In The Spotlight

The government plans to increase irrigated land from aiming to build a resilient, tech-driven food system.
Rwanda adopts AI and satellites to advance precision agriculture
Rwanda is stepping into the future of farming with the integration of machine learning and satellite imagery to modernise its agriculture sector
The government’s latest push aims to increase efficiency, profitability, and sustainability, with a strong focus on attracting young people into agribusiness.
According to Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, this shift marks a significant departure from traditional, labour-intensive field sampling previously used for agricultural data collection. "Today, we are moving forward using machine learning, using satellite imaging, where we are able to estimate the crop area and the crop growth condition, and therefore to be able to estimate the yield using technology," he said.
This season, the approach will begin with maize, Irish potatoes, and rice, with plans to expand to crops like cassava. Challenges remain with crops such as beans, which are intercropped and harder to detect via satellite, but advancements are ongoing.
Bagabe described the transformation as a move from smallholder subsistence to high-tech commercial agriculture, making the sector more appealing to young Rwandans. “You cannot create profit, you cannot make it a business, unless you standardise... That’s precision, that’s standardisation,” he explained, citing automated irrigation as an example of this modern approach.
Precision agriculture, which uses GPS, sensors, drones, and satellite data, allows farmers to optimise water, fertiliser, and pesticide use while increasing yields and sustainability. Already in Rwanda, automated systems are helping regulate irrigation based on real-time crop needs, cutting labour costs and conserving water.
The government plans to increase irrigated land from 70,000 to 130,000 hectares by 2029, aiming to build a resilient, tech-driven food system.
Youth-led businesses are embracing drone technology for crop monitoring and exporting these services across borders. “Technology has come to make agriculture much easier for us,” Bagabe stressed.
Cynthia Umutoniwabo, CEO of Loopa, urged young agripreneurs to build businesses around solving real problems. “Build solutions that are addressing real challenges... then it’s not going to be a hustle,” she advised.

Farmers will benefit from subsidised inputs, with support ranging from US$300 to US$500 to improve soil fertility and productivity.
Namibia invests US$34mn to strengthen rain-fed agriculture
The Namibian government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, has announced an investment of US$34mn to support the implementation of strategic rain-fed agronomic projects during the 2025/26 financial year
The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to enhance national food security and build resilient agricultural value chains.
The funding will provide subsidised assistance to cereal farmers in the country’s ten crop-growing regions - Zambezi, Kunene, Omaheke, Otjozondjupa, Kavango East, Kavango West, Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Oshana and Omusati. Support will include access to improved seeds, fertilisers, and mechanised tillage services.
The programmes will be delivered under existing initiatives such as the Dry Land Crop Production Programme (DCPP), the Cereal Value Chain Development Programme (CVCDP), and the Comprehensive Conservation Agriculture Programme (CCAP). While the DCPP and CVCDP are active in the ten cropping regions, the CCAP is being rolled out in all 14 regions across the country.
Funding distribution will vary by region. More than US$3.8mn has been allocated to the Zambezi region, while Ohangwena, Omusati, and Oshikoto will each receive US$2.9mn. Kavango East, Kavango West, and Oshana are set to receive US$2.8mn each, with smaller amounts going to Otjozondjupa, Omaheke, and Kunene.
Farmers will benefit from subsidised inputs, with support ranging from US$300 to US$500 to improve soil fertility and productivity. A 50% subsidy will be available on pesticides and herbicides, and weeding services will be subsidised at US$400 per hectare, up to a maximum of five hectares per household.
Further support includes a maximum subsidy of US$10,000 for household grain storage, US$30,000 for a hammer mill, and US$30,000 for a thresher. Farmers are encouraged to register at their nearest Agriculture Development Centres to access these benefits.
As the Ministry said, “The overall objective of these programmes is to ensure and accelerate the provision of subsidised agricultural production inputs (improved seeds and fertilisers) and mechanised services (tillage and planting).”
By increasing crop yields and lowering input costs, the government hopes to improve food and nutrition security, create employment, and reduce poverty and income inequality.
Bühler’s Cenomic Horizon 3: the next-gen of bead mills
Bühler has officially launched the Cenomic Horizon 3, a powerful addition to its wet grinding portfolio, aimed at transforming energy efficiency, product quality, and throughput for industries that rely on fine grinding and dispersion
Designed with the needs of sectors such as paints and coatings, printing inks, and agrochemicals in mind, the new bead mill offers a smarter, more sustainable solution for processing solids into liquids.
Unveiled globally from Bühler’s headquarters in Uzwil, Switzerland, Cenomic Horizon 3 is equipped with a 20-litre active chamber and 30-kilowatt drive power. This state-of-the-art machine represents a leap forward in processing technology, offering precise temperature control, reduced wear, and greater application flexibility. As explained by Patrick Schwager, Bühler’s Product Manager for Grinding & Dispersing, the new model is engineered to handle temperature-sensitive materials with improved stability, giving operators more confidence and control in production.
Significant design improvements are at the core of Cenomic Horizon 3’s performance. A newly optimised grinding chamber and an advanced bead separation system ensure efficient product flow and bead distribution. The integration of a silicon carbide inner liner dramatically improves thermal conductivity, enabling efficient cooling during continuous high-power operation. Pilot trials have shown that Cenomic Horizon 3 can reduce outlet temperatures by up to 15°C and increase flow rates by 20%, while also achieving energy savings of up to 30% compared to previous versions.
The mill also incorporates Bühler’s Premium V4 automation platform, offering digital control over recipe management, real-time performance monitoring, and predictive maintenance. This intelligent interface improves process safety, reduces downtime, and supports operational efficiency.
Cenomic Horizon 3’s versatility is one of its most attractive features. It is compatible with a wide array of formulations from primers and finishes to pigment concentrates and agrochemical suspensions enabling manufacturers to adapt quickly to changing demands without compromising on quality.
For current customers, retrofit kits are available, allowing upgrades to existing Cenomic 3 and Optima 3 systems. These modular enhancements expand process capabilities through a redesigned chamber and updated screen technology, offering a cost-effective path to modernisation.
Bühler is also providing hands-on access to the Cenomic Horizon 3 through its application centres in Switzerland, China, and Japan. These facilities offer full-scale testing environments where customers can run trials using their own formulations, fine-tune grinding parameters, and validate performance before making investment decisions.
With additional sizes set to roll out in the future, Cenomic Horizon 3 marks a bold step forward in Bühler’s mission to deliver innovative, energy-smart grinding solutions to global markets.
Manila, Philippines
Growing global interest pushes HortiFlora to annual schedule
Following the success of its 2025 edition, HortiFlora is transitioning from a biennial to an annual event
The decision reflects the growing international interest and expanding role of Ethiopia in the global horticultural industry. According to Dick Van Raamsdonk of HPP Worldwide, “Given the increasing international interest and significance of the event, HortiFlora will now have a transition from a biennial trade show to an annual one.”
This year’s trade show, held in Addis Ababa from April 1st to 3rd, saw a record turnout and a noticeable international presence, especially from the Middle East. Van Raamsdonk expressed his satisfaction, saying, “It was a highly successful event, featuring a record-breaking 140 exhibitors, stunning stands, and a consistent flow of visitors, including a strong international presence, particularly from the Middle East.”
For the first time, the event showcased not just flowers but also fruits and vegetables, which marked a significant development for the show. “The inclusion of fruit and vegetable growers alongside the traditional floral exhibitors significantly expanded the event’s scope.” This broader focus reflects the growing importance of Ethiopia’s horticultural sector, which now includes a wide variety of fresh produce.
The move to an annual schedule is expected to benefit the industry in several ways. As Van Raamsdonk said, “With Ethiopia’s rising production of fresh flowers, fruits, and vegetables, an annual event will further strengthen the country’s export potential, stimulate its economy, and foster continued growth in the horticultural sector’s employment.”
Organised in close cooperation with the Ethiopian Horticulture Producers Exporters Association (EHPEA), HortiFlora has seen steady growth over the past 20 years. The next edition is already set for March 24-26, 2026, again in Addis Ababa, and is expected to attract even more participants as the show continues to gain traction globally.
By becoming an annual event, HortiFlora is positioning itself as a key platform for international trade, innovation, and collaboration in one of Africa’s fastest-growing agricultural sectors.
South Africa’s poultry master plan needs urgent action
In 2019, South Africa’s Poultry Sector Master Plan (PSMP) was launched with bold ambitions: to protect the industry from dumped imports, boost local production, grow exports, create jobs, and expand black ownership.
Six years later, while the vision still resonates, the momentum behind it is fading.
The PSMP was designed as a joint public–private effort to rebuild the country’s broiler value chain, which had suffered years of damage from unfair trade. It focused on five key pillars: enforcing trade remedies, stimulating local demand and production, expanding exports, supporting transformation, and improving governance through a dedicated oversight council.
In its early phase, the plan showed real promise. The poultry industry responded quickly, committing over R2.2 billion in new investments — surpassing the initial R1.5 billion target. Trade measures, supported by bird flu outbreaks abroad, began to reduce dumped imports, offering local producers some relief.
Major producers expanded operations, onboarded contract growers, and created jobs. Emerging farmers were integrated into formal value chains through offtake agreements, marking visible progress in transformation. These developments proved that when government and industry worked in sync, results followed.
But since the last election, progress has stalled. Responsibility for the PSMP was shifted to deputy ministers, and political attention drifted. While government leaders, including Gauteng MEC Ramokgopa and Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, have reaffirmed their commitment — citing new financial packages, bird flu vaccination plans, and improved cold chains — much of it remains on paper.
Exports, a cornerstone of the plan, are still blocked by red tape. Negotiations with key markets like the EU, UAE, and Saudi Arabia have made little headway. Veterinary labs remain underfunded and understaffed, delaying health certification. As one insider put it, “Exports die in the lab. Producers are ready, but the paperwork isn’t.”
The plan also promised blended finance to help small and black-owned producers scale up. Yet funding access remains limited, and government-imposed conditions on vaccine rollouts have made key health programmes unaffordable and impractical for producers.
Ultimately, the Master Plan was never meant to be carried by the private sector alone. It’s a shared compact — one that depends on both sides delivering. The poultry industry has largely honoured its commitments. Now, government must match that effort with urgent, transparent and time-bound action.
South Africa’s poultry sector still holds massive potential — for rural jobs, food security, black empowerment and export growth. But unless government moves beyond promises to delivery, the PSMP risks becoming a cautionary tale of plans made, but not kept.

The higher-quality seeds have been collected marking a considerable increase from the previous year.
Seeds of change: surge in certified seed production boosts 2025–2026
The agricultural sector is heading into the 2025–2026 cereal season with renewed momentum, thanks to a significant rise in the production of high-quality seeds.
According to the latest report, approximately 702,000 quintals of higher-quality seeds have been collected marking a considerable increase from the previous year.
This sharp rise is being hailed as a direct result of intensified national efforts to boost local seed production and strengthen food security through agri-tech and innovation. The net output of certified seeds now stands at 515,000 quintals, nearly double last year’s volume of 261,000 quintals, representing a 97.3% increase. The majority of this production is spread across 460,000 hectares of durum wheat, 45,000 hectares of soft wheat, and 10,000 hectares of barley.
At the same time, the estimated demand for certified seeds remains high, with projections standing at 573,000 quintals, alongside an expected 127,000 quintals for barley. With this in mind, national planning efforts have shifted gears to ensure farmers have timely access to the inputs they need especially as drought conditions continue to be a pressing concern.
In response to the challenging climate outlook, the government has implemented proactive measures to support producers. As part of the preparations for the upcoming season, the prices of basic chemical fertilisers have been frozen, following the decision made during the Restricted Ministerial Council on 20 May 2025. This move is designed to shield farmers from market volatility and reduce the cost burden on cereal growers.
The planned sowing area for the 2025–2026 cereal season is estimated at 1.145mn hectares, with 853,000 hectares allocated to the Northwestern regions and 291,000 hectares to the Central and Southern governorates. Irrigated land, however, is set to decrease slightly, with 77,000 hectares projected, down from 80,000 hectares the previous year.
To support this scale of cultivation, the fertiliser programme for the season will supply 289,000 tonnes of basic chemical fertilisers. The Tunisian Chemical Group has pledged to produce 150,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate at the Gabes facility, with plans to import an additional 70,000 tonnes. By late September, 38,000 tonnes of superphosphate 45, 46,000 tonnes of DAP (Diammonium Phosphate) and 37,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate had already been distributed to agricultural companies.
“This season’s strong seed output is a testament to coordinated efforts across the agricultural value chain, ensuring farmers are better equipped to face future challenges,” the report concluded.

Condor, Tornado, and Dragon sprayers offer tailored solutions for farms of all sizes, backed by cutting-edge technology and smart usability.(Image credit: Agrifac)
The latest sprayers transforming African crop protection
AgriFac has pulled the wraps off three brand-new sprayers that promise to change the way African farmers protect and feed their crops
Designed with precision, sustainability, and scale in mind, the Condor, Tornado, and Dragon sprayers offer tailored solutions for farms of all sizes, backed by cutting-edge technology and smart usability.
The launch marks a bold step forward in crop protection and fertilisation across Africa, where efficiency, resource management, and environmental care are increasingly critical to farm profitability. AgriFac’s focus is clear: help farmers do more with less—less waste, less cost, and less environmental impact.
At the top of the range, the Condor is built for large-scale operations. It’s robust, capable, and engineered to deliver maximum performance even under tough climate conditions. Its wide coverage and tech-driven controls make it ideal for commercial farms looking to scale up without compromising accuracy.
Next is the Tornado- a versatile, mid-sized sprayer that balances power and precision. Compact yet tough, it’s designed for farms that need flexibility, particularly where terrain or field layout demand nimble, accurate spraying.
For smallholders, AgriFac introduces the Dragon - a user-friendly, low-maintenance sprayer that doesn’t skimp on performance. It’s light, affordable, and built to last, giving smaller farms access to the same innovations transforming larger operations.
What truly sets these machines apart is their smart tech integration. Each model can sync with a mobile app, giving farmers real-time feedback on spray coverage, application rates, and performance data. This enables smarter decision-making and helps reduce over-application and input waste.
Environmentally, AgriFac’s new line leads the way. With low-pressure nozzles and adjustable booms, the sprayers deliver targeted application with minimal drift protecting neighbouring crops, water sources, and biodiversity.
In a farming landscape where every drop and decision counts, AgriFac’s latest sprayers deliver a timely boost. For African growers facing rising input costs and climate pressures, these machines offer a practical, forward-thinking solution to modern farming challenges.