It has been a combination of factors. Cotton’s profitability has improved compared with that of competing crops, and confidence in the industry has been rebuilt due to the introduction of the Cotton Cluster Programme (CCP) in 2014. Improved technologies in seed variety development and harvesting equipment have also facilitated growth.
Over the past decade, the area planted to cotton has increased more than 40 000ha, or 68%. While the weighted average yield for irrigated and dryland cotton was slightly lower in 2018/2019 than 10 years ago, the number of dryland hectares increased, and now makeup 42% of all hectares planted to cotton. This is the main reason for the contraction in overall yield. However, irrespective of the lateral movement in yield, South Africa remains among the top six highest-yielding countries, as reported during the 78th International Cotton Advisory Committee [ICAC] Plenary Meeting held in December 2019 in Australia.
Profitability is driven by price, yield and quality-related factors. Seed cotton prices have increased 88% or almost 9% year-on-year since the 2010/2011 marketing season.
Which programmes have been implemented to benefit more farmers?
The CCP was implemented over a five-year period, which gave effect to a number of long-term benefits. It promoted small farmer development through supplier development programmes and created a platform for new harvesting technology demonstrations aimed specifically at increasing the efficiency of dryland cotton. It also saw the implementation of the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) to promote better cultivation practices and reduce the use of crop protection products during the growing cycle. Some 39% of the local cotton crop is currently BCI-compliant, and we’re striving towards 100% over the next three to five years.
Denne historien er fra February 07, 2020-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra February 07, 2020-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.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
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.
