Q&A with Roman Merkulov, Apollo Agriculture

The African Agri Council recently asked Roman Merkulov, CFO at Apollo Agriculture a few questions. Here's what he had to say about the current rate of technology adoption in agriculture and his view on collaborations in the sector.

From a financial perspective, how has Apollo Agriculture managed the challenges it faced in its early days?

In our early days, Apollo Agriculture faced several financial challenges common to startups. We navigated these hurdles by ensuring a robust financial strategy and discipline. This involved securing initial seed funding, carefully managing our cash flow and burn rate, and demonstrating value to equity and debt investors. Apollo Agriculture is a data-centric and product-focused business that leverages data analytics to make informed financial decisions. This approach helped us optimize our on-the-ground operations and product offerings. By staying lean and agile, we managed to weather the early challenges and set a foundation for sustainable growth.

In your perspective, how would you describe the current rate of technology adoption in African agriculture, and what factors do you believe are driving or hindering it?

The current rate of technology adoption in African agriculture is promising, but there is still substantial room for growth and, hence, an upside for the African economy and the well-being of its people. Factors driving adoption include the increasing availability of affordable and accessible technology solutions, a rising awareness of their benefits, and the need for increased productivity to feed a growing population. However, challenges persist, including limited access to finance, digital infrastructure, and knowledge. Apollo Agriculture specifically focuses on addressing these barriers alongside other partners and stakeholders, which is essential to accelerate technology adoption across the continent.

Why do you believe there's a pressing need for increased investment in agricultural technology in Africa, and how can it transform the continent's food security and economic landscape?

Increased investment in agricultural technology is crucial because it can revolutionize Africa's food security and economic landscape. Africa's population is growing rapidly, and its agricultural sector must become more efficient and productive to meet the rising demand for food. Technology can enhance crop yields, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve overall farm management. Moreover, the use of data-driven solutions can help smallholder farmers access credit and insurance, leading to increased financial stability. This, in turn, can boost economic growth and reduce poverty, creating a virtuous cycle of development.

Looking ahead, how do you envision the future of agriculture in Africa, especially with the integration of advanced technologies and sustainable practices?

The future of agriculture in Africa is bright, especially with the integration of advanced technologies and sustainable practices. We envision a scenario where precision agriculture and data analytics become commonplace in smallholder farming. Sustainable practices will be at the forefront, promoting soil health, efficient resource utilization, and climate resilience. This will not only boost productivity but also contribute to environmental conservation. Additionally, digital platforms will connect farmers to markets, and financial inclusion will empower them to invest in their farms and improve their livelihoods.

How crucial is the role of education and training in accelerating the adoption of modern agricultural practices across Africa?

Education and training play a pivotal role in accelerating the adoption of modern agricultural practices in Africa. Smallholder farmers need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to effectively use technology and implement sustainable practices. This includes training in crop management, soil conservation, crop rotation, and the use of digital tools. Educational initiatives and extension services should be accessible and tailored to the specific needs of local communities. At Apollo Agriculture, we take this seriously by providing regular and timely advice to our farmers from planting to harvest. By enhancing the capabilities of farmers, we can ensure the successful adoption of modern agricultural practices and ultimately improve their livelihoods.

How important are collaborations and partnerships between tech companies, governments, and local communities in revolutionizing African agriculture?

Collaborations and partnerships are absolutely critical in revolutionizing African agriculture. Tech companies bring innovative solutions, governments can provide the necessary policy framework and infrastructure, and local communities hold valuable insights and cultural knowledge. Together, these stakeholders can co-create sustainable agricultural ecosystems. In the case of Apollo Agriculture, we collaborate with multiple tech platforms to ensure that our cloud-based solution is available to farmers. This would not be possible without our collaboration with Amazon, which provides cloud services.

Roman will be a speaker at the African Agri Investment Indaba. To register click here: http://www.agri-indaba.com/register