Farmers Barn woos Zambians in the diaspora

…Its extension services prove effective and popular

An innovative agricultural extension service approach practiced by Farmers Barn has attracted Zambians in the diaspora to start remote farming.

Via phone, WhatsApp and email, Zambians in the diaspora can engage in agricultural enterprise from the comfort of their homes abroad.

Zambians in the diaspora who are farmers are continuously in touch with the Farmers Barn Help Desk and extension service team either through their farm minders or by setting up conference calls on WhatsApp for consultation with Farmers Barn agro experts.

Where there is need, consultants travel to concerned farms to physically appreciate challenges faced by farmers and advise accordingly.

Mr Mimo, an agronomist at Farmers Barn, confirmed in an interview how the novel outreach programme has become an instant success. The use of digital platforms has also become popular with local small-scale farmers.

“We don’t just sell, we also advise so that farmers can be successful and make return purchases,” said Mr Mimo.

Research and Development

In order to stay ahead of the competition, Farmers Barn has prioritised Research and Development (R&D), and through it, expanded its portfolio of goods and services being offered to clients.

The impact of that R&D can be seen in the various transitions the company has made over the years.

It all started as a budget shop for small- and medium-scale farmers and is located along Chiparamba Road, in Lusaka Central Business District (CBD).

Farmers found Farmers Barn ideal for shopping because of the different sizes of packaging and prices which catered for everyone depending on the client’s budget.

As a result, the shop has been ever-packed with shoppers. Overwhelmed by demanding customers seeking new experiences, variety and more goods and services, management turned it into a one-stop shop.

Input Supply

Farmers Barn stocks a range of inputs, not just maize seed and fertiliser. In partnership with local seed companies, it sells a variety of seeds to cater for both farmer preferences and agro-ecological zones.

The latest product on the shelf is the DK hybrid by Bayer, with whom it has signed up as the main distributor.

Besides, Farmers Barn actively participates in FISP and e-Voucher input supply programmes. Recently, it has been a key supplier of legumes.

It not only stocks a variety of pesticides and herbicides but also has working knowledge of their use and potency.

Veterinary

Farmers Barn is matching Zambians’ growing appetite for quality dairy and addressing the challenges faced, not only in drug supply shortages but also by empowering farmers with best practices.

Vet experts are on hand to help on phone or through site visits. The shop has a range of medicines, equipment and paraphernalia.

Irrigation

Farmers Barn is promoting a paradigm shift from seasonal farming or rain-fed agriculture to all-round farming.

Climate change and the resultant drought seasons can only be ignored at the farmer’s risk. Besides, irrigation helps the farmer remain in business by having something to sell all year round.

Farmers Barn stocks a range of irrigation pumps, systems and accessories to fit the farmer’s budget and advises farmers on ideal equipment. Both manually operated and automated equipment are in stock.

Soil Testing

Farmers Barn is truly concerned with the welfare and success of farmers and also advises on soil health.

It has experts who guide farmers on land preparation, crop protection, harvesting and marketing, to mention but a few.

Many farmers operate on land that has been in use over several years; as a result, the soil is no longer nutritious.

Farmers Barn recommends a pH test to assess acidity and alkalinity. It has a good working relationship with Mt Makulu Research Station in Chilanga for pH tests and refers all its clients to take soil samples there.

Farmers Barn and Mt Makulu have a relationship that has greatly helped farmers in many other ways.

Crop rotation and the use of agricultural lime, for instance, are useful. Crop rotation helps control pests and diseases apart from enriching the soil. Agricultural lime improves soil fertility.

According to Mr Mimo, Farmers Barn caters for all categories of farmers whether small, medium or commercial.

Zambians in the diaspora, in particular, are encouraged to feel free to engage Farmers Barn.

Farmers Barn is poised to grow bigger and deploy more platforms to remain trusted, interactive and a mentor to its clients.