Are ‘greener’ tractors on the cards for South Africa?

In this article, Magda du Toit delves into the growing need for cleaner energy solutions in agriculture with particular focus on mechanisation that promises to address environmental concerns.

The agriculture sector is continuously confronted with numerous challenges forcing farmers to embrace change.

Many farmers are facing a pivotal moment as these challenges put increased pressure on them to reduce their environmental impact, while having to maintain productivity and remain sustainable in an increasingly competitive global market.

This constant need to adapt to mitigate challenges and manage risks puts the agriculture sector at the centre of technology development. The use of technology enables farmers to increase efficiency, improve yields, reduce waste, and remain profitable. In the process, the use of technology is also reshaping the agricultural landscape.

Mechanisation has had a profound impact on farming practices and tractors have become indispensable on many farms.

Tractors are divided into categories including utility, row crop, orchard, and track tractors based on their power output, design, and functionality. Most farming machinery used in South Africa, and many other parts of the world, still heavily rely on fossil fuels and is seen by environmentalists as a major contributor to carbon emissions and consequently to climate change.

As the demand for cleaner energy solutions in agriculture grows, it becomes increasingly important to explore alternatives that offer sustainability while maintaining high performance. Farmers are looking for ways to improve both their environmental footprint and their operational costs and efficiency.

Most of the tractors available on the market today come equipped with GPS systems, sensors, and many autonomous capabilities. The technology allows for increased precision farming where every inch of a field can be managed more precisely. Variable rate technology ensures that seed and fertiliser are applied only where needed at specific rates, reducing waste and cost.

To read more CLICK HERE