Nigeria’s agric mechanisation can grow on simple equipment

Zhengzhou Taizy Trading Co. Ltd, is an enterprise integrating research with the development of specialised agricultural equipment such as seeder, trans-planter thresher, cultivator, miller and harvester, among others. It is one the potential firms lured by Nigeria’s efforts at attracting foreign investment in agriculture and was at the China Homelife Fair Nigeria in Lagos to deepen its presence in the Nigerian market. Emily Zhang, its general sales manager, in a chat with TEMITAYO AYETOTO on the sideline of the exhibition, shares the firm’s dream on aiding mechanisation in agriculture and its plans on backward integration.

What is the focus of Taizy?

Our aim is to the help the farmer with simple machines to do their farm work easily because Africa is in the development stage. Since the People’s Republic of China was established in 1949, it is always paying attention to agriculture. China has been one of the biggest agriculture countries in the world. It is a very big farming country and we have developed for many years. The Chinese government has called on Chinese enterprises to assist and support Africa’s development. As one of the most professional agriculture suppliers in China, our company has got much experience on agro machines and mastered advanced technology during its development for 70 years. We respond positively to government’s policy and take part in exhibition, investigating African markets and providing solutions. We are mainly research focused, producing advance machines. In recent years, our products have enjoyed great popularity in Africa and south East Asia market. We want to help African farmers develop very fast.

What spurred your interest in Nigerian markets?

 About eight years ago, we did some businesses in Nigeria but that time we only sold few machines. But after then, we have sold many more machines. I think we know much about Nigeria and we know what machines are suitable for Nigerian farmers. Because many Nigerian farmers are not very rich, they do some farm works in very old ways. It will cost more labour and the efficiency is very low. Twenty years ago, Chinese farmers also did their farm work like that slowly and we produced some simple machines. Our people use these simple and cheap machines and we think it’s suitable for Nigerians. The structure is simple that I think every farming family in Nigeria can go for it. Also, it’s because we get many enquiries from Africans, and Nigerians also come to our company and we think that Nigerian people are very enthusiastic and very friendly. This is our first time in Africa. So our boss is encouraged about helping African people become rich together.

What are your plans going forward?

We are considering building a factory in Nigeria because if we can produce here, the production will be lower and our machine price will be better for the farmers. The most important is that Nigeria’s labour cost is low and we want to do half-production. It means that for example, these machines can be dissembled into many parts. So we send other parts to Nigeria and assemble it here. This will save time and cost.

What’s scale of investment are you considering?

We don’t know yet. We have a problem as to how to build a factory here. We don’t know if the government will allow us or are willing to help us. If we can, we would be able to help create job opportunities for Nigerians.

What’s your central message?

It is that Chinese people also went through a hard time. After war, Chinese people were also very poor. We planted many grains and developed simple machines. Now, we have developed very well and we want to do something to help African farmers become rich with us together. Our president has been to Africa this year and is willing to help Africa develop very fast. In spite of the racial difference, we want to do something to make the world beautiful and full of love.