Machinery & Equipment

Nigeria partners with Nestlé to build skills and transform dairy production (Image credit: AgroNigeria)

The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken a fresh step towards improving its dairy sector through a new agreement with Nestlé Nigeria Plc.

This partnership will lead to the creation of a Dairy Technical Skills Development Centre in the Federal Capital Territory, aimed at strengthening local production and improving the livestock value chain.

Speaking in Abuja, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, described the agreement as more than a formal step. He explained that it is a practical move to tackle one of the sector’s biggest challenges, which is the lack of technical knowledge and hands on farming skills.

Despite Nigeria’s large cattle population, dairy output remains low. The Minister pointed out the gap clearly, stating, “The reality is that our traditional pastoral systems currently yield an average of merely one to two litres of milk per cow daily.” He explained that this situation is caused by several long standing issues.

“This low productivity is directly linked to a systematic deficit in modern husbandry practices, inadequate feed formulation and lack of clean portable water, as well as impact of climate change and a lack of proficiency in essential areas such as artificial insemination, herd health management and milk hygiene leading to huge post-harvest losses,” he added.

The new centre is expected to serve as a place where farmers can gain real experience and learn modern techniques. Maiha stressed the importance of practical learning, saying, “We are actively aware that theoretical knowledge, while important, cannot substitute for hands-on experience in farm management.”

He also highlighted the need to meet global standards. “Therefore I have directed that the curriculum for this centre must be rigorously benchmarked against the best standards in the global dairy industry.”

The training will focus mainly on practical work, covering areas such as breeding, animal care, feeding, hygiene, and farm management.

Nestlé Nigeria also shared its commitment to the project, noting its ongoing investment in dairy communities. “Through the project, Nestlé Nigeria has invested over 1.8 billion Naira to support dairy communities in and around Pai-Konkore and the Luger grazing reserves.”

This initiative is expected to improve productivity, increase farmers’ incomes, and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on dairy imports.

Trackman’s proven track technology for commercial applications.

Advanced rubber tracks manufacturer, Trackman, has expanded its offerings with the launch of Trackman HP Plus tracks for the Fendt 900 and 1100 Vario MT (Multi-Track) series tractors 

Trackman’s proven track technology for commercial applications gets a new addition to its diverse range of high-performance rubber tracks that promise enhanced ride quality, durability and field performance.

“The HP Plus track was developed in direct response to what today’s operators are asking for, improved ride quality without sacrificing durability or performance,” said Dan Fullenkamp, director of business strategy. “With this design, we’ve optimised tread pitch, lug size and the internal construction to reduce machine stress and deliver a smoother, more consistent ride across a wide range of field conditions. It’s a meaningful step forward for both operator comfort and long-term track performance.”

The Fendt 900 Vario MT Series tracks come in 25- inch and 30-inch widths. These are equipped with 7.6-inch pitch for improved ride quality, 2.95-inch tread bars for optimal wear and traction, 1.5-inch thick carcass with four layers of proprietary MAXXTUFF reinforcement, and enhanced guide lug design to reduce stress on drive wheels and idler wheels. 

These fully molded tracks are engineered for long service life and consistent performance across varying field conditions.

The tracks for Fendt 1100 Vario MT Series, on the other hand, are available in 30-inch and 36-inch widths. These feature 7.9-inch pitch for improved ride quality in heavy tillage applications, 2.95-inch tread lugs for durability and traction, and advanced MAXXTUFFTM construction for strength and longevity. 

Africa gets its first IoT-native precision agriculture model. (Image source: MyBitSecure)

Designed for emerging farmers, cooperatives and smart agricultural programmes across sub-Saharan Africa, the MBS SmartFarm Platform has been deployed following a three-month applied research pilot at the Sustainability Institute in Lynedoch, Stellenbosch

The platform reported marked improvements in soil health and water management, after close monitoring of soil moisture, pH, electrical conductivity, temperature, water consumption, and real-time climatic conditions across the SI’s community garden.

With this platform, Africa gets its first IoT-native precision agriculture model to embed enterprise-grade cybersecurity at its architectural foundation. Community food production initiatives, and institutions operating within sustainability-driven and development-finance supported programmes across Sub-Saharan Africa can leverage the application.

“The integration of smart agriculture technologies within our garden is not only about improving yields and resource management, but also about deepening experiential learning; transforming the garden into a living laboratory for innovation,” said Mulweli Nethengwe, research and strategy analyst, Sustainability Institute. 

“Soil health is the foundation of food security and for too long, the intelligence needed to protect it has remained out of reach for the farms and communities that need it most. The MBS SmartFarm Platform changes that. What we are bringing is a contribution to the long-term resilience of food systems across this continent, backed by evidence, built for African conditions, and designed to serve the people who feed us.” said Tandi Rouse, co-founder and director, MyBitSecure Technologies (Pty) Ltd. 

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

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.