Greenhouses the ‘way in which agriculture is moving’
Farmers, business people and government organisations in Africa have the opportunity to invest in profitable greenhouse agriculture with Vegtech 2000 as trusted business partner.
Goldfields Mining House decided to establish a flower growing project at one of their facilities in Carletonville, South Africa. Vegtech was awarded the tender based on the specifications set down by the client.
Greenhouses protect crops from too much heat or cold, shield plants from dust storms and blizzards, and help to keep out pests. Light and temperature control also improves food production in marginal environments.
Vegtech, a South African company, has over sixteen years’ experience in greenhouse projects, growing, construction and accessory supply, and has more than 300 completed projects located across Africa.
“Greenhouses is the way in which agriculture is moving,” says Alex Hofmeyr from Vegtech. “It allows farmers to produce better quality crops with fewer inputs such as water and chemicals.”
Complete solution
Vegtech is able to provide its clients with complete solutions for greenhouse agriculture, from access to financing through to the design and construction.
“Firstly we would visit the client and discuss their requirements and needs. Vegtech would then examine the climatic conditions at the proposed site. After that, the system would be designed with the right kind of ventilation and irrigation systems,” says Hofmeyr.
Once the system is designed, Vegtech would finalise all the documentation and export the greenhouse anywhere in Africa. The company can also send a team to build the project from scratch.
Which crops are suitable?
Hofmeyr notes that greenhouses are most suitable for the cultivation of higher value crops that utilise the space in the greenhouse effectively. These include tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers as well as melons and herbs. Many of these crops are also in high demand across the continent.
Another popular use for greenhouses in Africa is for the production of cut flowers, which can be exported to Europe. Hofmeyr says that a number of companies have already invested in cut flower production in Africa.
Who should consider investing in a greenhouse?
Hofmeyr explains that the company has worked on a variety of projects, varying from 240 sqm in size up to 10 hectares. “Our clients range from government institutions to wealthy businessmen to small-scale farmers.”
Greenhouses in Africa
Vegtech has been involved in a number of greenhouse projects in Africa. One of these is the Terra Verde project, located outside Luanda, Angola. The farm, a joint Angolan-Israeli business utilising international expertise, was set up at the end of the war in 2002 and has been harvesting various crops, including tomatoes and cucumbers, for a number of years.
Hofmeyr says it is encouraging to see that after so many years the project is still going strong. “The crops look good, the marketing is good, and management is good. There is lot of demand for what they are producing at this stage.”
The company is currently also involved in establishing two greenhouses for its client Puntoverde in Equatorial Guinea. Although the project is still in its early stages, Hofmeyr says that it holds a lot of promise.
In addition, Vegtech has also completed projects in Mozambique and Botswana.
Contact details
For more information about running a successful greenhouse farming business, please contact Alex Hofmeyr, Vegtech 2000 sales manager, at:
Email: alex@vegtech.co.za
Website: www.vegtech.co.za
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wow good idea!
i am a malawian interested to start greehouse vegetable and flower production. how can i get more information from you and probably some quotations
Hi,
Farhan from Punjab – Pakistan.
How can i get help from your organization , ideas here in Pakistan?
also interested in working for company here in Pakistan as Green house business is growing very rapidly here in Pakistan.
I would like to start this type of business and I wish I could have get more information because I want to start this business in my village for the community