Farmers were given an opportunity to explore practical solutions, discover new technologies and connect with agricultural businesses at the two-day AGRI 5 Expo Eastern
Cape at The Buffs Club in KuGompo City on October 15 and 16.
The expo brought together farmers, exhibitors, government stakeholders and private-sector businesses, with a focus on improving productivity, strengthening market access and
promoting innovation across the agricultural sector.
AGRI 5 Expo managing director, Tsholo Mokobe, said the event was an important milestone in the organisation’s mission to empower farmers and create opportunities across the agricultural value chain.
One of the key highlights was bringing different stakeholders together to discuss market access, technology, agricultural development and agro processing initiatives.
Mokobe said success was not measured only by attendance or
exhibition stands, but also by the relationships established, knowledge shared and opportunities created for farmers to participate in the agricultural economy.
He said small-scale and emerging farmers continued to face challenges, including limited access to markets, funding, modern technology, equipment and commercial networks.
The expo aimed to help address these barriers by connecting farmers with service providers, suppliers and institutions that could support the growth of their businesses.
Mokobe also highlighted agro-processing as an opportunity for farmers to increase their income by processing, packaging and adding value to their produce, rather than
selling only raw agricultural products.
He said the long-term goal was to turn conversations started at the expo into practical partnerships and sustainable business opportunities.
Exhibitors also showcased solutions aimed at helping farmers manage resources and improve their operations.
Sisipho Ndyalaza, a sales representative at Africa Water and Solar Pumps, said the company specialised in water pumps, solar and electric systems, filtration systems and wastewater treatment.
“We brought a new range of water pumps,” she said. Ndyalaza said solar- powered pumps could help farmers access water without necessarily relying on electricity, making it possible to draw water from boreholes and operate irrigation sprinklers.
She said the systems could be installed in different locations, depending on the water source and the farmer’s needs.
Reflecting on the response from visitors, Ndyalaza said the expo had been interesting, particularly because some farmers were discovering that solar-powered water solutions were more accessible than they had assumed.
“When people talk about solar, they think it is pricey, but you do get the ones that can accommodate your budget,” she said.
She added that the expo provided an opportunity to introduce visitors to available options and demonstrate how alternative water systems could support farming activities.
Adele Williams from Soil Sense showcased the company’s fine, medium and unscreened compost products, which support soil improvement and organic farming
practices.
Williams said the company had received positive feedback regarding organic farming,
particularly from people interested in reducing their reliance on chemical fertilisers.
Compost can help improve soil structure and support soil health, making it an important
consideration for farmers looking for more sustainable approaches to production.
Mokobe said AGRI 5 Expo would continue expanding its provincial footprint to reach more
farming communities and agricultural businesses.
Following its Eastern Cape edition, the organisation planned to host an event in the Free State in November, with North West and Mpumalanga among its planned provincial expansions for 2027.
He said the organisation hoped to encourage greater youth participation in agriculture, stronger market connections and increased adoption of technology.
Mokobe thanked farmers, exhibitors, partners and government stakeholders who contributed to the event, emphasising that collaboration was essential to strengthening agriculture, improving food security and creating employment.
