The third leading outdoor agriculture expo in Zambia, Agritech Expo, takes place from 14 to 16 April at the GART Research Centre in Chisamba. This year it will be even bigger than last year with 130 exhibitors, demonstration fields, zones for different agricultural sectors and more than 15 000 visitors. The Agritech Expo is owned by the Zambia National Farmers Union and enjoys support from the government and the whole agricultural-sector.

The Agritech Expo has become the biggest event on the National Farmers Union’s agricultural calendar. “As you visit Agritech Expo 2016, look out for our new Energy Park designed to offer you innovation and cleaner energy solutions to help you wipe away your electricity outage blues and the ever increasing costs of energy,” says Dr Evelyn Nguleka, Zambia National Farmers Union President. “Our extended Livestock Zone is another must-see area, for you definitely need the right stock genetics and technologies to survive climate change-induced vagaries of weather. 

    She adds: “Our Expo will, for the first time, also feature live Centre Pivot demonstrations; a very critical feat as Zambian agriculture focuses and seeks to expand irrigated farming at all levels. The all new 4×4 Test Track is another feature that will finally help you decide which 4×4 workhorse is best for your farm. We have also extended the SME Zone to make sure we bring in as many small and medium enterprises in agri as possible. This is important to us as we strive to showcase the Zambian agricultural industry in totality.”

    The Agritech Expo is a business-to-business platform for agricultural professionals, from small-scale farmers to commercial enterprises, to engage and conduct business with some of the world’s leading suppliers to the agricultural industry. Agritech Expo prides itself on being the only business event servicing the needs of the entire agricultural value chain in Zambia and its neighbouring countries such as Zimbabwe, DRC, Angola and Malawi.

    “Within its first two years, Agritech Expo has opened up agribusiness opportunities for all these countries in the region. Agritech Expo has also managed to attract more than 35 regional and international countries,” Dr Nguleka said.

    Dr Nguleka’s message at the Agritech Expo this year is: “As farmers, we hold the destiny of our country and nation in our hands. Let us apply all the knowledge and skills to produce more food and to venture into value addition to earn incomes for ourselves. If we can move from our back row as primary producers we can shape the welfare of the industry.”

    The German pavilion will promote “Made in Germany” and is double in size compared to last year. Products include animal housing installations, animal identification (ear tags), silos, consultation, planning and building of dairy facilities, dung removal systems, cattle breeding and marketing, crop protection, mixers and pumps, silage bags, slat flooring, poultry equipment, modern farming in Zambia, agricultural machinery such as feed mixers, maize choppers, agricultural films and nets as well as dairy equipment.

    Martin Botzian, Head of Communication at DLG International GmbH says: “We are pleased to be part of the show for the third time. From the beginning of Agritech two years ago, we have been part of this very well organised show in Zambia, and we are expanding our participation every year. This year we successfully convinced the German Ministry of Agriculture to launch an official German pavilion.”

    One of the VIP visitors at the Expo is Dave Gordon, owner of Sable Farms in Zambia’s Chibombo district. He is very impressed with the Agritech Expo and says it is very important for Zambian farmers:

    “I am looking forward to an increase in the livestock this year at the Expo, but generally everything is most interesting because it covers so many different fields of agriculture. I think last year it was very well organised. Well done to all,” Dave said.           

    Grace Musonda, Zambian teacher, farmer and visitor to last year’s Agritech Expo, said: “My experience at the Agritech Expo was heart-throbbing. I learned a lot and even met contacts to acquire my first Boran heifers. I cannot overstress the importance of this event for the Zambian farming community.”