The mixing share with wings and the double spiked roller ensure the desired working result up to a working depth of 40 cm. (Image credit: LEMKEN GmbH & Co.)

LEMKEN has introduced the Onyx subsoiler, an innovative tillage implement designed to offer farmers a robust and versatile solution for deep soil loosening

With working depths of up to 60 cm, the Onyx completes LEMKEN’s range of tillage tools and provides a professional option for those seeking efficient soil management. Available in two rigid versions, the Onyx MR/300 (3.0 metres working width) and Onyx MR/400 (4.0 metres working width), this subsoiler is built to meet the highest demands of modern farming.

The Onyx subsoiler is distinguished by its simple yet exceptionally durable design. Unlike many competitors, the frame is not assembled but is carefully welded together, ensuring maximum stability and longevity. It also features an impressive 90 cm underframe clearance, which provides ample space to the base frame even at maximum working depth. The design includes two beams spaced 84 cm apart, ensuring easy access for maintenance and inspection, further enhancing its user-friendly nature.

At the heart of the Onyx is its sophisticated share system, available in two variants designed for different tillage effects. The shares are positioned at a 42.5 cm line spacing and are hard-faced as standard, with an option for carbide coating to withstand the toughest working conditions. The OM (Onyx Mixing share) is designed for medium-depth loosening (25 to 40 cm), promoting soil structure improvement and effective levelling through intensive mixing. The OL (Onyx Loosening share), on the other hand, is meant for deep loosening (40 to 60 cm), breaking up compacted soil layers like plough pans. The OL share creates cracks in the soil, allowing for better water infiltration through micro-cracks that enhance soil structure.

Both share types can be equipped with wings, which improve soil loosening by ensuring more uniform mixing of the soil and better integration of organic matter. This makes the Onyx subsoiler an ideal tool for both conventional tillage and minimal tillage systems.

For levelling and reconsolidation of the loosened soil, LEMKEN offers two roller options: the DSW 580 double-spiked roller and the RSW 600 tube bar roller. The quick-change roller system allows farmers to easily switch between rollers, offering maximum flexibility to adapt to different soil conditions.

The Onyx will be available in limited numbers starting from 2026, providing farmers with an additional tool to enhance soil health and productivity. With this new addition, LEMKEN continues to offer a wide range of products suited for various tillage methods, from traditional ploughing to minimum tillage and strip till applications.

These new additions are designed to improve upon the performance of the well-known R55. (Image credit: Nelson Irrigation)

Nelson Irrigation has introduced two new models to its end-of-pivot sprinkler line: the R65 VT and the inverted R65i VT

These new additions are designed to improve upon the performance of the well-known R55, with a particular focus on increased reach and enhanced water distribution uniformity. Both sprinklers operate efficiently within a low-pressure range of 15 to 60 psi (1 to 4 bar), delivering flows from 4.3 to 23.6 m³/hr (20 to 106 gpm). Their throw radius spans from 10.6 to 16.4 metres (35 to 54 ft), allowing broad coverage across diverse field types.

The design upgrades include a slimmer body and a more advanced nozzle system that helps achieve better distribution even under lower pressure conditions. These improvements make the R65 series highly adaptable for a variety of pivot irrigation setups. Farmers can use these sprinklers to cover the entire pivot circle, target corner areas, or work in conjunction with a high-volume Big Gun® sprinkler, depending on the needs of their fields.

The inverted model, the R65i VT, has been engineered for easier installation and improved flushing performance, thanks to a newly designed green plate. This feature is particularly valuable for maintaining reliable operation at the far ends of irrigation systems. Both versions use focused water streams that enable longer throw distances and feature a 270-degree spray pattern. This pattern is designed to irrigate behind the sprinkler, overlapping with the pivot’s regular sprinkler layout to maintain consistent soil moisture even at the field’s outer edges. The updated #90 nozzle works seamlessly with the green plate, simplifying maintenance and improving compatibility across components.

One of the standout features of these sprinklers is their integration of Nelson’s Rotator® technology. In use for over three decades, this technology is known for its ability to produce strong, wind-resistant streams that deliver water more evenly than traditional droplet-based methods. Rotator sprinklers also reduce application intensity, which allows for better soil absorption and less surface runoff.

In summary, the R65 VT and R65i VT offer a smart, durable solution for modern pivot irrigation systems. They bring together energy efficiency, even water application, and dependable performance—all tailored to help farmers achieve more effective irrigation with less input.

The ambitious plan also targets cross-border agricultural trade with neighboring Togo.

The Akatsi North District Assembly has unveiled a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing mechanized agriculture, creating jobs, and promoting sustainable economic development within the region

The District Chief Executive (DCE), Bless Kodjo Katamani, announced the ambitious plan, which also targets cross-border agricultural trade with neighboring Togo.

With vast arable land and a vibrant youth population—particularly women—the district is positioned to become a hub for large-scale farming. The initiative is being supported by key development partners including Action for Humanity, the African Centre for Strategic Innovation, and Opportunity International Ghana. These partners will provide tractors and essential farm inputs to enable farmers to commence operations in the current planting season.

“This marks the beginning of a new era of hope and jobs for Akatsi North,” said Katamani. “Our vision is to empower our farmers, especially the youth and women, while producing enough food to feed Ghana and beyond.”

In addition to agricultural development, the assembly is focusing on tourism as a complementary revenue stream. Plans are underway to enhance the Ave-Dakpa crocodile pond tourist site by constructing affordable guest houses and food outlets to attract both domestic and international tourists.

To support these initiatives, the Assembly has launched a district-wide sanitation campaign to ensure a clean and healthy environment. Residents have been cautioned against indiscriminate dumping of waste, with enforcement measures, including possible prosecutions, in place to maintain cleanliness.

The district, home to over 35,000 residents—nearly half of whom are women—is also investing in inclusive growth strategies aimed at improving livelihoods and retaining youth in productive ventures. Ave-Dakpa, located on the Ho–Denu road, is already a key commercial center known for producing vegetables, maize, and other staple crops.

Through this integrated approach to agriculture, tourism, and sanitation, Akatsi North aims to accelerate development, ensure food security, and position itself as a model district in sustainable rural transformation.

The growth of these agritech companies is a step towards transforming Nigeria's agricultural sector.

Agriculture is a cornerstone of Nigeria's economy, contributing 24.43% to its GDP, and employing millions of people

Despite this, Nigeria is only utilising less than half of its 73 million hectares of arable land. Challenges like poor infrastructure, limited funding, unreliable supply chains, and a lack of modern tools for smallholder farmers have prevented the sector from reaching its potential. However, a new wave of agritech startups is driving change by providing digital solutions, data, and smart tools to empower farmers, improve yields, and reduce waste.

As of 2024, Nigeria is home to 230 agritech startups, a significant increase from just 23 in 2022. Despite the sector's growth, agritech still lags in funding compared to fintech. In 2024, agritech startups across Africa raised US$65mn, with the majority directed toward marketplaces and fintech-related agritech. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s fintech sector has attracted substantial investments, highlighting the imbalance between agriculture’s importance to the economy and its investment levels.

Despite the hurdles in market penetration and funding, several agritech startups are making significant strides. One notable example is Thrive Agric, founded in 2017, which helps farmers access financing, inputs, and markets. Thrive Agric has assisted over 500,000 farmers and facilitated the production of more than 1.5 million metric tonnes of grains. Although it faced setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic, the company raised US$56.4mn in 2022 to expand its reach, particularly in Northern Nigeria.

Another player, Releaf, focuses on the mechanisation of agriculture, starting with oil palm processing. By developing the Kraken, a machine that de-shells palm nuts faster and more efficiently, Releaf has helped smallholder farmers and food factories reduce waste and improve productivity. The startup raised US$4.2mn in seed funding in 2021.

ColdHubs addresses the issue of perishable food loss by providing solar-powered cold storage solutions. Founded in 2015, ColdHubs allows farmers and vendors to store fresh produce for up to 21 days, cutting down food waste and increasing income. Despite not having public records of funding, ColdHubs has earned global recognition, including a US$110,000 grant.

Crop2Cash, established in 2018, bridges the financial gap for smallholder farmers by providing a USSD-based platform for digital banking and financial services. With more than 500,000 farmers benefiting from the platform, Crop2Cash has raised funds from Google for Startups and Village Capital to expand its services.

Founded in 2017, AgroMall focuses on enhancing farmers’ access to digital financial services and agronomic advice. Its platform, AgroMall Digital Agriculture Platform (ADAP), helps farmers gain better access to markets, crop insurance, and input credits, improving transparency in the agricultural value chain.

Despite the progress these startups are making, insecurity remains a major challenge. Farmers in northern and central Nigeria are often displaced by violence, disrupting harvest cycles and increasing operational costs. These security risks can limit the potential of agritech, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive approach to tackling agricultural challenges.

The growth of these agritech companies is a step towards transforming Nigeria's agricultural sector. Innovations that empower farmers, improve food security, and reduce waste are increasingly vital, and the upcoming Lagos Startup Expo 2.0, scheduled for June 18-19, 2025, will offer a platform to showcase these solutions.