Crops are grown beneath or around the solar panels, making it possible to produce food and energy side by side.

The Federal Government has pledged its support for agrivoltaic farming as a way to increase both food and energy production across Nigeria.

This was announced by Uche Nnaji, the minister of innovation, science and technology, during the first International Agrivoltaics Workshop held in Abuja.

The event also featured the unveiling of a new book titled “Democratising the Sun: Agrivoltaics and the Future of Farming in Nigeria and Africa.” It was organised by the LIFEWS Foundation (Lichipu for Food, Energy and Water Sustainability) in collaboration with the University of Abuja and with support from researchers at Oregon State University in the United States.

Agrivoltaics, also called agrisolar, involves combining crop farming with solar panel installation on the same land. Crops are grown beneath or around the solar panels, making it possible to produce food and energy side by side.

 Nnaji described the workshop and book launch as examples of the kind of innovation-led, climate-smart, and community-focused strategies his ministry is encouraging. He said this method fits into the ministry’s broader vision of using science and technology to promote national development, improve competitiveness, and support environmental sustainability.

According to the Nnaji, agrivoltaic farming offers several practical benefits for farmers. It can improve crop yields by creating moderated microclimates, reduce water loss through evapotranspiration, and make irrigation more efficient.

He also praised the book’s authors and partners for their efforts in introducing agrivoltaic technology to Nigeria and noted that his ministry is promoting the local development and production of solar-powered agricultural technologies.

Nnaji reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting innovative, climate-resilient technologies like agrivoltaics, which can be scaled to reach more rural communities and help transform farming in the country.

Gabriel Ayayia, founder of the LIFEWS Foundation and author of the book, explained that agrivoltaics represents a shift in farming methods towards more sustainable and self-reliant food production.

“What we are promoting today is a new way of farming, which is climate-smart agriculture, climate-smart farming. So, instead of just farming in the traditional way, we are thinking of reimagining agricultural practices,” Ayayia said.

The workshop highlighted agrivoltaics as a promising solution to improve food sovereignty, boost energy access, and support climate adaptation efforts. Stakeholders agreed that wider adoption of this system could help Nigeria build a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector in the years ahead.

HORSCH has launched the new Fortis LT designed for medium-sized farms.

HORSCH has launched the new Fortis LT, expanding its successful range of universal cultivators.

Designed for medium-sized farms, the Fortis LT is made for tractors with up to 500 hp and comes in four working widths, ranging from 4.60m to 6.75m. It offers flexibility for both shallow and deep cultivation, working at depths of up to 30cm.

Built with strength and efficiency in mind, the Fortis LT meets the demands of modern tractors and heavy crop residues. The robust 4-bar frame, combined with 27cm tine spacing and 85cm frame height, ensures a large clearance for smooth operation without blockages. This design allows for a strong mixing effect and reliable incorporation of materials during soil preparation.

The Fortis LT features HORSCH’s proven TerraGrip tine system, designed with large shaft radii for lower power requirements. Compared to the existing Fortis AS model, the LT version is shorter and more compact, improving handling and manoeuvrability.

One standout feature is the positioning of the levelling tools close to the final tine row. This design guides the soil flow directly into the levelling discs, resulting in improved levelling and soil finish. The chassis is located outside the working area, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with soil movement or performance.

HORSCH offers several customisation options to suit different farming needs. The well-known MulchMix coulter system is compatible with a variety of coulter and wing types, increasing the machine's versatility. Farmers can also choose from a wide range of packer options, depending on soil type and conditions.

The angle of the double packers can be adjusted using HORSCH’s unique aluminium clip system, which is a standout feature in this class of equipment. This adjustment lets users set the right contact pressure for the packer roller, improving soil consolidation in dry weather and load-bearing in wetter conditions. It ensures better results and stability across different field conditions.

With its compact build, strong performance, and flexible setup, the Fortis LT is a practical solution for medium-power tractors. It brings together proven technology with new features to meet the evolving demands of modern agriculture.

Created for today’s mid- to high-powered tractors. (Image credit: Trelleborg)

Trelleborg Tyres has introduced the new TM800 PowerFlex, a high-performance agricultural tyre designed to deliver top results both in the field and on the road.

Created for today’s mid- to high-powered tractors, the TM800 PowerFlex aims to improve efficiency, versatility, and productivity—key needs for modern farmers.

The tyre features a combination of VF-PFO (Very High Flexion - Pressure Field Operations) technology and Trelleborg’s ProgressiveTraction lug design. Together, they offer excellent grip and flotation in challenging field conditions. A new central rib, based on road tyre designs, improves driving comfort, stability, and steering on long road journeys, all without compromising strength or grip.

In field tests, the TM800 PowerFlex provided up to 20% more traction than other premium tyres, which helps reduce slippage and boosts efficiency on wet or soft soil. Its 5% wider footprint helps lower soil compaction, supporting better crop yields and sustainability. New interlug terraces also improved self-cleaning by 5%, maintaining performance and cutting downtime.

On the road, the tyre showed a 6% drop in rolling resistance, leading to lower fuel use. It also improves handling and offers up to 20% longer tyre life, supporting cost savings and daily comfort.

The VF-PFO design allows more weight at lower speeds—17% more constant load at 10 km/h, and up to 40% more load at the same pressure—all while keeping durability, safety, and comfort intact.

Each tyre includes a QR code for quick access to digital product information, technical details, and user tips—right from the field.

Like the rest of the Trelleborg agricultural tyre line, the TM800 PowerFlex is made for maximum traction and durability, using high-quality materials and advanced tread design. Trelleborg now backs this model with a certified tread wear performance of up to 5,000 hours, available through its Premium Care Portal, offering extra confidence and peace of mind to farmers.

Luca Sabelli, Brand Director at Trelleborg Tyres, said: "With the TM800 PowerFlex, we've reimagined what farmers can expect from a tyre. It's the result of our deep understanding of real working conditions, where product innovation and real field results deliver practical benefits every day. It is how we turn innovation into value, helping agri professionals achieve more, with less."

Currently offered in two sizes (650/65R38 and 540/65R28), four more sizes will be available soon.

This project aims to improve electricity supply for farmers.

Sugarcane farmers in Chiredzi, Zimbabwe, are set to benefit from a major power upgrade

The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), a subsidiary of ZESA, is building a new 330 kilovolt (kV) power line from Mutare to Chiredzi. This project aims to improve electricity supply for farmers who have long suffered from power shortages due to old and broken infrastructure.

 Abel Gurupira, acting managing director for ZETDC told the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Industry and Commerce that the new line will connect Orange Grove in Mutare to Triangle in the Lowveld. This will help bring power from Mozambique, through Mutare, to sugar-producing areas. He said,“This will boost power capacity in farming areas where farmers urgently need electricity."

To support agricultural production, ZETDC is also working closely with wheat, tobacco, and sugarcane farmers. Gurupira stated that the company ensures no load-shedding during critical farming seasons, particularly for organised clusters that rely on irrigation.

 John Chikeya, ZETDC’s commercial services manager, highlighted ongoing problems such as infrastructure vandalism. However, he noted that the company is working hard to restore damaged infrastructure to improve power reliability.

He added that smart technology is being introduced to support this goal. “We are rolling out a smart grid project with smart water reclosers and smart metres,” said Chikeya. These tools will allow ZETDC to manage power supply more efficiently, ensuring that sugar millers and irrigators receive power even during shortages. Smart metres and motorised circuit breakers (MCCBs) will also allow for selective power distribution.

Chiredzi is also part of a plan to support solar energy projects, with the private sector encouraged to build solar plants for commercial and industrial use. Farmers with good credit ratings are expected to benefit the most from these solar initiatives.

Other upgrades include improving old power infrastructure, increasing substation capacity in Chiredzi Town, and restoring capacitor banks and local substations. These efforts aim to support the entire sugarcane value chain and improve the area’s energy reliability.

John Chikeya concluded, “This power upgrade is not just about supply — it’s about securing the future of sugar farming in Chiredzi by building strong, reliable infrastructure.”