FAST FACTS
South African agriculturalists can use technology developed in Israel to improve production.
Israeli technology has increased yield and reduced water usage in that country.
Various technologies monitor the external environment, analyse data, and then inform farmers of what their crops need.
A recent webinar hosted by the Israel Trade Mission and Israel Export Institute showcased Israeli agricultural technology currently available and applicable to crop production in South Africa, particularly avocados. While Israel currently produces more avocados than South Africa does, Amit Lev, head of the Israel Trade Mission to South Africa, says that, given time, South African farmers may out-produce those in Israel, especially with the new technologies available. (In the 2020/21 season, Israel produced 270 000t of avocados, while South Africa produced 130 000t.)
Israel’s investment in technology for agricultural production was out of necessity, says Frederico Atlasovich, head of agro-tech at the Israel Export Institute. With half of the country being a desert and the other half suffering from water scarcity, Israel’s innovative technologies focus on farming in water-scarce conditions. This is ideal for South Africa, the world’s 30th driest country.
Ari Dembo, sales executive at the Galilee International Management Institute, says education is key to successful technological farming. “Israel has always had a scarcity of resources, but we’ve succeeded in agricultural production because we’ve invested in our human capital. Education is key.”
EDUCATION
Esta historia es de la edición September 03, 2021 de Farmer's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición September 03, 2021 de Farmer's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Understanding eye conditions in horses: causes and first aid
A horse can get a swollen eye from bumping it against a tree, shaking its head to keep flies away, or even snake venom
IPM requires a completely different mindset
You need to investigate any beneficial insects that may appear on your plants, or you can purchase them
Does parrot farming protect wild species?
Those in favour of commercial captive breeding argue that breeding parrots to sell can relieve pressure on wild populations. Researchers Neil D'Cruze and Rowan Martin review the evidence.
Bacterial and fungal diseases of garlic
Garlic can be prone to bacterial and fungal diseases, and it's important that farmers are proactive in preventing infection and practise appropriate management. Magda du Toit reports.
Responsible wastewater management: a crucial part of farming
The inadequate management of waste water is a challenge that the agriculture sector needs to deal with. Magda du Toit spoke to experts in waste and water management about a cost-effective treatment system.
Technology that can help protect South Africa's farms
Farm attacks, murders, livestock and crop theft, and other rural crimes are a growing concern in South Africa. As a result, more and more farmers are turning to advanced security technology to protect their lives, properties, and livelihoods. Sinenhlanhla Mncwango spoke to experts about the security strategies that producers can adopt to combat these threats.
The impact of theft on farms in South Africa
A high number of livestock are being stolen every year in South Africa. Insurance is expensive and farmers are battling to find solutions to the problem, says Dr Lindie von Maltitz, agricultural economics lecturer in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State.
Staying afloat amid the cost-price squeeze
John Hudson, head of agriculture at Nedbank Commercial Banking, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the importance of environmental and social sustainability for a prosperous agriculture sector.
Free State has no reason to mark Transport Month
Free State Agriculture (FSA) is very concerned about the extremely poor state of rural paved and gravel roads in the province and has very little, if anything, to celebrate during Transport Month, which takes place every October.
SA's food system ‘vulnerable to climate change'
The Just Transition Agenda for Food System Policymaking in SA webinar, hosted by the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) in October, highlighted the role that South Africa’s food system plays in contributing to climate change and how vulnerable it is to the impact thereof.
