Precision irrigation contribute to sustainability.

Netafim Southern & East Africa is celebrating 60 years of shaping the future of agriculture through precision irrigation

Since launching its groundbreaking drip irrigation technology in 1965, the company has become a key player in helping farmers across Southern and East Africa increase productivity while conserving water and other vital resources.

Michael Esmeraldo, Managing Director of Netafim Southern & East Africa, reflected on how the company’s early efforts to encourage efficient water use have now become essential for sustainability in agriculture. “Using less water and other resources started as an optional benefit that was embraced by many leading farmers around the world. Today, using water with precision is a crucial cog in the wheel of sustainability that agricultural role players around the world must keep turning,” he said.

According to Esmeraldo, innovation remains central to the company’s approach. “Innovation is part of Netafim’s DNA,” he explained. “It is not only about improving existing products but developing new precision irrigation solutions.”

A strong network of dealers across the region helps deliver these advanced technologies directly to the field. “We innovate. Our dealers implement. Together, we help farmers grow more with less,” Esmeraldo added.

The company also invests in regional research and development, partnering with academic institutions, funding Master’s students, and running field trials. “Our research is science-based, field-proven, and tailored to African conditions,” said Agronomy Manager Charl van Reenen.

In practice, Netafim’s impact is clear. In Eswatini, 10,000 hectares of sugarcane are now irrigated using subsurface drip systems. In Zimbabwe, blueberry producers benefit from efficient water management, and in South Africa, the citrus sector thrives on low-flow fertigation techniques.

Farmers like Francois Fourie praise Netafim for reigniting the application of drip systems in crops such as maize and sugar beans, while Zimbabwe’s GreenFuel applauds the company’s “professional approach to installation, problem-solving and working towards the future success of the irrigation system.”

National Sales Manager Willem Smit expressed pride in the company's achievements, noting: “We know that we have the responsibility to carry this legacy forward through our everyday work.”

As Netafim looks ahead, the mission is clear. “To fight food, water and land scarcity by helping the world grow more with less,” Smit said. Marketing Manager Gerdie de Lange described Netafim as “a catalyst for transformation in sustainable agriculture.”

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.