AGCO recently launched its Farm in a Box (FIAB) initiative for Africa at Germany’s International Green Week earlier on this year. The FIAB initiative is set to service underserviced rural communities in Africa with farm mechanization as well as its supporting facilities.
President, Chairman and CEO of AGCO Martin Richenhagen explained how FIAB offers a package of essential farm equipment including a tractor and implements together with the crucial support mechanisms such as parts, workshop tools, training and expertise to ensure sustainable and productive machinery operations. Other equipment is packed in a modern shipping container.
In sub-Saharan Africa, capacity-building and agricultural mechanization are a priority to facilitate food security and unlock the potential of small-scale farming in Africa. As such, the FIAB initiative could not come at a better time since humans provide 65% of the power required for land preparation. It is not only an innovative solution for small-scale farmers to gain access to the machinery they need, but also a way to transform their operations and achieve profitable businesses.
According to media reports, the FIAB is designed to provide a holistic solution and acts as a localized farm support center which delivers mechanization services to rural communities. FIAB offers a 45-80hp tractor and implements such as a ripper, disc harrow, trailer and planter. These are used to carry out land preparation, planting and crop transport, plus parts and workshop tools for their service and maintenance.
The initiative also seeks to offer ‘for-hire’ mechanization services to small-holder farmers. This will enable them to reap the benefits of agricultural equipment without having to invest in capital assets. The package includes training programs and support from a dedicated AGCO Operations Support Center which provides technical advice and guidance.
