Farmers sometimes require particular machinery or implements for specific purposes at specific times, but are reluctant to buy such expensive assets for limited use. On the other hand, some large-scale farming operations find it financially prudent to purchase a wide range of machinery and implements, but much of this equipment stands idle for long periods, while depreciating in value.
These scenarios have long played on the minds of the Afgri Technology Services (ATS) team at South African agricultural services group Afgri Agri Services. And while the company’s Equipment division was seeking ways to generate added value from its used machinery and implements, ATS general manager Niki Neumann and her team saw an opportunity to develop a powerful digital tool for linking agricultural equipment lessors and lessees.
MECHANISATION CHALLENGES
The adoption of even the simplest machines and implements can boost the efficiency, profitability and sustainability of resource-poor smallholder farmers. Dr Dirk Strydom, acting manager of Grain SA’s Development Programme, says that many smallholder farmers have limited access to essential machinery and implements, and struggle to source finance to buy it.
This story is from the October 09, 2020 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
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This story is from the October 09, 2020 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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