Dear ProAgri Africa readers,

As Zambia and several other countries enter their peak harvesting season, the focus naturally shifts to one of the most critical, and often underestimated, parts of the farming cycle: what happens after the crop leaves the field. On our cover this month, we feature SARO Agro Industrial Ltd, a company that understands this challenge and continues to offer on-the-ground solutions for farmers across the region.

Post-harvest losses remain a serious concern in many parts of Africa. Too often, the difference between a profitable season and a disappointing one lies not in the yield itself, but in how efficiently that yield is handled, processed and stored. Delays in threshing, poor shelling methods and unnecessary spillage can quickly erode the value of a farmer’s hard work.

This is where SARO’s range of multi-crop threshers and maize shellers makes a real difference. Designed to meet the needs of small-scale, emerging and commercial farmers alike, these machines offer a level of efficiency and reliability that is essential during the busy harvest window. In conditions where labour can be limited and time is critical, the
ability to process crops quickly and effectively is vital.

In this issue, we also turn our attention to the poultry sector, where Tiger Animal Feeds introduces a valuable new series on early chick mortality, its causes and remedies. For many farmers, especially those starting or expanding their operations, early chick losses can be both frustrating and costly. Beyond individual enterprises, we are reminded that agriculture in Africa is deeply rooted in community. Our story on page 9, focusing on community gardens, highlight how shared efforts and local initiatives are helping to improve food security, create small-scale income opportunities and uplift households. At the same time, the ongoing challenges of crop diseases and pests continue to test farmers across the continent.

Whether it is emerging threats or familiar enemies, staying informed and proactive is essential. Knowledge, once again, proves to be one of the most valuable inputs on any farm. As you page through this new issue of ProAgri Africa, we hope you find not only useful information, but also encouragement. Every season brings its own set of challenges, but it also brings opportunity: to learn, to improve and to grow.

Wishing you a safe and successful harvest season.

ProAgri greetings!

Bianca Pretorius – bianca@proagri.co.za