Technology at the forefront of Nampo Cape 2025

Technology has become indispensable for South African farmers to circumnavigate the future and for them to retain a competitive edge. Therefore, ‘Smart Technology for Efficient Resource Management’ is the theme for Nampo Cape 2025. Dr Dirk Strydom, managing director of Nampo, spoke to Annelie Coleman.

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Why was the initial decision taken to host Nampo Cape?

The decision we took six years ago was based on the fact that producers in the winter grain areas of the country often found it difficult to attend the annual Nampo Harvest Days in Bothaville. The Bothaville event, held annually in May, falls inside the planting season in the southern parts.

When the opportunity to partner with Bredasdorp Park NPC and co-operation with Overberg Agri presented itself to expand to the Western Cape, we saw it as an ideal opportunity to extend Nampo and make it accessible to as many agricultural value chains as possible.

As Grain SA chairman Richard Krige previously told Farmer’s Weekly: “Nampo Cape is characterised by innovation and staying at the forefront of the latest developments in agriculture.”

How has Nampo Cape grown both in the number of visitors and the number of exhibitions since the first event?

We are pleased to announce that while we started with 200 exhibitors and 16 000 visitors six years ago, we now have more than 500 exhibitors and last year received 45 000 visitors.

Although the bulk of the visitors were from the Western Cape and neighbouring provinces, the number of visitors from the northern parts of the country are also on the increase. Interestingly enough, many visitors who come from further afield include Nampo Cape as part of their holiday itineraries.

The Nampo Cape parking area has been increased by 6ha, bringing the facility up to 13ha.

What economic benefits does Nampo Cape hold for the Overberg as well as agriculture as a whole in the winter grain production area of South Africa?