Category: CROPS

In an era when the health of people and our planet demands immediate attention, the EduPlant Programme emerges as a beacon of hope, offering a fresh perspective on education that intertwines learning with sustainability. After 28 years, and the creation of thousands of school food gardens across the country, the EduPlant Programme, in partnership with Tiger Brands, continues…

“Contrary to popular belief, it’s not only because of a lack of funds or financial resources that many of the restituted farms, including ours at Masakona, are not fully operational,” says Nndavheleseni Ramashau, Chairperson of the Masakona Communal Property Association (CPA), in Limpopo. “Instead, it is because we haven’t received the support that we need…

According to Shonisani Mukwevho, treasurer of the Masakona Communal Property Association (CPA), “Among the challenges relating to the representation of women in CPA committees is an ageing population and the fact that women do not get enough support to enable them to effectively contribute to CPAs.” The Masakona CPA has been working towards addressing some…

The Smart Potato Greenhouse Technology app uses sensors to monitor soil quality and temperature and automates irrigation Fresh from undertaking a six-month training in “Internet of Things” (IoTs) at the Catholic University of Rwanda (CUR) in the country’s Huye and Gisagara Districts, 24-year-old Clemence Uwamutarambirwa developed a mobile phone application that uses sensors to monitor soil quality…

South Africa’s largest tobacco manufacturer, British American Tobacco (BAT), has entered into a process of restructuring, because of an “explosion in illicit tobacco sales” following the ban on cigarette sales during the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in 2020. The company said in a statement that the growth in illicit cigarette trade continued after the sales ban,…

The local potato sector aims to increase annual production from about 2,6 million tons to 3,2 million tons over the next five years, according to Dirk Uys, research and innovation manager at Potatoes South Africa. This would be achieved by protecting processors against the “dumping” of cheap potato product imports, growing local processing capacity, and…

This comes after the Department of Home Affairs extended the validity of exemption permits from the end of June until 31 December 2023, due an influx of up to 1 500 visa and waiver applications a day from affected Zimbabweans since the start of June. Christo van der Rheede, CEO of Agri SA, said the organisation…

In the past, lucerne was considered a low-value pasture or rotation crop, and was primarily used as a supplement. However, in recent decades, it has become valuable and profitable, competing successfully with many higher-value speciality crops. Today, many producers approach lucerne production as a serious business enterprise, with careful consideration of costs, value and markets.…

Chemical remedies used in agriculture can be classified as being of natural or synthetic origin and are used to keep crops, livestock, poultry and pets free from pests such as insects, fungi and bacteria, as well as fungal and viral diseases and weeds. Common agricultural chemicals (agrochemicals) include insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, adjuvants, fertilisers and veterinary…

A caption for the above image. Practice Seasonal Soil Rotatio When you are planting season by season, it is important to understand how planting recurring crops can affect your overall yield. Planting corn in consecutive years has been proven to be less effective for optimal yields. This means that corn-on-corn planting should only be considered…