Asset finance provider WesBank has called for greater adoption of mechanised farming as the sector grapples with multifaceted challenges including production costs, land and water scarcity, urbanisation and unpredictable climate patterns.

With production costs rising at an alarming 12.4% year-on-year, farmers are trying to balance sustainability, profitability and food security, WesBank explains.

This as global leaders reinforced the urgency of transforming farming practices to adapt to climate change at last year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference. 

To this end, precision agriculture and mechanisation present a unique opportunity for South Africa to address its agricultural challenges and build a sustainable future aligned with climate-smart goals and increased productivity, WesBank states.

Mechanisation enables farmers to maximise yields while preserving natural resources, the bank elaborates, citing the example of blue-ray technology. Using high-resolution imaging and advanced light spectra, blue-ray systems can detect subtle changes in crop health, moisture levels and soil conditions.

These insights allow farmers to address nutrient deficiencies or pest infestations before they escalate and lead to crop losses.

WesBank alliances head Wayne Morris motivates that, when integrated with mechanised farming equipment, blue-ray technology enhances the accuracy of critical farming operations. For example, drones equipped with blue-ray sensors can scan vast tracts of farmland, providing real-time data that enables targeted interventions.

This innovation ensures more efficient use of resources such as water, fertilisers, and pesticides, which supports sustainable farming practices and improves yields.

“For South Africa, where arable land is both limited and unevenly distributed, mechanisation offers a critical advantage. By optimising land use, farmers can make every hectare count, ensuring food security for a burgeoning population.

“Precision farming not only boosts productivity but also enhances the sector’s resilience against environmental degradation and resource constraints,” Morris says.

DATA-DRIVEN

Morris explains that mechanisation is not only about machinery but also about data. Modern equipment integrates sensors and Internet of Things technology to gather real-time and historical data on soil quality, weather conditions, and crop health.

This data enables informed decision-making, such as identifying the most suitable crops for specific soil types or determining the precise quantity of fertiliser required.

These insights extend beyond farming operations. Financial institutions can leverage this data to better assess farm profitability and risks, offering tailored financing solutions.

“By aligning credit with the operational realities of farmers, lenders can reduce defaults while enabling sectoral growth. The convergence of mechanisation and data analytics therefore represents a holistic approach to promoting a more robust agricultural ecosystem,” Morris notes.

JOB CONCERNS

The push for mechanisation often sparks concerns about job displacement. While these fears are valid, the reality is more nuanced, Morris suggests.

Mechanisation has the potential to stimulate rural economies through increased agricultural output. Expanded cultivated areas and higher yields require labour for processing, distribution, and marketing, creating downstream employment opportunities.

Moreover, for smallholder farmers, mechanisation reduces the physical strain of traditional farming methods. Freed from labour-intensive tasks, farmers can focus on value-added activities, such as crop diversification and agribusiness ventures.

Over time, mechanisation could promote the development of vibrant agricultural value chains, driving inclusive economic growth in rural areas.

With food demand set to rise across Africa and globally, South Africa’s agricultural sector cannot afford to lag behind.

Mechanisation and digital agriculture are thus not merely optional but essential for building resilience and competitiveness.

To achieve this, Morris highlights, collaboration is key. “Farmers, financial institutions, and policymakers must work together to create an enabling environment for mechanisation – through affordable financing, training programmes, and supportive policies.”

WesBank states that mechanisation offers South Africa the tools to balance the urgent need for food security with sustainable resource management.

“By embracing available technologies, the sector can transform itself into a powerhouse capable of meeting future challenges, preserving natural ecosystems, and driving economic growth.”