration with global heat exchanger manufacturer, Alfa Laval Middle East, South and East Africa (MESEA)

This move follows Ecovado identifying Vhembe's largely unexplored market potential in avocados, which the region is naturally blessed with -- enough to sustain its wider economic progress. Boosting local avocado production will secure long-term supply and open up income opportunities for households. The success of this project will fulfil Ecovado's fruitforcash vision as part of its local development cause for employment generation and agricultural sustainability. 

Ecovado's plant will be driven by the Alfa Laval processing line, giving the South African company an instant edge in the export markets with its quality products matching global standards. The project is being funded by Alfa Laval through Swedish export credit agency, EKN. Alfa Laval has also extended its funds beyond Vhembe to cover the costs of avocado seedlings for small scale farmers from the adjacent regions.

Local residents are running the day-to-day operations at the Ecovado plant, with fruits sourced directly from small scale growers. The company is now focusing to scale up production before it can grow its network of community suppliers, and in turn, expand export reach.

“This project represents exactly what sustainable industrial development should look like: world class technology enabling local entrepreneurship, job creation and long-term community development,” said Alfa Laval South and East Africa general manager, Bongani Twala.

Structuralising capital for rural lending is the need of the hour.

Women, youth and farmers will be espcially supported by the project.

Technology

Hydraulic Sugar Cane Loaders Transform Modern Farming Efficiency (Image credit: BELL South Africa)

Machinery & Equipment

Hydraulic sugar cane loaders are quickly becoming a vital tool in modern agriculture, especially as farmers seek faster and more efficient ways to manage large harvests

These machines are built to lift, shift and load harvested cane directly from the field onto transport vehicles, significantly reducing manual effort and improving productivity on farms of all sizes.

The strength of these machines lies in their hydraulic system, which delivers the power and precision needed to handle heavy and uneven loads. Through carefully controlled lifting arms and gripping mechanisms, operators can pick up bundles of cane with ease and place them accurately into lorries or trailers. This smooth handling process not only speeds up operations but also helps reduce crop damage during loading.

Durability is another major advantage. Hydraulic sugar cane loaders are designed with strong steel structures and robust components that allow them to perform reliably in tough field conditions. Many models are capable of moving several tonnes of cane every hour and can lift materials to significant heights, making them suitable for both small farms and large commercial plantations.

Another key benefit is their adaptability. These machines can be attached to tractors or built as self operating units, giving farmers flexibility depending on their farming setup. Beyond sugar cane, they can also be used for handling bagasse, timber and other agricultural materials, making them a valuable multi purpose investment.

The efficiency improvements are clear. By reducing dependence on manual labour, farmers are able to lower operational costs and complete harvesting tasks more quickly. This also ensures faster movement of harvested cane from fields to processing sites, which is especially important during busy harvest periods.

Ease of operation is another important feature. Modern hydraulic loaders come with straightforward controls and reliable systems that require minimal training. Regular maintenance further ensures long term performance and durability.

Overall, hydraulic sugar cane loaders offer a practical and effective solution for improving farm productivity, reducing labour demands and supporting large scale agricultural operations.

AEROSEM has multiple hopper systems. (Image source: Pottinger)

FederUnacoma has compiled a comprehensive data on new registrations of agricultural machinery.

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