“Weed control through herbicide use needs attention in agriculture in Africa, because weeds are a key constraint to optimal plant production,” said Guthrie.
Only 5% of African farmers used herbicides regularly and the new filling line will make world class technology accessible to farmers, he added.
Last year Syngenta started on its Good Growth Plan aimed at improving resource efficiency, rejuvenating ecosystems and revitalising communities. The production efficiency of the world’s major crops had to increase by 20% without using extra land or water inputs and degraded farmland should be rehabilitated and soil fertility improved, said Guthrie.
Empowering the world’s smallholder growers and helping them to lift productivity by 15% would make a significant difference to food supply.
