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.
Denne historien er fra June 21, 2024-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
Denne historien er fra June 21, 2024-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
Review: the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 GR-Sport III
The third iteration of the Hilux GR-Sport has finally achieved a sense of presence and style befitting its raceinspired branding. But is this the ultimate modern Hilux? Car Magazine takes a closer look.
Why maize prices soar in Kenya and Malawi but not Tanzania
Namhla Landani, an economist at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, and Arthur Khomotso Mahuma, economist and researcher at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, analyse the issue.
Wet carcass syndrome: a scourge in SA sheep farming
Wet carcass syndrome continues to take a huge financial toll on South African sheep farmers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to two experts about the ongoing genetic research aimed at addressing this issue.
Pollination innovation
Bee-Tech Group is transforming South African agriculture with pollination technologies that boost crop yields and enhance sustainability. Founder Michiel Bruggeman spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel.
The valuable addition that makes this farm tick
Owning the value chain provides farmers with far more control over their produce. However, it requires a fine balance between production and ensuring there is a strong and steady market. Lindi Botha visited Rosemary Hill to find out how this essential oil producer leverages hospitality to make the farm viable.
The benefits of recirculating aquaculture systems
A powerful set of attributes has established recirculating aquaculture systems as a cornerstone of global temperate fish farming, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.
Minister has big plans for emerging and commercial farmers
DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his priorities for his department over the next five years, including an increased focus on biosecurity.
New study aims to make wheat more disease resistant
A recent international study explains how bread wheat has helped to transform the ancient world on its path to becoming the iconic crop that today helps sustain a global population of eight billion.
Conservation farming and biodiversity boost soil health and sustainability
A recent academic event focused on research into the links between soil biodiversity, soil health and sustainable agriculture
What has led to the unparalleled rice shortage in Japan?
Japan is facing a rice shortage amid concerns about a potential 'megaquake', several typhoons and an annual week-long holiday, which has led to an increase in panic buying.