Agricultural research and farming practices are increasingly driven by recognition of the need for sustainable agriculture and lower environmental impact. In one such example, Mahela Group, in collaboration with the Komati Fruit Group and Laeveld Sitrus, recently teamed up with a local entrepreneur in a joint venture to develop a state-of-the-art insectary situated in the town of Letsitele in Limpopo.
Founded in 2015, Insectec has expanded from a small laboratory in Tzaneen to become a leader in the production of natural insect predators for use in integrated pest management (IPM) systems on South African farms. The new insectary, which is now Insectec’s main facility, boasts the latest technology and a local research and development team that enables the company to address the specific needs of its clients.
“Although we might be a bit cheeky to claim as much, we believe that we have the largest insectary in the Southern Hemisphere,” says Karel van Heerden, CEO of Insectec. “Our mission is to produce integrated and sustainable solutions for pest management that contribute to healthier and more productive agricultural systems.”
The insectary is run by director and production manager Hannah Otto, who is renowned for her expertise in insect breeding under South African conditions. The facility focuses on the production and application of beneficial organisms used in biological pest control and IPM programmes.
Insects will be mass-produced to support the IPM programmes of citrus and grape farmers both locally and internationally.
Denne historien er fra September 03, 2021-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra September 03, 2021-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
