A one-row hand-operated vacuum planter designed specifically for smallscale farmers was among the standout attractions at this year’s Farmers’ Plans competition, hosted by Landbouweekblad, Grain SA and Omnia during the 2026 Nampo exhibition in Bothaville, Free State.
By Lebogang Mashala, editor at African Farming
The innovative planter, designed by young inventor Jedri Janse van Rensburg, earned first prize in the school and tertiary institution division.
Also read: Walking stick planter wins second place in Farmers’ Plans Competition at Nampo
Jedri’s mini vacuum planter is currently being refined to accommodate smaller seeds such as cabbage and carrots. The machine operates using interchangeable seed plates, allowing farmers to plant different crops simply by changing the plate according to the seed type.
The young innovator is the son of Michris Janse van Rensburg, a farmer, inventor and founder of Backsaver Farming Equipment, based near Bultfontein in the Free State. Since its establishment in 2010, the company has gained a reputation for developing affordable and innovative equipment aimed at small-scale and emerging farmers.
Built for smallholders
“The planter selects seeds very accurately and works much like the vacuum planters used by commercial producers, but this one has been specifically designed for smallholder farmers,” explained Jedri.
“We used an old vacuum cleaner to create the vacuum system, which makes the planter both effective and affordable.”
The planter’s simple design and low-cost construction could provide an important mechanisation solution for smallholder farmers who often struggle to access expensive commercial planting equipment.
By using readily available materials and keeping the design straightforward, the invention demonstrates how innovation can bridge the mechanisation gap faced by many emerging farmers.
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Innovation runs in the family
The success of the Janse van Rensburg family at Nampo once again demonstrates how practical innovation can help address some of the challenges facing smallholder agriculture. By repurposing readily available materials and focusing on affordability, their inventions offer farmers access to technologies that would otherwise be out of reach.
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