Cotton is regarded as one of the most versatile agricultural products in the world. In South Africa, it is a significant crop in the broader agricultural value chain since it is the only natural fibre in that chain, with the fuzzy seed that is used for animal feed being a vital element.
Cotton is produced under both irrigated and dryland conditions. In the 1999/00 season, a total of 98 619ha were planted to cotton in the country, but within eight years the total planted area had declined to just over 11 000ha. In 2006, the industry recorded the smallest area planted to cotton in the past 30 years at a mere 6 800ha. During the 2021/22 season, 18 918ha of cotton were planted.
A strategic cotton summit held recently at the Blaauwbank Game Lodge near Thabazimbi, Limpopo, was an important step towards unity within the industry and for attaining a common goal throughout the entire cotton value chain.
The aim of the summit was to pull all the parties involved in the cotton business together to discuss the future of the industry and to determine what will happen over the next couple of years.
AN INDUSTRY IN DISTRESS?
“The cotton industry is shrinking and if one looks from the outside, it may come across as an industry in distress,” Jozeph du Plessis, chairperson of the South African Cotton Producers Organisation (SACPO), said at the summit.
“As an industry, however, the general feeling is that there are still a great deal of opportunities throughout the entire cotton value chain waiting to be unlocked. But for that to happen the cotton value chain needs collectively to work towards a win-win scenario so that every link in the chain can benefit. We have to jointly develop a workable strategy. If it is to be, it is up to us,” he added.
One of the first steps is to identify all the challenges that the industry is facing and list external issues that affect it.
Esta historia es de la edición June 21, 2024 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 June 21, 2024 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
ARC names best dairy producers of the year
The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) recently announced the winners of the 2024 National Master Dairyman Awards at an event hosted by AgriExpo in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.
Lion breeders to give up bone stockpiles?
The Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment issued an official notice in mid-November in which it called on lion breeders to voluntarily hand over their lion bone stockpiles to the state as soon as possible.
Thousands of British farmers march on parliament against inheritance tax
Thousands of UK farmers gathered in London, England, on 19 November to demand the government repeal a proposed inheritance tax on agricultural land, which they argued threatened the future of family-run farms (see page 4), Al Jazeera reported.
Avocado frittata with sundried tomatoes, feta and olives
This wholesome, vibrant frittata is perfect for brunch or a light supper. Recipe and photo: The South African Avocado Growers' Association.
Feed, hay, and other costs are up, so it's time to get creative
Breeders and riding schools need to explore innovative ways to generate income in order to ensure their survival, says Dr Mac.
How to make polystyrene seedling trays last longer
While thinking about how to prolong the lifespan of polystyrene seedling trays that are exposed to harsh sunlight, Bill Kerr began to wonder if a coat of paint might offer a solution.
Living the 'culture' in agriculture
Creation Wines has won numerous awards, was ranked fourth in the World’s Best Vineyards in 2023, and more recently won the V d’Or award for the Best Brand Experience. The owners, Carolyn and Jean-Claude Martin, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how their winery became a top tourism destination.
Time to take a deep breath on the slopes of the Magaliesberg
Around 100km from both Johannesburg and Pretoria in Gauteng and a tad over 40km from Rustenburg in North West, Farmer’s Weekly found a fine retreat on a working farm where couples may kindle their romance.
African penguins could be extinct by 2035 how to save them
Protecting the critically endangered African penguin is good for the environment, other animal species, and the economy, say Lorien Pichegru and Dr Alistair McInnes of Nelson Mandela University, Katrin Ludynia of the University of Cape Town, and Peter Barham of the University of Bristol in the UK.
An urgent need to confront Nassella in SA
South American grass species from the genus Nassella were unwittingly introduced to South Africa over 120 years ago and continue to invade montane veld. As Mike Burgess writes, research-based action is required.