In The Spotlight
Arla Foods revolutionising Nigeria's dairy sector.
Global dairy giant Arla Foods has stepped up its commitment to transforming Nigeria’s dairy industry, unveiling a long-term strategy to source 50 per cent of its milk locally while importing the remaining half from Europe.
The ambitious plan is aimed at cutting reliance on imports, strengthening domestic production and supporting Nigeria’s growing demand for nutritious dairy products.
The company restated this vision at the 2025 Arla-Dano Farm Open Day, where it highlighted strategic investments designed to position the dairy sector as a catalyst for improved nutrition, sustainable livelihoods and national food security. According to Arla, its approach is firmly rooted in sustainability, local capacity development and continuous knowledge transfer across the entire dairy value chain.
At the heart of this initiative is the Arla-Dano Farm in Damau, Kaduna State, a modern, world-class dairy facility regarded as one of the most advanced in West Africa. The farm features cutting-edge cow-monitoring technology, prioritises animal welfare through free-range housing and sand bedding, and uses specialised cooling systems. Solar-powered milk cooling further ensures optimal quality while supporting renewable energy adoption.
To enhance local value addition, Arla has also commissioned a yoghurt factory adjacent to the farm. The facility produces Cool Cow yoghurt made with 100 per cent fresh milk sourced directly from the Damau operation. The company says this marks a major step towards processing raw milk into high-quality, locally made dairy products for Nigerian consumers, while boosting confidence in home-grown brands.
Beyond production, Arla is investing heavily in human capital through the Nigerian Dairy Centre of Excellence, launched during the open day. The centre serves as a national hub for training, research and innovation, targeting farmers, students, veterinarians and industry professionals to professionalise dairy farming and build a skilled workforce.
Sustainability remains central to operations at Damau. Arla reports that current milk yields average 30 kilogrammes per cow per day, with plans to increase output to 35 kilogrammes, significantly lowering the carbon footprint per litre of milk. The farm also uses solar energy, recycles manure as fertiliser and applies efficient irrigation systems.
Looking ahead, Arla plans to expand local milk sourcing, strengthen partnerships and scale up training and technology investments. The company reaffirmed its goal of achieving a 50–50 balance between locally produced milk and European imports within the next decade, reinforcing its long-term commitment to food security, economic empowerment and a resilient Nigerian dairy value chain.
Dowa fertiliser plant is anticipated to deliver wide-ranging economic benefits.
A landmark fertiliser manufacturing project rising in Dowa District is poised to redefine Malawi’s agricultural landscape, promising to boost food security, reduce import dependence and stimulate industrial growth.
The state-of-the-art fertiliser plant, owned by entrepreneur Napoleon Dzombe, is designed to produce an impressive 40 metric tonnes of fertiliser per hour enough to meet Malawi’s national demand in just 150 days.
Construction of the facility is progressing steadily, with installation of key manufacturing machinery already completed. According to project timelines, the plant is expected to begin production by April next year, while remaining construction works are scheduled for completion by January 2026. Once operational, the Dowa fertiliser factory will stand as one of the most significant private-sector investments in Malawi’s agricultural value chain.
Dzombe, founder and Managing Director of Mtalimanja Holdings Limited, says the plant’s production capacity will address long-standing fertiliser shortages that have often disrupted farming seasons across the country. "At that production rate, the factory can make enough fertiliser to serve the whole country within 150 days," Dzombe was quoted.
The project is widely seen as a strategic intervention at a time when Malawi continues to grapple with rising fertiliser costs, foreign exchange shortages and climate-related food insecurity. By manufacturing fertiliser locally, the plant is expected to stabilise supply chains, improve affordability for smallholder farmers and enhance agricultural productivity.
Dzombe explained that the decision to invest in local fertiliser production was motivated by the need to strengthen economic resilience and support farmers more sustainably. "For years, Malawi has been importing fertiliser at huge cost. This factory will significantly cut those expenses and ensure farmers access fertiliser on time and at more affordable prices," he said.
Beyond agriculture, the Dowa fertiliser plant is anticipated to deliver wide-ranging economic benefits. These include job creation, reduced pressure on foreign currency reserves, growth of local industries and improved national food security. Analysts believe the investment aligns with Malawi’s broader development goals of industrialisation, import substitution and private-sector-led growth.
As anticipation builds ahead of production commencement, Dzombe’s Dowa fertiliser project is increasingly being hailed as a game-changing milestone one that could reshape Malawi’s farming sector and position the country for a more self-sufficient and resilient agricultural future.
Plateau can support multiple planting cycles.
The Plateau State Government has taken a decisive step towards transforming its agricultural sector with the launch of a seed potato programme in Butura, Bokkos Local Government Area, under Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s “Time Is Now” development agenda.
Speaking at the launch, Governor Mutfwang described the initiative as far more than a routine farming exercise, explaining that it represents the foundation of a long-term economic transformation for the state. According to him, the planting symbolises the birth of a new idea that connects Plateau’s rich farming heritage with a future focused on productivity, innovation and value addition.
Reflecting on his upbringing in a farming community, the Governor recalled his early involvement in potato cultivation and admitted that for many years local farmers believed they had perfected the crop. He explained that exposure to modern agricultural practices later revealed that only a small fraction of the crop’s true potential had been realised in Plateau.
This realisation, he said, informed the government’s decision to invest strategically in seed potato development and improved production systems. Governor Mutfwang noted that current yields of about seven tonnes per hectare are significantly below global standards, stressing the administration’s determination to raise productivity and profitability. The ultimate goal, he added, is to position Plateau as a competitive player in the international potato market.
The Governor explained that the Butura project marks the first phase of a broader agricultural strategy that includes processing, storage and export. He emphasised that ambitions of factories and foreign markets must begin with quality seed production and strong organisation at the farm level.
Highlighting Plateau’s climatic advantage, he observed that while many European farmers grow potatoes only once a year, Plateau can support multiple planting cycles. With proper management, even two cycles annually could substantially increase farmers’ incomes and boost the state’s economy.
However, he cautioned that achieving prosperity would require a change in mindset. Subsistence farming, he said, is no longer sustainable, urging farmers to embrace cooperatives, mechanisation and continuous training to attract investment.
The Governor assured traditional rulers and community leaders of government-backed security for the project and announced progress on complementary infrastructure. He revealed that the abandoned potato tissue culture laboratory in Mangu is nearing completion and should be ready by February next year, alongside planned improvements to rural roads.
He added that the Plateau Commodity Marketing Company would protect farmers from exploitation and unfair pricing.
Also present, Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Naanlong Daniel, praised the initiative and reaffirmed legislative support, while Bokkos Local Government Chairman, Hon Samuel Amalau, described the programme as a turning point for local farmers and food security across the region.
With growing economic pressures and food insecurity, stakeholders expressed optimism that AMFSI’s digital framework.
Nigeria’s House of Representatives has thrown its support behind the Automated MATAN Food Security Initiative (AMFSI), describing it as a transformative, technology-driven solution capable of addressing up to 90 per cent of the country’s food security challenges if implemented nationwide.
The endorsement was announced at the closing session of a three-day national forum organised by the MATAN Food Bank Professionals Association of Nigeria. The event brought together lawmakers, policy experts and industry stakeholders to discuss practical and innovative responses to Nigeria’s worsening hunger crisis, driven by rising food prices, insecurity and supply chain disruptions.
Speaking at the forum, Hon. Haruna Gowon, who represents the Bassa/Dekina Federal Constituency, stressed that food security must be treated as a national priority requiring deliberate legislative action. He noted that access to adequate food underpins public health, economic productivity, poverty reduction and social stability, while food scarcity fuels insecurity across the country.
“Food security is more vital than any other form of security. A hungry man is an angry man, and ensuring food availability will strengthen national security, stabilise the naira and reduce pressure on the foreign exchange market,” Gowon said.
He assured participants that the National Assembly would provide the necessary legislative backing and oversight to support the nationwide rollout of the AMFSI. According to him, ensuring food access is a shared national responsibility, with lawmakers committed to addressing the needs of their constituents at the grassroots.
Reinforcing this position, Mr. Chrisland Onyemechara, Senior Consultant to the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, said the AMFSI aligns with four key pillars of food security: environment, partnership, advocacy and innovation. He explained that well-coordinated, technology-based interventions supported by strong institutions could significantly improve food production and access.
“Strengthening systems from the grassroots, backed by good governance and proper coordination, will significantly improve productivity and access to food nationwide,” Onyemechara said.
Earlier, the National President of the MATAN Food Bank Professionals Association of Nigeria, Ambassador Olakunle Johnson, described the AMFSI as a privately driven, digitally powered initiative designed to provide food access to more than 40 million Nigerians. He said the programme is built around a Virtual Digital Identity (VDI) platform that registers individuals digitally and connects them to local food banks and community kitchens, ensuring transparency and equity.
“This is not another political promise. It is a fully operational system built on digitalisation, community participation and nationwide collaboration,” Johnson said.
With growing economic pressures and food insecurity, stakeholders expressed optimism that AMFSI’s digital framework could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s journey towards sustainable food access, economic stability and community resilience.
The reforms aim to eliminate duplication, simplify compliance and improve efficiency and competitiveness across the agricultural value chain.
Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector is poised for renewed growth following sweeping regulatory reforms that will see several statutory fees scrapped or significantly reduced from the coming year.
The government-led initiative is expected to ease the cost of doing business for farmers, boost productivity and strengthen the country’s food security and export potential.
The reform programme, coordinated by the Office of the President and Cabinet with support from the Treasury and technical assistance from the World Bank, targets more than 20 permits and levies across the livestock, dairy and stockfeed industries. Treasury officials confirmed that once the measures are gazetted, agriculture will be the first sector to benefit before similar reforms are extended to other areas of the economy.
Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Davis Marapira said the new adjustments would begin to take effect with the implementation of the national budget, typically in January.
“The fee adjustment policy takes effect when the budget is implemented, which is usually in January. The impact of that policy must be felt through lower prices for customers,” he said.
According to a Treasury press statement, Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector has long been burdened by excessive regulations, high compliance costs and overlapping institutional mandates. Dairy farmers, for instance, previously required up to 25 permits from 12 agencies, while feed manufacturers needed 23 permits from 10 departments. Beef cattle farmers faced 18 requirements, abattoirs 20, dairy processors 21 and feed processors 23.
The reforms aim to eliminate duplication, simplify compliance and improve efficiency and competitiveness across the agricultural value chain. Among the key changes is the removal of the Agricultural Marketing Authority livestock and cattle levy, the biosafety permit, as well as borehole water abstraction charges and user fees.
Additional reforms include the abolition of farm registration certificates for small and medium-scale farmers, a sharp reduction in dairy processor registration fees from an annual US$350 to a once-off US$50, and a cut in feed manufacturing registration fees to a flat US$20. Livestock movement clearance fees have been halved, while import permits for livestock genetics such as heifers and bulls have dropped from US$100 to US$20.
Export-related costs have also been reduced, with dairy export permits falling from US$900 to US$10, and meat export permit fees lowered to US$100 annually. Environmental impact assessment licence fees have been slashed from 1,5% to 0,05% of project value, capped at US$100 000, and are now payable during operations rather than upfront.
“The government is elevating efforts to retain agriculture as the mainstay and engine of the economy, [and is] cognisant of its crucial role in job creation, particularly for the rural population, supporting 65% of livelihoods and the bulk of the country’s exports,” the Treasury said.
Meanwhile, Marapira cautioned that fee reductions alone would not automatically translate into lower consumer prices.
“The question is whether we have discipline at every level – from the farmer to the middlemen, abattoir, processor, and butcher. Otherwise, someone will take advantage of the government’s fee reductions to make bigger profits. It needs a holistic approach from all of us.
“Some want profit margins of as much as 200%, [or even] 50% in a US dollar environment where the currency is stable. But the government will have heard your concerns as farmers, as retailers,” he added.
Ranching Shaping Nigeria's Livestock Future.
The Federal Government has reinforced its commitment to ranching as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s long-term livestock development strategy, signalling a major shift towards sustainable agriculture, food security and economic diversification.
This position was restated during an inspection visit by the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, to Manchong Integrated Farms Limited in Nasarawa State.
Leading senior ministry officials and key industry stakeholders, the Minister described the farm as a compelling demonstration that modern ranching is not only possible in Nigeria, but also scalable, climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable. According to him, the facility challenges long-standing assumptions that ecological and climatic conditions limit the success of ranching systems in the country.
Maiha explained that the farm operates a fully integrated livestock model, combining structured animal management with year-round feed and fodder production, effective water management and genetic improvement programmes. He observed that the farm maintained lush green pastures even during the dry season, underscoring the potential of climate-smart agriculture to transform Nigeria’s livestock value chain.
The facility reportedly cultivates improved grass varieties such as Mombasa, Napier and Brachiaria, manages over 300 cattle across both beef and dairy breeds, and produces surplus animal feed annually. These achievements, the Minister noted, align with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development’s reform agenda aimed at boosting productivity, reducing import dependence and strengthening rural livelihoods.
Building on these outcomes, Maiha disclosed plans for the ministry to collaborate with Manchong Integrated Farms on fodder seed production and genetic improvement initiatives. He added that the farm’s existing supply of fodder to states including Jigawa and Yobe positions it as a strategic hub for scaling a national feed system. Such a system, he said, would support small-scale livestock producers, stabilise supply chains and enhance overall sector efficiency.
The Minister further revealed that the facility would serve as a pilot centre for planned breeding programmes under the ministry’s reform framework. New genetic materials, he noted, would be developed and multiplied at the farm before being distributed nationwide.
Earlier, the owner of Manchong Integrated Farms, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, said the project was designed to demonstrate ranching as a practical solution to farmer–herder conflicts, particularly in northern Nigeria. He stressed that replicating the model could reduce insecurity, promote peaceful coexistence and unlock significant economic opportunities across the region.
Dogara highlighted the sector’s vast economic potential, noting that the global dairy and beef market is valued at about 2.5 trillion dollars, while northern Nigeria accounts for over 70 per cent of the country’s livestock population. He said capturing even a fraction of the global market could generate substantial revenue for Nigeria.
Also speaking, a livestock business partner to the Botswana Embassy in Abuja, Mr Clinton Agbo, described the farm as a strong platform for international collaboration, adding that discussions were ongoing to establish a pilot programme with a Pan-African outlook led by Nigerian stakeholders.
Demand for breeding ewes and rams continues to rise, with shortages already emerging.
Dorper sheep breeding in Zimbabwe is experiencing renewed growth, with rising demand, strong auction prices and expanding breeder participation signalling a positive turnaround for the sector.
This upward trajectory was highlighted by the first-ever Dorper sale held in Matabeleland on 28 November 2025 in Bulawayo - a landmark event for the country’s small-stock industry.
Zimbabwe Dorper Sheep Breeders Association chairperson William Hundermark told that Matabeleland had never previously hosted a Dorper sale. He explained that Zimbabwe’s stud breeding industry, including the Dorper breed, suffered heavily during the land redistribution programme, which led to the emigration of many established breeders. The situation was further compounded by recurring foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks, which restricted livestock movement and prevented large-scale auctions.
Hundermark described the Bulawayo auction as a major breakthrough, noting that it exceeded expectations. “The top registered Type 5 ram sold for US$2 000 (around R33 864), and several others sold in the range of US$1 800 to US$1 850 (R30 476 to R31 322). Many rams achieved US$1 500 to US$1 550 (R25 397 to R26 244), and even the Type 4 unregistered rams made between US$1 000 and US$1 500 (R16 932 to R25 397). The Type 3 rams ranged from US$600 to just over US$1 000 (R10 159 to R16 932,” he said. “For a sale with no prior track record in the region, these prices were phenomenal.”
Providing further context, Hundermark referenced the Zimbabwe Herd Book National Breed Sale held in July 2025, where a Dorper ram from his Northern Dorper Stud fetched a record US$4 300 (R72 808). Average ram prices stood at US$2 700 (R45 716), while ewes sold between $550 and $600, with a top price of US$700. “What this tells us is that across Zimbabwe, demand for quality Dorper genetics is climbing sharply. Farmers are seeing the value in small-stock, and Dorpers keep proving themselves year after year,” he said.
Demand for breeding ewes and rams continues to rise, with shortages already emerging. The association now has nearly 80 members, compared to just six in 1958, reflecting the breed’s growing national footprint.
Veteran breeder Rose van de Ruit, who began with 20 sheep in 1998 and now manages a flock exceeding 400, emphasised the importance of genetics and management.
“Over the years, I have learnt the importance of selective mating and the role genetics plays in the breeding of good animals,” De Ruit said.
Despite persistent challenges such as high feed costs, vaccine shortages, limited access to land and finance, Hundermark remains optimistic. “Overall, these challenges are real, but they can be solved with coordinated planning, industry unity, and supportive national policy,” Hundermark concluded.
Must-see highlights at DLG Feldtage 2026. (Image credit: DLG)
From 16 to 18 June 2026, Bernburg in Saxony-Anhalt will once again become the central hub for modern crop production as the DLG Feldtage returns to the fields of the International DLG Crop Production Centre.
Set on DLG’s expansive 600-hectare trial farm near Leipzig, the open-air event is gearing up to showcase practical farming innovations under the inspiring theme “Crop Production out of the Box”. With more than 150 exhibitors already registered, the organisers are still welcoming further participants via dlg-feldtage.de.
Recognised as the leading international field exhibition for crop professionals, DLG Feldtage brings together farmers, agronomists, machinery experts and researchers seeking hands-on insights into the future of crop production. This year’s programme spans everything from plant breeding and crop protection to fertilisation strategies and cutting-edge agricultural machinery. Visitors can look forward to a rich mix of demonstrations, expert knowledge and real-world trial plots, supported by popular formats including DLG Spotlights, Expert Stages and Pop-up Talks.
The thematic DLG Spotlights are set to be a major draw. The “Planting Green” Spotlight will delve into direct drilling into living cover crops, with live plots demonstrating soil-friendly techniques, nutrient efficiency and modern weed management approaches. Equally compelling is the “Value Chain for Quality Wheat” Spotlight, which traces how premium wheat quality is upheld from field to processing, illustrating the collaboration required across agriculture, trade and milling. Meanwhile, the “Organic Farming” Spotlight will highlight diverse rotations, robust crop choices and practical advice for organic growers looking to refine both production and marketing.
Across the site, visitors will find dedicated meeting zones for discussions on oil and protein crops, resilient cropping concepts and strategies for navigating weather-related risks. As always, machinery demonstrations are a core attraction. Across six themed areas from direct seeding and deep tillage to mechanical weed control 66 machine combinations will take to the field, each accompanied by expert commentary and presented once per day.
Following its successful debut in 2024, FarmRobotix returns with the latest robotics, automation tools and AI-driven innovations for crop production. A special demonstration area will spotlight autonomous field systems, offering a glimpse of how technology may redefine farming in the years ahead.
Beyond the plots and machines, the DLG Plaza will serve as the social and professional heart of the event, hosting expert talks, panel sessions, regional food and relaxed networking. Short and sharp Pop-up Talks will take place at exhibitor stands and Spotlight areas, covering timely topics such as fertilisation and crop protection. The popular DLG CropNight will also make its return, inviting attendees to unwind with live music, food and summer drinks. Camping facilities will be available for visitors wishing to stay on site.
For more information please visit www.dlg-feldtage.de
Trade visitors can expect a rich mix of research insights.(Image credit: IPM ESSEN)
The 2026 edition will take place from 24–26 March 2026. (Image credit: Hortiflora)
Demand for breeding ewes and rams continues to rise, with shortages already emerging.
Dorper sheep breeding in Zimbabwe is experiencing renewed growth, with rising demand, strong auction prices and expanding breeder participation signalling a positive turnaround for the sector.
This upward trajectory was highlighted by the first-ever Dorper sale held in Matabeleland on 28 November 2025 in Bulawayo - a landmark event for the country’s small-stock industry.
Zimbabwe Dorper Sheep Breeders Association chairperson William Hundermark told that Matabeleland had never previously hosted a Dorper sale. He explained that Zimbabwe’s stud breeding industry, including the Dorper breed, suffered heavily during the land redistribution programme, which led to the emigration of many established breeders. The situation was further compounded by recurring foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks, which restricted livestock movement and prevented large-scale auctions.
Hundermark described the Bulawayo auction as a major breakthrough, noting that it exceeded expectations. “The top registered Type 5 ram sold for US$2 000 (around R33 864), and several others sold in the range of US$1 800 to US$1 850 (R30 476 to R31 322). Many rams achieved US$1 500 to US$1 550 (R25 397 to R26 244), and even the Type 4 unregistered rams made between US$1 000 and US$1 500 (R16 932 to R25 397). The Type 3 rams ranged from US$600 to just over US$1 000 (R10 159 to R16 932,” he said. “For a sale with no prior track record in the region, these prices were phenomenal.”
Providing further context, Hundermark referenced the Zimbabwe Herd Book National Breed Sale held in July 2025, where a Dorper ram from his Northern Dorper Stud fetched a record US$4 300 (R72 808). Average ram prices stood at US$2 700 (R45 716), while ewes sold between $550 and $600, with a top price of US$700. “What this tells us is that across Zimbabwe, demand for quality Dorper genetics is climbing sharply. Farmers are seeing the value in small-stock, and Dorpers keep proving themselves year after year,” he said.
Demand for breeding ewes and rams continues to rise, with shortages already emerging. The association now has nearly 80 members, compared to just six in 1958, reflecting the breed’s growing national footprint.
Veteran breeder Rose van de Ruit, who began with 20 sheep in 1998 and now manages a flock exceeding 400, emphasised the importance of genetics and management.
“Over the years, I have learnt the importance of selective mating and the role genetics plays in the breeding of good animals,” De Ruit said.
Despite persistent challenges such as high feed costs, vaccine shortages, limited access to land and finance, Hundermark remains optimistic. “Overall, these challenges are real, but they can be solved with coordinated planning, industry unity, and supportive national policy,” Hundermark concluded.
Arla Foods revolutionising Nigeria's dairy sector.
Ranching Shaping Nigeria's Livestock Future.
With growing economic pressures and food insecurity, stakeholders expressed optimism that AMFSI’s digital framework.
Nigeria’s House of Representatives has thrown its support behind the Automated MATAN Food Security Initiative (AMFSI), describing it as a transformative, technology-driven solution capable of addressing up to 90 per cent of the country’s food security challenges if implemented nationwide.
The endorsement was announced at the closing session of a three-day national forum organised by the MATAN Food Bank Professionals Association of Nigeria. The event brought together lawmakers, policy experts and industry stakeholders to discuss practical and innovative responses to Nigeria’s worsening hunger crisis, driven by rising food prices, insecurity and supply chain disruptions.
Speaking at the forum, Hon. Haruna Gowon, who represents the Bassa/Dekina Federal Constituency, stressed that food security must be treated as a national priority requiring deliberate legislative action. He noted that access to adequate food underpins public health, economic productivity, poverty reduction and social stability, while food scarcity fuels insecurity across the country.
“Food security is more vital than any other form of security. A hungry man is an angry man, and ensuring food availability will strengthen national security, stabilise the naira and reduce pressure on the foreign exchange market,” Gowon said.
He assured participants that the National Assembly would provide the necessary legislative backing and oversight to support the nationwide rollout of the AMFSI. According to him, ensuring food access is a shared national responsibility, with lawmakers committed to addressing the needs of their constituents at the grassroots.
Reinforcing this position, Mr. Chrisland Onyemechara, Senior Consultant to the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, said the AMFSI aligns with four key pillars of food security: environment, partnership, advocacy and innovation. He explained that well-coordinated, technology-based interventions supported by strong institutions could significantly improve food production and access.
“Strengthening systems from the grassroots, backed by good governance and proper coordination, will significantly improve productivity and access to food nationwide,” Onyemechara said.
Earlier, the National President of the MATAN Food Bank Professionals Association of Nigeria, Ambassador Olakunle Johnson, described the AMFSI as a privately driven, digitally powered initiative designed to provide food access to more than 40 million Nigerians. He said the programme is built around a Virtual Digital Identity (VDI) platform that registers individuals digitally and connects them to local food banks and community kitchens, ensuring transparency and equity.
“This is not another political promise. It is a fully operational system built on digitalisation, community participation and nationwide collaboration,” Johnson said.
With growing economic pressures and food insecurity, stakeholders expressed optimism that AMFSI’s digital framework could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s journey towards sustainable food access, economic stability and community resilience.
Dowa fertiliser plant is anticipated to deliver wide-ranging economic benefits.
Plateau can support multiple planting cycles.
Vicar sprayers are proving to be a formidable investment for South African farmers striving for smarter. (Image credit: Vicar)
European spraying innovation has taken a bold leap into the South African agriculture sector with the arrival of Vicar mist blower sprayers, a technology reshaping the way growers manage crop protection.
Developed over 40 years ago by Italian engineer Vincenzo Caroli in collaboration with LTS in Germany, this advanced sprayer design has become synonymous with intelligent airflow, high efficiency, and exceptional coverage. Now imported by Ikapa Trading in Grabouw, Vicar sprayers are fast becoming a favourite among farmers seeking smarter, faster, and more precise spraying solutions.
What sets the Vicar system apart is its pioneering radial turbine technology, which independent consultant Mike Heath who has witnessed decades of machinery evolution believes to be a game-changer. Unlike conventional axial flow sprayers that rely on propeller blades and lose speed as air moves through housings and deflectors, Vicar sprayers use a single turbine resembling a water wheel. This turbine sucks air in from both sides and moves it radially at a 90° angle, producing a consistent, high-velocity air stream.
The uniquely designed cast aluminium housing forces air through calibrated outlets only, resulting in a uniform exit speed of 250km/h to 280km/h at 540 PTO. Crucially, this system achieves optimal spray delivery while requiring up to two to three times less air volume than axial flow designs dramatically improving efficiency.
Vicar sprayers are also fitted with 360° rotating spray heads, each equipped with up to eight nozzles that move with the airflow for precise application. Heath explains that this makes every model adaptable: vineyards, orchards, tree crops, flowers, vegetables and dense plantations can all be targeted with outstanding coverage. The Vicar 540 reaches 12m per side and 25m in height, while the Vicar 450 covers 4m per side and up to 15m high ideal for vineyards and orchards. The 456 model enhances multirow spraying for modern high-density crops.
Vicar’s airflow control technology also allows operators to manipulate spray direction and prevent turbulence. Upper outlets can create an “air ceiling” to keep spray low for young crops, while lower outlets deliver targeted protection. With reduced drift up to 90% less environmental pollution, as tested by the Julius Kühn-Institut—Vicar ranks among the few sprayers meeting Germany’s strict regulations.
Heath adds that the sprayers’ ability to work faster at high air speeds means farmers can double their operational pace compared with axial fan sprayers. “Being able to work faster and spray multiple rows is allowing Vicar clients to substitute at least two conventional sprayers with one Vicar sprayer,” he notes.
Built for stability, especially on hilly terrain, Vicar’s trailed models feature double-axle frames, three-point linkage attachment, adjustable wheels and a short-turn system that improves manoeuvrability. Tanks include clean-water reservoirs for easy flushing, reducing contamination risks and enhancing longevity.
Despite being pricier than traditional sprayers, co-owner Neels Thiart says the machines pay for themselves quickly thanks to superior performance and durability. In Europe, their second-hand value remains exceptionally high: “In Europe you are able to sell one of these sprayers second-hand for almost the same price as you bought it,” he says.
With unmatched penetration, reduced drift, precision airflow and long-term value, Vicar sprayers are proving to be a formidable investment for South African farmers striving for smarter, more sustainable crop protection.
Kerchanshe Group management and McCormick Tractor executives. (Image credit: Kerchanshe Group)
The Braud 8.50L can empty directly into trailers up to 3m high, significantly reducing downtime and maximising each harvesting shift.(Image credit: New Holland)
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Kerchanshe Group management and McCormick Tractor executives. (Image credit: Kerchanshe Group)
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