28 Sep 2026

Farmers in Mmadinare have been urged to embrace farm mechanisation and use it properly as a key strategy to boost agricultural productivity, reduce reliance on manual labour, and strengthen food security.

This was said by AFGRI Equipment Botswana marketing representative Mr Zein Mopati during the Mmadinare farm mechanisation day.

Mr Mopati explained that farm mechanisation and its proper use were increasingly becoming important interventions in transforming the agricultural landscape, particularly as farmers seek to improve production amid challenges associated with labour, changing weather patterns, and the need to produce more food.

He therefore emphasised the importance of farmers prioritising the proper use and regular maintenance of their farming machinery, highlighting that by doing so, they could enhance productivity levels and extend the operational lifespan of their agricultural equipment.

Mr Mopati also shared light on the critical role that correct handling and care of farm machinery played in the agricultural process. He noted that when farmers adopt best practices in operating their equipment, they not only ensured optimal performance and efficiency but also minimised the risk of unexpected breakdowns.

This, in turn, leads to reduced maintenance costs over time, allowing farmers to increase their overall profit margins. Ultimately, he urged agricultural producers to invest time and effort into understanding their machinery to maximise its potential and sustain their farming operations effectively.

He further emphasised the need to undertake regular servicing and maintenance of machinery, noting that neglecting routine maintenance could compromise efficiency and result in costly repairs.

Mr Mopati indicated that the proper use of tractors, planters, harvesters, and other agricultural machinery has the potential to enable farmers to cultivate larger fields within shorter periods while improving the efficiency of various farming operations.

“Use of mechanisation should go hand in hand with other interventions, including access to agricultural inputs, extension services, and appropriate farming technologies,” he said.

The Director of Afrioils (Pty) Ltd, Mr Tshabang Batshami explained that embracing modern machinery and techniques was essential not only for improving individual farm outputs but also for fortifying the entire agricultural value chain.

Moreover, he pointed out that increased agricultural production opened opportunities for value addition, such as processing raw agricultural products into more marketable goods. This, in turn, could lead to job creation and increased income generation within local communities, fostering economic growth and resilience.

Thus, Mr Batshami asserted that the modernisation of farming practices was not merely a technical advancement but was rather a comprehensive approach to improving livelihoods and ensuring sustainable agricultural development. ENDS