The facility aims to transform locally produced red palm oil into refined vegetable oil.

Kpalema Inc., a growing agribusiness specialising in palm oil production, has commenced the construction of a modern vegetable oil factory in Nimba County

The facility aims to transform locally produced red palm oil into refined vegetable oil, commonly referred to as “argo oil,” marking a significant step forward for Liberia’s agricultural sector.

According to Newton Guanue, Administrator,the Kpalema Agrobusiness Enterprise currently manages over 300 acres of oil palm farmland and collaborates with more than 280 smallholder farmers across Nimba and Bong counties. “We have the capacity to produce more palm oil around the clock. The farms are there, and we are open to doing business with other palm oil farmers,” said Guanue.

During peak harvest seasons, Kpalema can process approximately two tons of palm oil per hour, equivalent to about 48 tins of red oil. Most of this oil is sold locally, while a portion is exported to regional markets. The enterprise operates a distilling plant and weighing bridge, ensuring farmers are fairly compensated based on the weight of their palm fruit before offloading.

Guanue added, “We are constructing a plan to transform the red palm oil to vegetable oil, and, by May 2026, the first sample of our production will be out. We are adding value as well as branding it.”

During a visit to the project site, situated about 10 kilometres from Ganta, construction was well underway, with stainless-steel storage tanks already being installed. Guanue noted that additional materials are expected soon, with production scheduled to begin early next year.

Kpalema Agrobusiness, led by Sylvester Kpai, also the CEO of Agriculture and You, currently employs over 75 workers. “Upon the opening of the factory, the employment number will increase at least by 50% because we will be working 24hrs daily,”  said Kpai.

As vegetable oil remains a staple in Liberian households, Kpalema’s initiative aims to reduce dependence on imports and stabilise local prices. The management has appealed to the Ministry of Agriculture for financial and logistical support, particularly for branding materials and transport vehicles.

“We also need more logistical assistance from the government. We need trucks for transporting the palm to the factory from the smallholder farmers across Liberia,” Guanue added.

Modern greenhouses will allow the continuous cultivation of a wide variety of vegetables throughout the year.

The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) has commenced the construction of 50 advanced greenhouse facilities in Abuja, as part of a national strategy to revolutionise vegetable farming, increase food supply, and empower youth and women through president Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda

Speaking during an inspection of the site at the University of Abuja’s Faculty of Agriculture, Cornelius Adebayo, NALDA’s executive secretary, explained that the Abuja greenhouse cluster follows the model already implemented in Sagamu, Ogun State. This initiative is aimed at driving sustainable food production through climate-resilient agriculture and offering job opportunities across the agricultural value chain.

Adebayo highlighted that these modern greenhouses will allow the continuous cultivation of a wide variety of vegetables throughout the year. Operating in a fully controlled environment, these facilities are designed to ensure consistent supply, improved quality, and lower prices for consumers.

“This greenhouse is more than just a structure; it’s a sanctuary for plants, where environmental conditions are meticulously controlled to optimise growth year-round,” he said. “Within its transparent walls, a diverse range of crops will flourish, shielded from harsh weather and pests.”

As part of the programme’s long-term impact, NALDA has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Abuja to involve students and agricultural graduates in the management and operation of the facility. They will undergo specialised training to equip them with hands-on experience in smart farming techniques and modern greenhouse management.

Each greenhouse site includes key infrastructure such as a cold room, packing house, and a solar-powered borehole to support efficient irrigation and post-harvest handling. These elements are intended to minimise losses and ensure high-quality produce reaches local markets.

The Abuja cluster is expected to meet the vegetable demands of the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding areas, while the Sagamu facility will serve Lagos and the South-West region. Additionally, NALDA has announced plans to cultivate at least 10 hectares of open-field vegetables in every federal constituency nationwide.

Describing the project as a game-changer for Nigeria’s agricultural sector, Adebayo emphasised NALDA’s commitment to making the country self-reliant in vegetable production, while providing sustainable livelihoods for thousands of young farmers and women involved in agriculture.

LaserFly – For a Healthy Future.(Image credit: Pantec Biosolutions AG)

Traditional laser-based weed control systems have long struggled with inefficiency, requiring extremely high-powered lasers to burn away unwanted plants.

This not only makes them energy-intensive but also raises safety concerns, from fire hazards to potential eye injuries. However, a game-changing innovation from Pantec Biosolutions is transforming the field of sustainable agriculture.

The Detect & Laser Treatment system takes a completely new approach by cutting weeds rather than burning them, using Pantec’s patented 3-μm laser. This particular wavelength is highly absorbed by both water and chitin – the material found in insect shells and many pest organisms. As a result, the system requires significantly lower radiation doses, making it far more compact, energy-efficient, and safer to use than traditional systems. “This allows for significantly lower radiation doses, which keeps the control system compact and energy-efficient, and also significantly reduces the risk of eye injury or fire.”

What sets this system apart is its versatility. It’s not just effective against weeds it also targets pests like insects that contain chitin. This biocide-free approach makes it an ideal fit for farmers transitioning from conventional to organic methods, as it eliminates the need for chemical herbicides and pesticides while protecting soil health and biodiversity.

Enter LaserFly, the autonomous agricultural robot powered by this revolutionary laser technology. Designed with sustainability at its core, LaserFly uses advanced AI-driven image recognition to identify and neutralise weeds and pests with surgical precision. Its laser selectively targets only harmful species, ensuring beneficial insects and surrounding flora remain untouched.

LaserFly represents a significant leap forward in precision farming. “By increasing efficiency of natural resources use and integrating innovative biotechnological methods, LaserFly supports a healthier and more resilient agricultural system.” The robot's capabilities are fully aligned with ambitious environmental goals, including the European Green Deal, which calls for a 50% reduction in hazardous pesticide use by 2030.

With a wavelength of 2.94 µm that ensures strong water absorption, peak laser power of up to 100 W, and rapid, intelligent targeting through AI, LaserFly is engineered for adaptability and performance. This isn’t just another farm robot – it’s a sustainable solution for modern farming.

TopCut system is designed to be compatible with a variety of harvester types.(Image credit: Züern)

The TopCut system by Züern Harvesting is an innovative solution designed to improve the efficiency and precision of harvesting tall, deep-rooted crops such as cereal grains and grass-based crops

Aimed at conventional farming, this system uses advanced cutting technology to streamline the harvesting process, benefiting both farmers and the environment.

A standout feature of the TopCut system is its cutting mechanism, which harvests crops at an optimal height, generally above the root zone. This method reduces soil disturbance, preventing unnecessary damage to plants and improving the overall quality of the harvested crop. By cutting at this higher level, it also protects the root system, especially in crops that grow in deeper soils, ensuring minimal disruption and stress to the plant.

The TopCut system is designed to be compatible with a variety of harvester types, making it easy for farmers to integrate with their existing machinery. This versatility is particularly valuable for large-scale, high-output farming operations, where efficiency is key. Additionally, the system includes a cleaning mechanism that removes contaminants from the crops during harvest, reducing the need for extensive post-harvest processing.

From an environmental perspective, the TopCut system plays a role in promoting sustainability. By cutting crops at the right height, it helps minimise the need for excessive tillage, which in turn reduces soil erosion and preserves the soil’s natural structure. Maintaining the integrity of the root zone also supports healthier crop growth in the following seasons, contributing to a more sustainable farming cycle.

In essence, the TopCut system offers a forward-thinking approach to crop harvesting, balancing efficiency, quality, and environmental sustainability. Its precision cutting technology, ease of integration with existing equipment, and focus on long-term agricultural productivity make it a valuable tool for modern farming.