Agriculture GDP rebounds strongly in Q1 of 2024 despite headwinds
In a quarter characterised by a plethora of growth constraints such as the El Nino-induced heat wave the decimated crops, loadshedding, and inefficiencies at ports, agriculture still managed to rebound strongly in Q1, 2024.
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New SA Canegrowers chair calls on govt to fulfil its promise of a sugar tax review
With major sugar mills remaining in business rescue and a possible increase in the Health Promotion Levy (HPL), or sugar tax, still looming, the sustainability of the sugar industry remains under threat, industry body SA Canegrowers has said. It noted that the sugar tax had suppressed the market for locally produced sugar and cost the…
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Minimum wage for South African farm workers: study shows 2013 hike helped reduce poverty even though compliance was poor
Minimum wage policies are typically aimed at reducing poverty. Yet there is little direct evidence of this effect, especially in developing countries. And none for South Africa.
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Google and FAO launch new big data tool, Earth Map
Google and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has developed a new tool anyone, anywhere can access to obtain multidimensional maps and statistics showing key climate and environmental trends wherever they are.
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Managing the domino effect for a quality litchi crop
The process of eating a litchi reveals a greater truth about the fruit’s production: crack the hard part and reap the sweet rewards. While many have opted out of this journey, litchi farmer André Schoeman has continuously placed his bets on the crop, focusing on timing to get maximum returns.
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SA citrus exports predicted to grow despite challenges
The 2024 citrus export season is set to commence this month, marking the beginning of an anticipated period of heightened activity. Leading up to this crucial phase, the variety focus groups of the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) disclosed their projected export volumes for the forthcoming season during the Citrus Marketing Forum convened last week.
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Starting small put Mathebula on a path to prosperity
Sanela Mathebula went from humble beginnings with 15 000 cabbage seedlings to building New Style Farming into a thriving enterprise in Mpumalanga. His advice to aspiring farmers emphasises starting small, learning from others, and maintaining discipline
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Cybersecurity in agriculture: A critical factor for South Africa’s food security
In every industry across the globe, technology has improved productivity, efficiency, and communication, and agriculture is no exception. “Once considered a traditionally low-tech industry, the increased use of email, online monitoring tools, remote controls, and payment systems – together with automated smart farming equipment such as internet-connected tractors – means the digital threat level has increased for farmers,” says Carey van Vlaanderen, CEO of ESET Southern Africa.
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Fighting the Russian wheat aphid to safeguard SA’s crop
Addressing the challenge of Russian wheat aphid in South Africa requires a multifaceted approach that combines host-plant resistance and biological, cultural and chemical control.
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The critical element that determines cabbage yield
Farmers know that nitrogen is necessary for growing cabbages and other crops, but many do not fully understand its importance for maximising yields, writes Bill Kerr.
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