Chinese Firm Unveils New Agricultural Spraying Technology in Kano

News in brief:

-Smartisan Investment Nigeria Limited unveiled a high-capacity spraying technology that can cover 10 hectares per day while cutting chemical use by 40%.

-Farmers in Kura welcomed the innovation, urging government and partners to support access through subsidies and flexible financing.

Smartisan Investment Nigeria Limited, a Chinese agricultural investment firm, recently introduced a new high-efficiency spraying technology designed to boost yields and reduce production costs for farmers in Kano State.

Speaking during a field demonstration in Kura Local Government Area on Thursday, the company’s representative, Charles Lee, said the technology popularly known as agricultural spraying drums is engineered to replace the slow and tedious manual application of fertilisers and chemicals.

Agricultural Spraying Drums

According to Lee, the machine can complete in a day what would normally require the labour of about 40 farmhands, enabling farmers to spray large farmlands within hours rather than days. He noted that this efficiency is crucial during pest outbreaks, where delayed spraying often leads to losses of up to 50%.

“With this machine, a farmer can finish spraying 10 hectares in one day. When pests arrive, there is no time to waste. This technology ensures quick response,” he said.

Lee explained that the spraying system, which has already been deployed in China, Kenya, and Mozambique, has helped farmers increase harvests by 15% to 20% annually. The device atomises chemicals into ultra-fine particles of about 10 micrometres, allowing deeper penetration and ensuring full coverage on both sides of plant leaves.

He further stated that the machine reduces chemical consumption by as much as 40%, making it both cost-effective and environmentally safer. “Hand-spraying wastes a lot of chemicals. This system turns the chemical into fog, reaching places human hands cannot. It reduces cost, increases yield, and protects the environment,” he added.

The company apologised for the late start of the event, citing logistical challenges, and stated that stakeholders were invited to gain a firsthand understanding of the technology’s benefits. Technology To Reduce Cost & Increase Farmers' Income

Chairman of the Kura Local Government Farmers’ Association, Usman Abdulmalik Abubakar Matawallen Kura, described the innovation as timely, noting rising labour costs and frequent pest attacks.

“This technology is coming at the right time. Many farmers can no longer afford labour for spraying, and pest attacks are increasing. Anything that reduces cost and increases yield is welcome,” he said.

He urged government agencies and agricultural development partners to support farmers in acquiring the equipment.

A rice farmer, Malam Kabiru Sani, expressed optimism, describing the tool as a potential “game changer, especially for farmers with large holdings. “Sometimes we spend two to three days spraying five hectares. By then, pests have caused damage. If this machine works as demonstrated, it will save us from major losses,” he said.

Another farmer, Hajiya Rabi’u Ibrahim, who cultivates maize and vegetables, said the reduction in chemical usage would benefit both farmers and consumers. “Chemicals are very expensive now. If the machine can achieve the same result with less chemical, it helps us. It also means less residue in the food we eat,” she said.

Farmers at the demonstration appealed to Smartisan Investment Nigeria Limited to work with cooperatives to create flexible payment plans, noting that many smallholder farmers may not be able to afford an upfront purchase.