Latest Livestock Services, Farming Innovations and Skills Training at Agritech Expo Zambia in Chisamba in April

Chisamba, Zambia, March 22, 2018 --(PR.com)-- A strong focus on livestock, live equipment demonstrations, nethouse and aquaculture showcases and free AgriTEACH interactive training workshops are just some of the exciting, new features that will be available to experience to the more than 22 000 visitors that are expected at the fifth Agritech Expo Zambia exhibition at Chisamba from 12-14 April 2018.

“Farming and all that it entails is an ever evolving, developing and extremely innovative industry and Zambia is no different,” says Agritech Expo Zambia sales director Liam Beckett. “We’re excited to once again present an exhibition and AgriTEACH workshops that reflect where agriculture in Zambia is going and showcasing business opportunities for farmers of all scales, whether in livestock, crops, technology or irrigation. It is all about practical knowledge sharing and putting into practice.”

Mowing and baling demonstrations
For the first time, Agritech Expo Zambia will showcase live mowing and baling demonstrations on 12 April in a new demo area focused on quality mechanisation for mowing purposes and will give farming professionals the opportunity to view this equipment in action.

“Agritech Expo is very important for all agricultural suppliers in Zambia” says Willie Dietrechsen, Country Manager Equipment – Zambia for AFGRI Corporation Ltd., leading supplier of mechanisation equipment and John Deere representatives.

He adds: “The expo is the only national showcase for AFGRI equipment where we are able to not only showcase, but also demonstrate new technology in the range of equipment we offer as farming solutions to the Zambian farmer.”

AgriTEACH workshop highlights:

• Crops:
Benefits of planting legumes: A climate smart, drought resistant crop

Presenter: Phiri Newton, Seed Supply Manager, Good Nature Agro, Zambia
“On average, smallholder farmers producing for Good Nature have increased production by 220% and incomes now average $382 per hectare – an increase of more than $250 on typical monocrop maize production. Given this resounding success we have expanded our reach to work with 5,000 small scale farmers, up from 2,200 in the previous season.”

• Irrigation:
Small scale drip kits for an abundant harvest; year after year

Presenter: Arjan Janknegt, Technical Support Manager for Rivulis Irrigation
“In Africa we see a growing awareness of food security in many places and governments and institutions are starting to see that support to small holders and communities can be very effective and efficient in achieving the goal of food security. This is why we have a range of drip kits starting from small sizes enabling even individual families to become commercial farmers by producing beyond the families’ needs.”

• Agribusiness:
Steps to finding suitable markets for farm produce

Presenter: Kingsley Kachenjela, Founder, Small Scale Farmers (Farming as a business) Facebook Group, Zambia
“Poor knowledge of modern agriculture systems among small scale farmers prompted me to start this group so that those who have knowledge and information can share with those who do not have. In the Facebook Group members share ideas on how farmers can make real profit for less effort both in the short and long term.”

• Aquaculture:
Aquaculture: Techniques to grow your fish farming operations

Presenter: Mary Banda, Specialist, Skretting Africa
“What makes aquaculture so exciting is the fact that Zambia has got an abundance of water bodies and the country has favourable temperatures to support the growth of fish. The aquaculture status in Zambia is rapidly increasing, with a number of donor supported aquaculture development programmes targeting small-scale farmers.”

• Livestock
Vital nutritional information for quality livestock production
Presenter: David Elias Daka, Animal Production Consultant, Livestock Services
Cooperative Society, Zambia

Beginners’ guide on livestock health and disease management
Presenter: Senior representative, Afrivet, Zambia

Nethousing and aquaculture showcases
Amiran Zambia’s nethouse showcase will provide a first-hand opportunity to see the effects and benefits of using a variety of seeds with fertilisers and pesticides to maximise yields.

“Visitors should come visit our exhibit where we have constructed one of our unique net-houses” says Andrew Gardiner, country manager Amiran Zambia. “The technology and design is state of the art and it certainly is worth a look!"
Aquaculture is a growing market in sub-Saharan Africa and Agritech Expo will be showcasing the region’s most prominent players in this field.

Strong focus on livestock
Livestock remains popular in Zambia and the organisers of Agritech Expo have made sure that not only the AgriTEACH workshops but also the products and services on offer meet this strong demand.

Exciting new livestock exhibitors include Cattle Wealth Management Firm, a Zambian farming specialising in cattle ranching and management.

And then there is Super Game Dealers from Namibia, whose main service is the capture and translocation of all kinds of game species. “In 2018, we will be moving an estimated 7000 head of game inside Namibia, as well as to Angola, South Africa, Uganda, DRC and hopefully Zambia,” says Martenique Scott, Marketing Director of Super Game Dealers.