Irrigation has been instrumental in helping farmers worldwide increase their crop yields through various means. This is because irrigation can provide producers with consistent water supply, which may be absent during unfavourable weather conditions.
This consistent supply leads to an increase in crop yields. Irrigation ensures a reliable and consistent water supply, reducing dependence on erratic rainfall patterns. This stability allows crops to grow more predictably and robustly, leading to higher yields.
With irrigation, farmers can also extend their growing seasons beyond the traditional rainy season, allowing for multiple cropping cycles per year. This can significantly increase the annual output of crops.
Irrigation also allows for improved water efficiency, helping farmers conserve water and even save on related costs. While it remains difficult for some smaller farmers to adopt irrigation techniques and technologies, there are some that have done so successfully. In countries like India and China, this adoption has been particularly successful.
INDIA
India has a long history of irrigation, with some literature claiming that farmers in the country were using irrigation as far back as the 12th century. However, the adoption of modern irrigation technology has been somewhat slow in India. Despite this, the country has made great strides since the 2000s to adopt modern techniques and technologies, much to the benefit of its small-scale farmers, particularly in states like Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the Indian government launched several initiatives to improve irrigation infrastructure as part of its fiveyear plan. Major irrigation projects, including the construction of dams and canals like the Bhakra Nangal Dam and the Hirakud Dam, were undertaken during this period to enhance water availability for agriculture.
Bu hikaye Farmer's Weekly dergisinin July 26, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Farmer's Weekly dergisinin July 26, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
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.
