Experts point ways to better crops and farmer incomes
The first One Earth Root and Soil Health Forum which took place on 1 March 2021 saw over 800 people in attendance to discuss how to unlock the potential of better soil and root health to help transform food systems.
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Climate-proof, no-till crop production in the maize triangle
Cocky Mokoka has been farming since 2007, but only started incorporating conservation agriculture principles to improve his soil in 2015. He spoke to Pieter Dempsey about the practices he implements on his 740ha farm.
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Rooibos now SA’s very own ‘champagne’ – but there’s a lot more brewing
The term Rooibos has now been included on the European Union’s register of iconic geographic indicators.
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SA pome fruit sector set for record exports in 2021
South Africa’s apple and pear production is set for a record export crop this season. Apple exports are expected to rise by 5% year-on-year to 38,4 million 12.5kg equivalent cartons.
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New pumpkin variety set to make inroads into high-end market
The demand for convenient meals and easy-to-prepare vegetables is opening up marketing opportunities for the Hokkaido pumpkin, a newcomer to South Africa. Small, and with an edible peel, the variety holds much promise for expanding cucurbit cultivation. Lindi Botha spoke to Francois Steyn about farming the Hokkaido.
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Technological improvements in precision crop irrigation
With the threat of water scarcity and the challenge of feeding a growing population, it is essential that crop irrigation is optimised.
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Global citrus market holds strong despite Covid crisis
According to IndexBox latest report, the production of major types of citrus fruits, except that of lemons and limes, grew in 2020 thanks to good weather conditions in most producing regions. Citrus fruit exports and demand indicated gains in all the categories considered.
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Agriculture input cost pressures mount as fuel price increases further
Fuel is the lifeblood of the agriculture value chain with all processes from farm to fork heavily reliant on its availability at the right time and at an affordable price.
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Chillies: a hot crop if you know what you’re doing
Diversifying with chillies has enabled Klein Karoo stone fruit farmer JD van Deventer to increase cash flow, use orchard space more efficiently, and mitigate the climate- and market-related risks associated with fruit production. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel.
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Freshwater Is Disappearing. Can Technology Save Us?
Global climate change and the exponential increase in population has led to water scarcity and recent headline-grabbing water shortages in major urban centers like Capetown and Sao Paulo.
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