Veta innovator designs affordable animal feed mixer

Dar es Salaam. A teacher from the Vocational Education and Training Authority (Veta) Songea in Ruvuma has designed a machine to mix animal feed pellets, making it more accessible and affordable for farmers and breeders.
 This innovation was made possible by a grant from the Commission for Science and Technology (Costech), which funded the equipment needed to build the machine.

Mr Sussack Mbulu, the innovator, identified the high cost of commercially produced animal feed pellets as a major barrier for farmers.
 His solution is a simple, user-friendly machine that allows farmers to utilize readily available crops as raw materials, significantly reducing costs. The machine has already found buyers in Iringa, Dar es Salaam, Njombe, and Morogoro.

"Our research showed that the high cost of commercial feed hinders production for chicken and fish farmers," explained Mr. Mbulu. "This machine is our answer. We are grateful to Costech for their support."

The machine offers versatility, with the option of electric or manual operation, making it suitable for both rural and urban settings. It efficiently mixes one kilogram of feed in just one minute.

"This innovation empowers young people," Mr. Mbulu continued. "They can learn to build and repair these machines, creating income opportunities. Additionally, mill owners can use the machine to produce and sell feed, promoting both income generation and job creation."

The machine's effectiveness has been confirmed through testing with Songea farmers, receiving positive feedback. Mr Mbulu expresses his appreciation to Costech for their ongoing support of innovators and their role in developing solutions for agricultural challenges.

"Demand is high," Mr Mbulu said. "We can produce over five machines daily to meet the needs of farmers."

To maximize the benefits for farmers, Veta also provides training on formulating balanced feed mixtures tailored to specific animal needs. The machine allows for customization of pellet size, ensuring optimal nutrition for various livestock.

Veta's mission aligns with Mr Mbulu's creation – to equip young people with technical skills that address challenges in health, agriculture, environment, energy, education, and other sectors, ultimately promoting self-employment.

Finally, fish breeder Mathew Robert of Songea emphasizes the financial burden of purchasing commercial feed, especially for small-scale operations. "This machine is a game-changer," he states.
 "Its low electricity consumption, with the option of manual operation, makes it perfect for any situation. Access to raw materials like corn is readily available in rural areas, allowing farmers to create their own cost-effective feed mixtures."