AFRICA – Valmont, a global leader in engineered products and services for infrastructure and water-conserving irrigation equipment for agriculture, has entered into a US$85 Million supply agreement to provide mechanized irrigation equipment and innovative technology for multiple agricultural development projects in Africa.

The agreement will utilize the solutions of its Valley Irrigation company, to help meet the escalating global demand for more efficient and reliable food production, and support national investments in agriculture to feed growing populations and address ongoing food security concerns.

Utilizing Valley’s market-leading, proprietary technology solutions, Josh Dixon, Valley Irrigation President, said this project will become one of the largest installations of connected pivots.

With remote monitoring and controls, the project will maximize crop yields and minimize inputs, while conserving approximately half the water used by traditional irrigation methods. Project shipments are expected to begin in the second quarter of 2023.

He noted: “This new engagement is a testament to our technology leadership and ability to secure large-scale projects that address the critical need by many countries to increase food production while decreasing dependence on grain import.”

“Our successful execution of several projects within the region has demonstrated the value of our technologically advanced irrigation products and dealer network, giving customers confidence in our ability to consistently deliver results. This supply agreement validates the continuing strength of our international project pipeline, and we are very excited about the momentum this opportunity provides heading into 2023.”

Being a leader in advancing agricultural productivity, from the first center pivots in 1954 to the precision ag-technology of today, Dixon underscored that large-scale international projects continue to advance the company’s market growth strategy as it serves the many countries looking to maximize the value of their land through agriculture development.

African Union says through the Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP), African governments agreed to allocate at least 10% of national budgets to agriculture and rural development and to achieve agricultural growth rates of at least 6% per annum.

Underlying these investment commitments are targets for reducing poverty and malnutrition, increasing productivity and farm incomes, and improving the sustainability of agricultural production and the use of natural resources.

CAADP is an Agenda 2063 continental initiative that aims to help African countries eliminate hunger and reduce poverty by raising economic growth through agriculture-led development.

CAADP also supports countries to enhance resilience to climate variability through the development of disaster preparedness policies and strategies, early warning response systems, and social safety nets.

CAADP has 4 priority areas; extending the area under sustainable land management and reliable water control systems; improving rural infrastructure and trade-related capacities for market access; increasing food supply, reducing hunger, and improving responses to food emergencies crises; and improving agriculture research, technology dissemination, and adoption.

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