South Africa’s former homeland areas account for approximately 13% of the country’s total surface area, or about 16 million hectares. Most of this land is taken up by rural areas under the administration of traditional councils. The late Dr Frikkie Liebenberg estimated that up to five million hectares comprise farmland. However, only 22% of the land with agricultural potential is utilised for production.
Research conducted by the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy showed that a minimum of 17 700ha of rural land could be under irrigation, provided that investments are made to revitalise and expand ailing irrigation infrastructure in areas like the Makhathini Flats, Umzimvubu and Taung.
The latest crop estimate data released at the end of November 2022 indicates that 378 800ha will be planted to maize in the former homelands in the current season. Interactions and project visits with provincial departments of agriculture and commodity organisations such as Cotton SA, Grain SA and the South African Grain Farmers’ Association show that rural areas have enormous agricultural potential that has not been fully realised. The lack of a comprehensive agrarian reform programme implemented with commodity groups to attract private and farmer investments is stifling real rural economic development in the country.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة Farmer's Weekly 6+13 January 2023 من Farmer's Weekly.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة Farmer's Weekly 6+13 January 2023 من Farmer's Weekly.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
When short-term rentals make sense
Bianca Smit, national operations manager at CFAO Equipment SA, outlines factors to consider when choosing a rental equipment partner.
The timing of onion sowing is critical
Each onion variety has a different resistance to bolting, thus growers need experience and knowledge to guide them,
Understanding cannabis and hemp regulations in South Africa
South Africa's cannabis and hemp regulations remain a topic of debate and uncertainty, particularly when it comes to commercial use and small-scale production. Cannabis experts Shaad Vayej and Trenton Birch spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about the challenges that small-scale cannabis and hemp farmers face.
European seed's influence on the US cannabis market
The expansion of European cannabis seed onto the US market is not just about economic growth; it’s also about enriching the landscape of US cannabis with diversity, innovation and education,
'It's important to get the right tool for the job'
The adoption of technology is crucial to sustaining efficiency gains and beating the cost-price squeeze in the agriculture sector.
A brilliant bushveld break between Bela-Bela and Modimolle
The distinctive touch, diligence, and 24/7 customer care are just a few of the reasons you should visit four-star Tourism Council-graded Pumula Game Farm,
John Deere: elevating performance and efficiency in modern farming
In the fast-paced world of farming, the right tools make all the difference.
The naval disaster Winston Churchill tried to hide
Three British warships were sunk by German naval gunfire on a dark day early in World War II, but the heroes who fought back received only muted recognition, possibly to avoid bad publicity,
Breaking down the principles of regenerative farming
Jean Hugo, a post-graduate student at the Tshwane University of Technology, and Leon Hugo, author on environmental matters and former professor of geography at the University of Pretoria, write about the importance of regenerative agriculture for small-scale farmers, and the challenges related to making the shift.
Ectoparasite control: more tips for livestock farmers
To reduce the mayhem that uncontrolled ectoparasites can create for communal farmers, it’s best to adopt a holistic approach in conjunction with veterinary remedies,
