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
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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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.
