Good news for all small-scale and emerging farmers is that they too can depend on John Deere’s efficient farming solutions. People are often gasping with astonishment when they admire John Deere’s giant tractors, but John Deere caters for smaller farmers and smaller tasks on big farms with the same dedication and care that goes into their biggest tractors.

AFGRI Zambia is pleased to announce the introduction of the new John Deere 5042C (31 kW / 42 hp) tractor into the Zambian market. This exciting new tractor, as well as the John Deere 6100B (75 kW / 100 hp), was launched in April at the

Agritech Expo 2016 on the GART Research Centre grounds in Chisamba.

“We were amazed with the enthusiastic interest that we received from SME’s (small and medium-sized enterprises) and the emerging farming sector,” says Willie Dietrechsen, AFGRI Equipment’s Manager in Zambia.

We are very excited that we can now offer the first tractor with a complete “FREE SERVICE PACKAGE” from AFGRI Equipment. This free service package includes all services on the John Deere 5042C tractor for the duration of the warranty period of 2 years or 2 000 hours, whichever occurs first, with no extra cost to the farmer.

A new “Complete Mechanisation Package” will also be available to SME’s and emerging farmers to obtain a full range of implements from AFGRI that will be included in one package deal. This, together with an asset finance package, is offered by John Deere Financial in partnership with ZANACO and the ZNFU.

This is also part of the John Deere S.M.A.R.T campaign to bring together the company’s established initiatives and programmes designed to enhance and advance productivity in African agriculture.

With the supply of a complete line of affordable tractors and implements into the African market, John Deere has delivered on one of the first elements of the S.M.A.R.T. campaign.

Mechanising for higher yields, the second element of the S.M.A.R.T. campaign, offers the small farmer solutions to increase his income. Yield increases of three or more times are possible as farmers adopt mechanisation and integrate new farming practices. Gaining higher yields from the same size of land is what makes mechanisation a key element of a sustainable approach to food security and improved income for small farmers and contractors.

Another element of the S.M.A.R.T. campaign is the access to financing for African farmers. John Deere Financial launched an agriculture asset finance scheme at a colourful ceremony held last year in the Kabwe district. Officially launching the scheme, the Provincial Agriculture Coordinator (PACO), in a speech read on her behalf by the Principle Agriculture Officer for the Central Province, Elizabeth Chuma, lauded the innovative agricultural asset finance package which has brought renewed hope of mechanising the agricultural sector.

Reliability for lower costs and technology education completes the S.M.A.R.T. campaign elements. John Deere products are designed to be reliable, and they are backed by AFGRI, the authorised dealer in Zambia, for spare parts and support. Technology education is a key element, with John Deere already having trained thousands of farmers and contractors in Africa on how to utilise mechanisation to improve yields and increase profits. Additional training sessions in Zambia are planned for 2016/2017.