In The Spotlight
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
