Farmers pose to thrive with technology, less labour

MOROGORO: FARMERS across the country are set to benefit from a new wave of modern agricultural technology as Mzuri Afrika forged partnership with Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) and the African Conservation Tillage Network ACTN.

The Memorundum of Understandin (MoU) signed recently based on technology transfer, research and the deployment of Pro-Til technology, is focusing to reduce labour time and protect soil fertility and promises increased productivity to farmers.

Mzuri Afrika, is a Tanzanian agribusiness firm registered in 2020 that plays a growing role in modernising agriculture across the country through the introduction of advanced farming machinery and sustainable agricultural technologies.

Through its state-of-the-art technology ‘ Pro-Til machine’ specifically designed for farmers working on stubble fields, it assists with tilling, soil preparation, fertilisation and seeding in a single pass, while also promoting conservation agriculture promises farmers proper harvesting.

The machine introduced is a game-changer since it reduces farming time as it can harvest a large volume in a short period.

For instance, a wheat farmer can harvest between 10 and 14 tonnes per hectare, more than three to four times compared to three to four tonnes for a farmer using a hand hoe.

Mzuri Afrika’s Managing Director Mr Shaban Mgonja said the initiative echoes the adoption of modern mechanised farming systems that will transform traditional farming into efficient, climate-smart agriculture.

“We want to make this cutting-edge technology more than just a business venture, but a meaningful value to the entire agricultural sector nationwide.

“Farmers will now be able to use modern technology for productive farming, reduce the time spent in fields, cultivate large areas within a short period and protect soil fertility,” he said.

The MoU focus areas include conserving the environment by protecting soil and beneficial soil organisms, preventing soil erosion, promoting research in conservation agriculture and expanding access to the technology nationwide.

In addition, the technology will also help conserve soil moisture, enabling farmers to achieve higher yields even during periods of low rainfall.

Mr Mgonja said although the number of beneficiaries will depend on the availability of trained service providers, a significant impact is expected because many students from SUA are willing to work with farmers.

“We expect that at least 25 per cent of farmers who adopt this technology will benefit immediately and the number will continue to rise as more farmers embrace modern farming methods,” he explained.

The technology will play a critical role in strengthening food security in the country and across the African continent.

He further described the innovation as a powerful tool in the fight against climate change, which remains one of the biggest threats to global agriculture.

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“This technology will help farmers cope with the effects of climate change through moisture conservation, soil protection and sustainable land use,” he stated.

Mr Mgonja added that the initiative seeks to shift agriculture from traditional practices to modern, environmentally friendly farming systems.

He noted that the technology will empower smallholder farmers to gradually grow into large-scale producers by improving efficiency, output and income.

ACTN’s Executive Director Mr Saidi Mkomwa said the partnership will significantly boost the country’s agricultural sector, especially in conservation agriculture, which remains a major challenge for many farmers.

“Many farmers still rely on hand hoes a low-productivity method of farming but Mzuri has introduced modern machinery that will make conservation agriculture more sustainable,” he said.

Sokoine University’s Senior Lecturer Dr Alex Wenaty said the initiative will stimulate agricultural progress through opportunities such as training, loans, advisory services aimed at strengthening farmers’ capacity to adopt better farming practices.

The modern machine introduced under this partnership is expected to help farmers overcome key challenges including water scarcity, high fertiliser costs, soil degradation, food insecurity, climate change and Carbon dioxide emissions.

Farmers who attended the event also welcomed the introduction of the new technology, describing it as timely and essential for improving agricultural productivity.

“I have been relying on hand tools for many years, which limits how much land I can cultivate.

“With this technology, I believe I can increase my farm size and improve my harvest even when rainfall is not reliable,” said Mr Juma Kihonda, a maize farmer from Bagamoyo District.

Additionally, Ms Rehema Msuya from within the district said the technology would reduce labour costs and improve soil health.

“We spend a lot on labour and sometimes the yields are still low because the soil is tired. “If this technology can conserve moisture and improve soil fertility, it will change our lives,” she added.

Farmers also urged the government and stakeholders to ensure that the technology is affordable and accessible to smallholder farmers across the country.