Pandamatenga in the north of Botswana is known for its heavy clay soil, large-scale dryland farming and increasing investments in irrigation. This is a challenging region with strong winds, high energy costs, and long distances to the nearest providers, which means that farmers have to work smart with each drop of water and each machine.

Kallie Viljoen, owner of Estford Holdings, is one of the farmers who have to face these challenges daily. After 25 years in Pandamatenga, he has a clear perspective about what works and what does not – and his experience with Agrico’s products and service is a testament to the value of the right partnership.

A variety of solutions: pivots, implements and drip irrigation

Kallie’s farm encompasses approximately 2 400 hectares of dryland plus an additional 180 hectares under irrigation. He plants sorghum, sunflower, chickpeas and mung beans under the drylands while he produces maize, wheat, vegetables and pumpkins on the irrigation part.

For this diversity, he relies on these solutions by Agrico:

  • Various Agrico pivots of 7,5 to 12 metre;
  • Two 4 metre High Speed Discs (HSD), which he says are “wonderful products” for Pandamatenga’s heavy soils; and
  • Drip irrigation for tomatoes and green peppers.

“I bought my first two HSDs in 2022, and it is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. They cut through all my lands annually and wear and tear and maintenance costs are surprisingly low,” says Kallie. “Therefore, I’m already planning on buying an eight metre HSD to do the work even faster.”

The value of good service

Kallie emphasises Agrico’s reliable service delivery, especially by MC Pretorius and the rest of the team at Agrico Nylstroom.

“This region is far from everything. If one of your machines breaks, it usually means driving to South Africa for parts. But with Agrico’s service, it is just a phone call away. In December, when the wind blew some of my pivots over, they arrived here within three days – between Christmas and New Year. You do not find that kind of service easily,” he says

MC confirms that this is one of Agrico’s main focuses: “We know the farmers here are 900 km and further away from South Africa, without technical support. That’s why we don’t only sell products but are involved with the farmer from the first call to final installation. When there’s a problem, we ensure that people or parts reach the farm as soon as possible.”

Kallie Viljoen is the owner of Estfort Holdings and chairperson of the local farmers’ association in Pandamatenga in Northern Botswana. He sings the praises of Agrico and MC Pretorius (right) from Agrico’s Nylstroom branch.

Practical solutions for local challenges

Pandamatenga’s soil can only absorb approximately 13 to 14 mm water per hour because of the high clay content. With the wrong spray packets large drops cause a seal layer on the soil that results in water runoff and water loss.

Kallie says that’s why Agrico suggested they should use Nelson’s Orbitor spray kits: “The average drop size of the Orbitor prevents runoff and ensures that the water infiltrates effectively, even in windy conditions. That’s music to our ears, because water is expensive and we mostly utilise diesel or solar power pumps.”

Energy is another challenge. Farmers are dependent on solar power and power generators because Pandamatenga doesn’t have a stable electricity network. Therefore, Agrico designs systems specific to these conditions. “They developed the most cost-effective pumps and solutions for me to get water on the soil as affordably as possible,” Kallie explains.

Quality is not always expensive

Besides the service, Kallie talks about the quality and affordability of Agrico’s products. He refers to the pivot structures that have standing in Botswana for more than 30 years and are still functioning.

“Agrico’s prices are simply more affordable than any other systems I have used. That means I can have more hectares under irrigation. The structures are solid, and I have no complaints about the quality,” he says.

MC Pretorius adds that Agrico has a unique advantage because they produce their own PVC-pipes and steel parts in Bellville and Lichtenburg, which includes inhouse galvanising. The advantage of this is that Agrico’s components silt traps are thicker and more corrosion-resistant than those of other suppliers. “It gives farmers the peace of mind that a pivot that we install, will have a long lifespan.”

A reliable partner in a challenging region

Kallie and other farmers in Pandamatenga know that Agrico isn’t simply a provider but also a farming partner. “I won’t hesitate to recommend Agrico’s products to my fellow farmers. They’re affordable, dependable and the service is excellent,” he says.

In a region where distance, wind, clay soil, and energy constraints are huge obstacle, the right partner makes the difference between flourish or fail. Agrico’s combination of quality products, practical solutions and committed service delivery allows farmers like Kallie Viljoen to farm sustainably and face the future with confidence.

For more information about Agrico, visit their website or send an email to info@agrico.co.za