In Pandamatenga, northern Botswana, Panda Potatoes demonstrates how efficient irrigation technology can transform a farming operation.
Where climate and soil conditions present challenges, water management and reliable Agrico centre pivots form the foundation of the business’s successful potato production.
A business growing with water
Fred van Vuuren, owner of Panda Potatoes, says the discovery of good-quality groundwater six years ago was the deciding factor in investing in potato production.
“Potatoes require at least 500mm of water per season. Without irrigation, it’s impossible to farm sustainably [in Pandamatenga],” he explains.
Boreholes supply the farm’s systems, and the water is pumped to the fields where Agrico centre pivots irrigate the land.
Panda Potatoes experimented with various cultivars, but Mondeor and Siffra emerged as the top performers. Van Vuuren quickly realised that diversification was essential to make the operation profitable.
Today, the farm produces not only potatoes but also dryland sorghum, and the centre pivots play a key role in both fertilisation and crop protection.
Agrico’s role in Pandamatenga
Panda Potatoes already operates nine Agrico centre pivots, with two more on the way, says farm manager Duard Malan.
“In addition to irrigation, we use the pivots for top dressing application. Granular fertiliser is dissolved, injected through dosing pumps, and applied with the water via the pivots, making the process highly efficient,” he explains. What gives producers like Malan peace of mind is Agrico’s in-house manufactured galvanised steel pipes, which allow chemical applications through the pivots without damaging the system, provided the pipes are properly flushed.
“The systems are robust and maintenance costs are very low. If we do need a part, Agrico Nylstroom sends it quickly, even though we are almost 1 000km away,” he says.
Agrico is committed to supporting farmers in the most remote areas of Africa, thereby strengthening food security not only in Botswana, but across the continent.
MC Pretorius, project manager at Agrico Nylstroom, says Pandamatenga faces unique challenges.
“There is no electricity here; everything runs on diesel generators and solar power. Farmers with good water sources need to install irrigation infrastructure to be profitable.
“It as our duty to deliver reliable systems that make water available at low energy costs,” he says.
Trust built over a decade
The relationship between Panda Potatoes and Agrico has been going strong for 10 years. Van Vuuren says the core of this success lies in three things: price, quality, and after-sales service.
“We are very satisfied with Agrico’s service. They understand that we’re far from major centres, and they remain committed to supporting us quickly,” he explains.
The farm also uses the Agrico’s high-speed disc harrow, among other implements. Van Vuuren says he is particularly satisfied with the disc harrow, which cuts plant residue and cultivates the soil.
“This promotes the build-up of organic matter, which serves as compost for the next season.”
Resilience under challenging conditions
Aside from a lack of electricity, Pandamatenga faces droughts and the cost of transporting produce to markets.
Yet, Panda Potatoes’ success shows that with the right expertise, hard work, and technology, farmers can overcome these obstacles.
Van Vuuren sums it up: “Farming is in my blood. I grew up on a farm and it has always been my dream. With the right partners like Agrico, we can build a sustainable and profitable operation even here, far from everything.”
For more information visit agrico.co.za, or email [email protected].
