Introduction to Agro Processing

Agro-processing is a subset of manufacturing that processes raw materials and intermediate products derived from the agricultural sector. In other words, transforming products that originate from agriculture. A key characteristic of agro-processing is its strong up-and downstream linkages. Upstream, the sector links to primary agriculture across a variety of farming products. Downstream, agro-processing outputs are both intermediate products to which further value is added and final goods that are marketed through wholesale and retail chains.

Agro-processing is the result of strategic and entrepreneurial deliberations. The sector’s performance is closely related to the overall rate of economic growth in South Africa and key export markets.

Diversification

It could be the result of diversification when the farmer discounts his risk by adding an additional enterprise to the current farming operations. A family member joining the managerial team could take control of such a diversified operation.  A simple example would be where the father produces grain and sells it on the open market.  Then the son comes and erects a feedlot and thereby utilizes the maize to fatten the cattle 'till slaughter. In another, a maize mill produces a variety of byproducts coming from the milling operation.

Adding of Value

Agro-processing could also be the adding of value to a primary product being produced on the farm.  The same scenario with the maize farmer, mentioned earlier, applies.  Another son comes to the farm and he erects a maize mill to produce a variety of byproducts coming from the milling operation for human and animal consumption.

Preservation

Agro-processing can also imply the preservation of food.  The value of local indigenous knowledge in this regard cannot be underestimated.  Prior to modern-day cooling facilities, techniques were applied to preserve perishable products.  Modern-day techniques are many to preserve meats, fruits, milk and all perishable products for use months later.

Ensiling

Agro-processing, which resembles preservation, but with other implications, is ensiling.  Recent research led to knowledge and skills so that virtually any agricultural product or byproduct can be ensiled.  The science of making silage with the aid of ensiling additives developed exponentially in the last decade.  Today it is normal to ensile potatoes and avocado pith, only to mention the unthinkable.  A logical pathway was defined to ensile any cultivated product or byproduct.  This revolutionized livestock farming in rural areas.