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
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.
