AGRA OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE FUTURE
Published: 01 Feb 2017

With the rainfall forecast looking promising and farmers gearing up for the year ahead, Agra’s Chief Executive Officer, Arnold Klein, is confident that the agriculture sector will remain a positive contributor towards the sustainable development of Namibia. Agra, as a major role player in the agriculture sector will continue supporting the nation by providing essential services.

In his New Year message to all staff and stakeholders, Mr Klein started off by acknowledging that Namibia is currently facing economic challenges and encouraged the team to work hard to achieve the set goals. “As we enter the New Year with new energy and drive, it is imperative that we reassess our business and plan ahead. It is no secret that the current economic climate is not favourable, and thus we need to even work smarter,” he explains. He continued by saying that although good rains have been received in some parts of the country, the drought is still persistent in most parts of the nation.

For the past four years, low rainfall figures impacted negatively on Agra’s main cliental base, the farmers.  The unfavourable climatic conditions mean that certain types of livestock cannot thrive in Namibia’s climate; the same can be said about crops. Mr Klein is however optimistic that these harsh conditions can create opportunities. He said, “Instead of looking upon the drought as a constraint to successful farming, we need to seek new opportunities to diversify, alternative forms of production and new business opportunities.”

Agra recognises the valuable contributions made by producers in ensuring food security and improved livelihoods. To continue and develop the farming tradition in Namibia, it is of utmost importance that education in the field of agriculture takes place at all levels. This is the only way we can assure that farming has a long-term and sustainable future in Namibia. To this end, Agra established the ProVision division to empower farmers with industry skills and knowledge in an effort to increase their impact to grow the industry. Agra ProVision has already scheduled training courses to educate farmers (see page 16).

On the business front, Agra is well underway with plans and strategies to grow the business. Mr Klein noted that running a business is not a walk in a park, and therefore, businesses need to find innovative solutions to the ever emerging challenges. “During challenging times, we remain focussed and spread our wings to adapt,” he proudly said. Some of the recent developments include the realignment of the Agra Auctions division, expanding their future focus by incorporating property, game and moveable goods auctions to their portfolio.

Agra looks forward to reopening the bigger and better Karibib branch on Friday, 24 February 2017 and Agra Maltahöhe is next on the list to receive a facelift. Agra is committed to continuously invest in our infrastructure for improved customer service and convenient shopping experience.

Further to convenience, Agra is implementing a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, replacing the current AgriSMART system. The new ERP system, SAGE X3 is an enterprise business management software suite that includes functions for financial management, sales, customer service, distribution, inventory and manufacturing. Agra can look forward to operating at the very forefront of modern business technology. Commenting on the new system, Mr Klein said Agra has expanded its business operations to such an extent that faster, more flexible and simpler system is required to streamline business processes, ensure data accuracy and improve efficiency overall. “SAGE X3 will enable Agra to minimise risks and manage business functions effectively,” he proudly said. He announced that the new system will go live on 1 July 2017.

Mr Klein reaffirmed to focus on working towards the point where Agra’s achievements are reflected in the market share price. In his final words, he encouraged everyone to stay motivated and not lose hope. “When one door closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one, which has been opened for us,” Mr Klein quoted Helen Keller, as he concluded.
Agra Limited, a non-listed public company, continues to play an important role in agriculture. Through Agra’s diversified range of products and services, Agra becomes increasingly important to a larger and more diversified client base. Agra’s vision remains to be a resource for growth, living the purpose of creating prosperity and improving the quality of life.