Birds are the worst nightmare for small grain producers, and can reduce yields significantly. Farmers in some areas have abandoned growing small grains due to losses from birds. Quelea b...
It is one of the most tried and tested sprayers in South Africa. What makes the sprayer popular is that if you buy the right base, you can actually put any attachment on the back of the ...
If you are ready to shake up your farming routine, Agri Precision has the tech to make it happen! With drones that swoop, spray, and save you time, Agri Precision takes the hassle out of...
Although tomatoes originally come from South America, they became more popular in European households in the 18th century. This is how the fruit found its way to South Africa. South Afri...
“There is tremendous pressure to grow more food from less soil and less inputs. Agriculture therefore needs to intensify but it is imperative that this does not occur at the expense of...
If you have ever dreamed of growing your own fresh vegetables, herbs, or flowers, then a raised garden bed might just be your new best friend! Not only do these elevated plots add a touc...
Planting is in full swing, and it is time to talk about a topic that might get your boots dirty, but will make your fields flourish! Manure spreading is not the most glamorous part of fa...
Cultivating a Better World Starts Today Corteva Crop Protection has heeded the call from farmers across the globe for a nitrogen stabiliser that makes more productive use of nitrogen ...
Agronomy is the backbone to modern agriculture, and with Harvest Agri’s range of products you no longer have to look to someone else to understand your plants and soil. Knowing what...
Managing a successful agricultural company of AECI Plant Health’s scale requires dedication and collaboration from a team of experts, each playing a crucial role. Here is how these ded...
AGCO, which includes Massey Ferguson and Fendt's brand, boasted of the largest stand at NAMPO Cape this year. Massey Ferguson currently has a special offer of 0% interest. "If you wan...
No farmer is a mind reader and unless you can talk to plants you will not always know what they need. Well, with Harvest Agri’s wide range of sap meters you can maintain your plant hea...
With the Rovic Syncroplant, farmers don't have to work twice - with this maize planter, it's only one-time planting, and once is enough! Time-saving, effective work and comfortable ap...
Some SA fruit industries spend more than R300 million a year to combat fruit flies. UP researcher Tania Pogue explains how her study of pest traps could revolutionise how we protect our ...
Every year curiosity builds to see what the well-known Agri businesses will be exhibiting at NAMPO Cape and for Irrigation Unlimited it was a display that was both practical and interact...
Southern Africa includes Angola, Botswana, the Comoros, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. But for our purpose, we ...
For years, smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe have faced a stubborn conundrum: how to get their produce to the market. Transport has remained a pain in the neck for thousands, frustratin...
When Corteva does something, they do it in style! This is also how they did the launch of their new product, Instinct Optinyte. They launched their new product by literally launching ...
Precision farming is the word of the day, and the development of new technology is making it easier for farmers to plan for their future. The farming practices of our fathers have been r...
Our innovative rice processing solutions minimise in-process waste, reduce manpower, and maintain hygienic standards in food processing. Our company offers customised project solutions f...
Water quality refers to the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of water with respect to its suitability for a particular purpose. It is a critical factor in all aquatic li...
AfriGIS’ Team AgriEco was crowned the winner at the global SustainableFinance. Live 2024 hackathon, held from 27 September to 10 October 2024. Organised by Finextra Research and Respon...
Cabbage Robust consumer demand and steady supply volumes have resulted in average cabbage prices settling on the lower end of the typical weekly and monthly price trends for mid-Octob...
Corteva Agricience has several herbicides you need to ensure maximum yields for all your crops. Corteva's Instinct® Optinyte® technology, a water-based nitrification inhibitor has b...
Fertiliser has become a big part in a farmer’s operations and budget because the correct and right quantity of fertiliser will give a farmer a better yield. It is recommended that wher...
Every bottle of All Gold tomato sauce contains 36 tomatoes, or so the famous advertisement in the nineties claimed. The question is, where do these delicious tomatoes come from. During a...
Although over the years measures have been taken to contain fall army worms in Zambia, these pests remain a high priority. When fall army worms move in, they can cause destruction to mai...
Izak Wolfaard van Drotsky visits Jeandre Brink at Groot Phesantekraal. Drotsky offers farm implements that exceed farmers' needs. For this specific farmer, space for grain bins was a ...
Poelbros Handel has been a cornerstone in the agricultural industry, providing top-quality farming equipment and services. Specialising in manure and lime spreader rentals, Poelbros Hand...
When it comes to keeping your crops happy, healthy, and yielding more than ever, Poelbros Handel's 10 ton manure spreader is the go-to tool. Designed to deliver nutrient-rich manure even...
In the previous three sections we looked at the role smallholder farmers play in agriculture, food security and nutrition in Africa, the challenges they face, and some solutions offe...
On Friday 27 September 2024, the Minister of Finance and Planning, Honourable Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane MP, presented the 2025 National Budget to Parliament. As always, expectations w...
EchoShade is a proud South African family business that upholds quality and innovation in the agricultural netting industry. Founded by Wynand van Staden and supported by his five sons, ...
Seed has been vital to human survival since the dawn of civilisation. In prehistoric times, humans collected and preserved seeds for food and propagation. There is a strong connection...
With all the hard work that a citrus farmer face daily, the last thing he wants to worry about is losing a year's harvest to sunburn. Sunburn can damage up to 70% of a fruit crop so badl...
Before we look into the diverse culinary traditions of the different regions in Africa, it is important to look at the ingredients used in traditional cooking. Local ingredients ...
South Africa’s first published carbon life cycle assessment on an agricultural input. Zylem, a leading manufacturer of biofertilisers and soil amendments, has achieved a significant...
Eckosil Cuticle Enhancer is a scientifically advanced soluble Ortho-silicic acid formulation specifically designed to mitigate plant abiotic stress, including heat stress, sunburn and co...
After years of trying to penetrate the cut-throat Chinese horticulture market, Zimbabwe has inked a trade protocol that will see avocados from the Southern African country being sold in ...
Amid ongoing food and nutrition challenges, the United Nations has urged the government of Zimbabwe to upscale community horticulture projects. This is expected to drive resilience an...
As planting season approaches, Zimbabwe is pulling all the stops to assure farmers of the availability of crucial farming inputs. Agriculture season and land preparation begins in ear...
South Africa is rapidly establishing itself as the leading and preferred source of Pink Lady apples from the Southern Hemisphere. According to Kantar data, Pink Lady sales in the United ...
For twenty years, Valtrac, the leading supplier of agricultural equipment, has been making a significant impact on the bean industry and agriculture in South Africa. Through continuous i...
Just like people, agricultural crops need the right nutrients and care to grow strong and healthy. AECI Plant Health focuses on helping your crops thrive! Chad Minnaar from AECI Plant...
“Welcome to PACSys at NAMPO Cape!” These were the excited words of Jeandré de Beer, Sales Manager, who clearly has a passion for his products. Jordan Jeffree, Branch Manager of P...
Cabbage Cabbage price trends tend to see the lowest points during September, this trend was also prevalent in the last two seasons. Historical trends depict that this is mainly suppor...
Corteva Agricience has several herbicides you need to ensure maximum yields for all your crops. That is why Corteva has now introduced new Instinct® Optinyte® product to farmers at NAM...
Rovic spreaders are very popular in the Cape, which made the NAMPO stand of Rovic full of excitement to introduce their quality products to the farmers. The Rovic Spreader range is su...
Irrigation Unlimited is a service-oriented trader that distributes irrigation products to the South African markets through a network of agents. The company was established in 2003 as...
Staalmeester has been a leading agricultural equipment supplier since 1951. The JF 1300 spreader This spreader is one of Staalmeester’s top sellers in this market range due to ...
AECI Plant Health focuses on making your crops thrive! One of AECI Plant Health's top products is Biocult®, which they specially designed themselves. Biocult is a product that contai...
Crop protection products from Corteva Agriscience™ give you the power to fight insects, diseases and/or weeds. Find the right crop protection technology to maximize your hectares. W...
Conditions for growing small grains The rainfall, humidity, temperature and soil conditions need to be perfect for the growing of small grains. A farmer must also look at the soil’s...
Smallholder farmers in Africa face a number of challenges that negatively affect their productivity. These farmers, who cultivate plots of land often smaller than two hectares, are bu...
Tafadzwa Nehumba’s chosen sector as a street vendor is agriculture produce, fruits to be specific. He can be found at his regular spot in downtown Bulawayo selling bananas, apples, ...
Whether there are 36 tomatoes in a bottle of All Gold tomato sauce or more, no one can argue that this sauce improves most types of food. On top of your chips or as part of your sauce, i...
The canola industry in the Western Cape is experiencing dynamic growth, driven by technological advancements and sustainable practices. This expansion not only strengthens local economie...
Potatoes South Africa, the industry body of the potato industry, has stated that the potato supply for 2024 remains stable and that reports of potato shortages and excessively high price...
BASF, a global leader in agricultural solutions, proudly announces the launch of Cimegra® SC. This new insecticide promises to redefine the control of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiper...
LumiGEN™ seed treatments capitalize on over 100 years of crop protection knowhow, and an understanding of what growers need and how they farm. Our seed treatment combinations are c...
You choose a seed treatment package to help assure a successful season. In turn, you should feel assured that those seed treatments perform as expected, and work well with the genetics y...
A seed treatment package should perform as expected and work well with the genetics that you are planting - ensuring a successful planting season and ultimately an excellent yield. ...
When it comes to shade netting, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Shade nets come in various densities, each with a different level of sunlight blocking, known as shade percentage...
Corteva Crop Protection has heeded the call from farmers across the globe for a nitrogen stabilizer that makes more productive use of nitrogen while protecting the environment. Introdu...
Mathew Banda is the customer techincal specialist for Corteva Agriscience. In this video he explains how their new product Instinct, works. Instinct® OPTINYTE® Technology (Reg. ...
What is the point of spending so much money on your soil and fertiliser, if it ultimately does not lead to the desired results? This is every farmer's biggest frustration. It is this f...
The agriculture sector is integral to both the South African economy as well as our food security. According to the latest Santam Insurance Barometer report, the industry contributes aro...
To a grain farmer, his crops are like his children: They need to be nurtured, loved and taken proper care of. That is why choosing a seed supplier can seem like a daunting task. Advanta ...
The Corteva Crop Protection team is excited to be taking part in NAMPO Cape between 11 and 14 September 2024. The Corteva Crop Protection Heart of Agriculture direction focuses on our...
A giant tree fell when Tru-Cape producer Robert Zulch (69) passed away over the weekend and it is with great sadness that Tru-Cape honours Robert’s legacy as a passionate pome fruit pr...
Dedication, hard work, the right decisions … and the right fertiliser, lead to abundant harvests and successful farming. This fact is proven by Lauretta Visagie of Vereeniging. Born...
The Department of Agriculture at North-West University is filled with passionate women who strive to improve the future of agriculture and pass on their knowledge to equally passionate s...
Founded in January 2024, BDW Greenhouses has quickly become a leading name in the construction of high-quality greenhouses and shade nets, catering to the diverse agricultural needs of L...
The Pannar team warmly welcomed people at Val Farmers' Day 2024 with friendly smiles to discuss Panagri™, which involves practical farming research. Any farmer needs top knowledge abou...
As one of the leaders in the drive to transform agriculture in Africa for the greater good, Philagro’s philosophy is modestly simple but extremely effective. Henk van der Westhuize...
The agriculture sector is vital for economic growth. It contributes 3% to GDP, supports 941 000 jobs, and generated US$13,2 billion in export revenue in 2023 – South Africa produces 10...
DuxAgri is setting a new standard for natural bio-solutions to improve plant health, soil health, yield and quality. The passion for biocontrol systems in agriculture on crops such ...
Grain, soya beans and a whole lot of love is what keeps Mabuyane Mabuza busy on her farm near Randfontein. With her heart filled with passion for her farm, and her feet always in the soi...
Weeds in the field can mean that your crop must compete for water, sunlight, and space to grow. This is where Corteva’s SureStart® comes in to save the day. SureStart® is a syst...
Without bees, between R30 billion and R40 billion of agricultural production in the Western Cape wouldn’t come to fruition. “Agriculture is now responsible for more than 50% of the G...
This is a quick production guide for three drought tolerant small grain crops, namely sorghum, pearl millet and finger millet. The three crops are key for household food and nutritional ...
In the quest for increased agricultural efficiency and productivity, Reinke Manufacturing has forged a significant partnership with CropX. This collaboration combines Reinke's advanced i...
In the spirit of Women's Month, we shine a light on an inspirational businesswoman who has transformed her focus from empowering other companies to succeeding as farmers, to becoming a s...
In August 2023, American Alex Harrell recorded the best soybean harvest in history on his farm in the state of Georgia. At 13.9 ton/ha the yield was significantly higher than the previou...
Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing is making significant progress towards its ambitious goal of reducing carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050. “These objectives will he...
At the end of the day, all any maize farmer wants are healthy plants and a good harvest. Achieving this involves a number of things, one of which is clean fields. Weeds in the field c...
Cabbage Weekly and monthly price averages remain under pressure due to higher supplies seen in the market, between June and July. Analysts anticipate this trend to persist for the res...
Pannar brings the community together at Val Boeredag 2024. Carl Otto, regional manager of Pannar-seed, mentions that it is a privilege to be involved with Pannar on Val Boeredag...
[embed]https://youtu.be/jaBMOE4IPw4[/embed] Whether it is fruits, vegetables or herbs, having your own garden is a must have. Isabel Ballot from Knittex and Johnny Goosen from Ind...
Case IH was once again present at Val Farmers Day this year and introduced their 2120 Early Riser planter to farmers. “We are very excited to see how this precision planter stands o...
Kobus tells more about the specifications and unique features of the Case IH 6150 Axial Flow harvester. The harvester's standard rotor is 76.2 cm (30 inches) wide and 274.32 cm (108 i...
Healthy potatoes and Corteva Agriscience go hand in hand: if you want to produce a good potato crop, you need Corteva Agriscience's class-leading fungicide, Zorvec® Encantia®. Zorve...
As one of the leaders in the drive to transform agriculture in Africa for the greater good, Philagro’s philosophy is simple but extremely effective. The company’s singular vision and...
Kynoch brings innovation straight to the farmer. Whether you need plant nutrition solutions, precision farming solutions or agricultural advice, the Kynoch team is there to help you ...
Nutrient-rich crops can have a large impact on community health, especially in Africa, which will be the most highly populated continent by the end of the century. Yet, if food security ...
In recent years, Zimbabwe has experienced a burst of aquaculture investments as the country attempts to diversify its agriculture production portfolio. Zimbabwe was once one of the conti...
In the agriculture industry, shade netting has become an indispensable product for farmers to use to assist in crop growth and protecting plants from a variety of environmental stressors...
The SARO team from the Kabwe Branch conducted a highly successful farm mechanisation demonstration at Kafinda village in Kapiri. This event, funded by the European Union, was part of our...
Over the past few months, you have learned about the benefits of setting up a hydroponic system, the different hydroponic systems available, what you need to start your hydroponic system...
Compost is no new concept. By now, everyone knows the basic how and why of using organic material. Vermicompost is another story. This is basically where you use earthworms to enhance...
Every farmer knows how important it is to measure and weigh crop protection and nutrition products accurately for optimal crop protection and yield. AECI Plant Health is a company t...
Multiknit’s revolutionary shade fabric, DriZ is an all-weather shade net that can be used for many applications and comes in many colours. This shade netting is not only efficient but ...
When it comes to construction, you want to use netting that can keep your site as clean as possible. Many times, this means keeping dust and rain out. The question is… do you get netti...
An agriculture shade net is a woven material used to offer the desired shade and protect crops in agriculture. It is a woven net made from high-density polyethene (HDPE) or other synt...
Happy crops and happy yields mean happy farming. One challenge for farmers in Africa is sunlight that is too harsh for some crops. Not all crops and plants require direct sun rays that c...
When you want a healthy potato harvest, you need the Corteva Agriscience product, Zorvec® Encantia®. Zorvec® Encantia® is a revolutionary fungicide designed to specifically target la...
The use of drones in agriculture is becoming increasingly common as these unmanned aircraft are proving to be a valuable tool used in precision farming – a technique involving the anal...
Are you looking for all weather protection? Well, Multiknit has got you covered with their DriZ shade netting. DriZ protects your property against harsh elements like sun, rain, hail, sn...
In South Africa, we are currently in a scenario where high prices are achieved alongside high yields. We are more accustomed to farming on narrow margins. Therefore, it becomes increasin...
SA Canegrowers takes note of the Competition Commission’s recommendation that Vision consortium’s bid for Tongaat Hulett be approved and hopes now that the consortium commits to hono...
It is important to find the balance between input costs and profit when you are deciding to plant under irrigation. The focus is on the important management decisions surrounding the pla...
NviroCrop offers independent agricultural services that can help you with your farm's sustainability. They are not linked to the input industry, but believe in supporting farmers in thei...
neXgro entered the market with about 35 members, where they pioneered the first grain transactions. Since then, they have consistently focused on how to connect with farmers and lend a h...
A hydroponic system is a healthy and productive way to grow the best vegetables and fruit. Some vegetables may need a bit more effort and love to grow successfully. We will be looking at...
When you or your family are sick, you want only the best medical staff to care for you. When your plants need a little love, NviroCrop is the team you need. NviroCrop offers independe...
Zimbabwe’s long running efforts to ensure food security have returned to haunt the country regarding the adoption of GMOs. In the aftermath of a devastating drought that has left milli...
At Pannar our journey with you doesn’t end at planting. We want to see you achieve the full profitability and performance potential benefits of our products. To do so, we need to provi...
Preparing your soil after harvest and before planting is crucial for a good yield. “Ripper Tillage specialises in soil and seedbed preparation as well as moisture retention. Before ...
Recently released research fundamentally misrepresents the negative impact of the so-called sugar tax on job losses in the South African sugar industry. The SA Medical Research Counci...
The hybrid P1225PW was first planted for trials in the 2023-24 season, and performed well , against proven irrigated hybrids during an early trial in the Luckhoff area. This cultivar w...
A true friend for the farmer, but also for the consumer, is neXgro, enabling the growth of the agricultural industry through an integrated supply chain. neXgro does this by establishi...
Zimbabwe’s agriculture commodities market is experiencing mixed fortunes as the country struggles with ensuring basic products are not only available but affordable amid currency volat...
Changes in climate cycles through drought and rainy seasons continue to affect farmers. In the never-ending quest for improved yields, farmers are constantly confronted with new products...
Ripper Tillage's main purpose is moisture conservation and pre-cultivation, says Werner Lubbe. He mentions that it is important to get your fields cleared as early and as much as possi...
In the rapidly evolving world of agriculture, efficiency and precision are crucial. HYDAC technology (Pty) Ltd, a leader in hydraulic and electronic systems, offers solutions to equipmen...
Pasture is profit. That is the motto of BRAZGrass, but what does it actually mean? If your animals get the necessary nutrition to grow to their full potential and to be sold for a good p...
#browngold. That is the slogan of Newquip, because they understand the value and cost of proper fertiliser. Newquip is a family business that has been running for 25 years. They are p...
Frazer Zhang is the director at SunAgri. In this video, he explain a bit more about the product they sell. Their drones can spray as much as 1000 hectares. You are able to charge...
[embed]http://youtu.be/VD7O8Ros50c[/embed] Steven Ngoma, Advanta Seeds' Business Development Manager for Zambia tells more about the maize crops at this year's AgriTech Expo. Maiz...
[embed]http://youtu.be/2YbPVuBBVLU[/embed] While at the AgriTech expo in Zambia, Chanel huma for Advanta Seeds spoke about their different vegetable crops on offer. Okra is all th...
[embed]http://youtu.be/ST85NZLge1Q[/embed] Braam van den Berg, Advanta Seeds' Field crop Portfolio Manager for Southern Africa was at AgriTech in Zambia to talk about their various cr...
Harvesting The right time to harvest bananas is quite important and tricky. It must be when they are swollen and green but before they become ripe (plump and yellow). Do not harvest t...
Starting your own hydroponic system can be a daunting task. There are so many different methods and so much information that it can make your head spin. But when it comes to hydroponics,...
Zimbabwe’s sugar industry is making strides to weather climate uncertainty after a long dry spell that has affected the agriculture sector. Sugar production is one of the agriculture s...
Advanta Seeds’ stand was a big attraction at this year’s AgriTech expo in Chisamba, Zambia. They had a wide variety of their field and vegetable crops on display for Zambian farmers....
Smart crops are the way of the future and Advanta Seeds are changing agriculture with their climate smart crops. During a historical day for Advanta Seeds they presented their new forage...
ADVANTA seeds are at the forefront of technology ensuring a bright future for farmers across Africa. Advanta Seeds is leading Sustainable Agriculture with climate-smart crops and recentl...
Smart crops are the way of the future and Advanta Seeds are changing agriculture with their climate mart crops. On 17 April 2024, the inauguration of the UPL/ ADVANTA sorghum took pla...
When it comes to your crops you want to get the best yield; while there are many products to help your crops grow, mother nature sometimes also throws a spanner in the works. Whether ...
More than 18 000 visitors poured through the gates of AgriTech Expo 2024 in Chisamba, Zambia, all eager to learn of the latest developments in agriculture. The organiser, DLG Agricult...
Bayer strives to provide farmers with what they need to thrive in their areas. Many of Bayer’s Dekalb maize cultivars are, for example, drought tolerant which is very important in a co...
If a company has been in business for more than 32 years, you sure can count on them. This is exactly the case with Omnia! Their fertiliser can be trusted to transform your soil. They...
Bayer showed up to AgriTech, guns blazing! Hamakona Munjile explains in this video exactly what it is that makes Bayer the best in the business. Their crop protection products help...
Christabel Blanch is the sales manager for Africa. She explains that they sell their products all over the world, over 6 continents and more than 150 countries. Alvan Blanch produce...
As dit kom by jou gewasse, is groter beslis beter! Met Kynoch is alles groter en beter as voorheen: Van massiewe mielies tot groot oeste tot selfs groter winste. Met Kynoch in jou...
Bayer strives to provide farmers with what they need to thrive in their area. Many of Bayer’s Dekalb maize cultivars are, for example, drought tolerant which is very important in a cou...
The Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) is pleased that the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has entered the crop market early, unlike most seasons in the past when moisture content caused the...
South African fresh produce markets (FPMs) have long been the bedrock of agricultural trade, fostering connections between producers and consumers while bolstering economic vitality. Beg...
Controlling weeds and pests in banana production is essential to ensure healthy growth and maximise yields. Here are some methods for weed and pest control: Weed Control: Manu...
“National Milling continues to grow. We have great confidence in this country and this region. Zambia is a good market, a good place to be and a good place to do business.” These con...
When it comes to grain processing there is no other choice than Alvan Blanch. With more than 70 years of engineering experience, their innovative designs and systems exceed others on the...
During this event, agronomists shine a light on the maize, sunflower and soya cultivars that Pioneer. Many of the PowerCore seed products that will be available for purchase in the comin...
Agriculture innovation and science in Africa are seen as the final frontiers if the continent is to be able to feed itself at a time of the worsening impact of climate change. This emerg...
The agricultural market is changing, and every producer strives to precision farming to maximize returns on their farm. neXgro understand the challenges of producing traceable, safe and ...
SARO has proudly unveiled Zambia's first-ever locally designed and built 10 tonne per day maize milling plant, marking a significant milestone in the country's industrial landscape. T...
The senior vice-president of EIA, Cristiano Carpin, tells us more about AGI. AGI supplies food, fertiliser, grain and seeds. The cover from the field to the folk. Dawie Brits far...
The Corteva Crop Protection team are looking forward to the NAMPO Grain SA Harvest Day taking place between 14 and 17 May 2024. This year we shall focus on our potato, maize, citrus a...
Frederick van der Merwe farms in Botswana at Request Tuli Fresh. He has been using Senter360 pivot points for years. They focus on potatoes and started their farm basically from scrat...
Nematode testing is a way of life at Aqua Farming near Christiana in North West. “It’s not a question of whether we will have nematodes on our potatoes, just how severe the infestati...
Time spent in the field this irrigation season, has alerted the Netafim Field Team of the extremely poor and worsening quality of available irrigation water in certain areas. According t...
Jaco Snyman, business manager of Pioneer SA, tells us more about Pioneer's Agronomy Day and what sets Pioneer apart. This day took place in Bethal. Jaco says that such a day is crucia...
Zimbabwe's smallholders are notorious for resisting appeals from the agriculture ministry to grow small, drought-resistant grains. They have always planted maize and weaning them from th...
Desuckering of a banana plant means cutting off unwanted shoots from the stems of the mother banana plant. This will increase the banana plant size. Proper watering of the banana plan...
Solynta, the Dutch company that specializes in the development, production and sales of hybrid true potato seed announced today that it will adjust its branding to ‘Solynta – true po...
Dr. Chris Smit, senior agricultural scientist at Kynoch, shares more about the Ultra Starter fertiliser. Dry granular fertiliser is coated with a micronutrient covering. The covering...
High tech is being combined with ancient natural remedies at one of South Africa’s best-known wine farms, where buzzing benefactors are helping to keep the vineyards pest-free. Ve...
Dr. Chris Schmidt is a senior agricultural scientist at Kynoch. He explains why KynoKelp is the right choice for your soil. "Kelp" is an extract obtained from seaweed found along the ...
This article deals with important points regarding the water consumption of maize during the plant's development stages. This is an important aspect of irrigated and dryland hybrids that...
Lehlohonolo Pahkoe is a young farmer in the Free State, where he helps his mom on their family farm. His mom bought a farm in the year 2000 where she started with four cows. She tri...
Hentie Cilliers is a Kynoch agronomist. He tells us more about KynoFulvate Yellow. This is a brown-yellow liquid product. It contains 10% fulvic acid. The small carbo-chains that it c...
Hentie Cilliers is a Kynoch agronomist who tells us more about the KynoHumate Black. Organic matter releases humic acids when it decomposes which are beneficial to your plants and soil...
If Ipeleng Ramatlhakwane from Malolwane, east of Gaborone in Botswana, gets her way, the whole strip of land running just a kilometre away from the banks of the Madikwe/Marico River on t...
Smallholder farmers tend to farm in areas that have vast potential, yet the challenges facing these farmers are countless. To turn passion into productivity requires effective solutions,...
Our Crop Protection Solutions are at the Heart of Agriculture Crop protection products from Corteva Agriscience™ give you the power to fight insects, diseases weeds. Find the right ...
KynoHumate Black is the secret weapon if you want plants that grow fast and do not just die at the first sign of adversity. This dark-brown substance is a liquid fertiliser that conta...
Crop production is carried in the face of continual uncertainties arising out of diverse natural and social elements. Normally, the utmost impact of all these elements falls on crop prod...
Farmers in Zimbabwe have for years received free fertiliser from government schemes as part of efforts to boost grain production. The Ministry of Agriculture has targeted maize grower...
If you are looking for a fertiliser that will increase your crops' ability to handle stress, Kynoch has the solution for you. Kynoch's KynoFulvate Yellow fulvic acid is the answer to que...
AGT Foods Africa was not looking to expand their product range, but when the opportunity to buy Pannar’s dry bean seed business came along, they realised that this would be a perfect a...
African farmers do not need to be reminded of the struggles they face in cultivating their crops. Access to inputs such as seed and fertiliser, whether due to costs or transport, is not ...
A ready-mixed phosphate-salt-trace mineral and protein supplement for ruminants. The phosphate source of KimtraPro 20 is Yara Animal Nutrition’s Kynofos 21, a high-quality MDCP. ...
One of the earliest mentions of hydroponics is the Hanging Gardens of Babylon; today hydroponics is an accepted and efficient way to ensure a high yield year-round. According to the Unit...
Potatoes are traditionally one of the most intensive crops to grow on a commercial scale in terms of soil disturbance and chemical input usage. Is there potential for the economically vi...
Knittex is a leading manufacturer and distributor of quality shade net, based in South Africa. Although locally made, their wide range of shade fabric is available worldwide through thei...
Ag Growth International (AGI)’s mission is to advance storage, handling and processing solutions that strengthen the global food supply chain. They provide equipment solutions that mee...
The overall growth and development of sunflowers as well as structure and timelapse between their growth stages are determined by the interaction between the genetic background of the pl...
In this second and final edition of the SeedCo article series on establishing a successful crop of maize, we discuss seeding rates, depth of planting, nutritional requirements and crop p...
The need to optimise farming and improve yields on small plots of land is increasingly important. Due to challenges of water scarcity, limited arable land and high inputs costs, innovati...
Cherries, like most other commercially produced fruits, are grown in orchards that can be quite expensive to establish. The cherry bush or tree (Prunus avium) has specific climatic requi...
The United Nations has declared 2023 as the International Year of the Millet. Millet provides a nutritious and affordable addition to the diet of people living in Africa, and can prov...
Strawberries are a high-value crop that can boost your profits when it is grown right. The red bulbous fruit is grown from various varieties of the Fragaria ananassa plant. Technically, ...
A pumpkin is a well-known delicious and nutritious vegetable, and it is easy to grow for yourself or for the market. They are sensitive to cold, that is why you must sow seeds directly w...
Although amaranth is regarded by many as an unwanted plant, at least fifty tropical countries around the world grow it as a vegetable, and not only in their backyards. In the humid lowla...
At Syngenta, we are dedicated to keeping pace with the ever-changing world of agriculture. Two buzz phrases that have risen to prominence are "Regenerative ag" and "Soil health." But wha...
Data from multiple years helps any farmer make informed decisions Important factors to consider are the relative yield potential of current crop stand versus replanting, as well as th...
Grape farming in Zambia is not a new thing. In fact, it has been more than a decade since growers have started to produce grapes for the table grape industry. Some farmers have even vent...
A successful farming endeavour is one of the most complex economic activities, as success depends on a list of factors so vast that a complete list cannot even be attempted by putting pe...
Plant nutrition is one of the key areas where an impact can be made to increase success and efficiency in crop production. We know that plants need nutrients to grow, fight off diseases ...
Agrico are thrilled to announce that they have partnered with Nedbank Commercial Banking, to offer the farmer enhanced financing options for your new centre-pivot irrigation systems. ...
When discussing filter efficiency, the focus has always been on the size of the filtration area, or effective filtration area. This area is defined as the total area of the filter medium...
Balanced crop fertilisation is a crucial aspect of agricultural productivity, and it can be especially important in Africa, where many farmers struggle with low soil fertility and limite...
Arno Vlok, owner of the farm Welgevonden outside Riebeeck-Kasteel near Malmesbury, has great confidence in Knittex's nets that have been protecting his nectarine trees and vineyards from...
Phosphate is thé essential element involved in energy and nutrient metabolism in the body. A deficiency of this mineral has a negative effect on the production (eg. milk production) and...
Have you heard about our systemic suspension emulsion herbicide for the pre- and early post-emergence control of annual broadleaf weeds and some annual grasses in maize? SureStart® (...
A mark of assurance in seed treatments You choose a seed treatment package to help assure a successful season. In turn, you should feel assured that those seed treatments perform as exp...
Summary: • Soil temperature and soil moisture are variable factors in the first 5 cm, and this can create unfavourable conditions for germination and the formation of nodal roots. ...
Pecans alternating behaviour is a frustrating occurrence, with producers constantly looking for solutions. This trait causes the harvest to be up to standard the one year, and then un...
While Zimbabwe’s smallholder farmers have been slow in embracing large-scale production of small grains such as millet and sorghum, women who have taken up growing such crops have foun...
Strawberry farming requires courage, patience, labour, and a lot of perseverance. Madelé Ferreira, female farmer from Mooihoek farm in the Gamtoos Valley in the Hankey district, sta...
LumiGEN is a revolutionary combined seed treatment that guarantees a successful start for every plant and every plot of land. Because of the expertise and dedication of Corteca's CSAT te...
Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is a versatile, nutty-flavoured starchy root vegetable (tuber) that is used in the same way as a potato. It is an important source of nutrients, carbohydrates...
Dragon fruit is a tropical fruit that has gained significant popularity in recent years for its unique appearance. The brightly coloured fruit is also known as the pitaya or pitahaya, be...
What is okra? Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a popular vegetable in Africa and the Middle East, the Caribbean, South America, and the southern parts of North America. It is also refer...
"Your dreams will not work if you do not make them come true," says Christine Bouwer, Managing Director of Ripper Tillage Equipment. She has been working in agriculture, an industry she ...
Becoming a spice producer requires a lot of planning. Just like any other farming operation, you need to consider input costs, labour, market access, and your return on investment. With ...
Tatu's ASTMatic 450 rippers help farmers to break up the hard plough sole to improve root penetration. The reason Dirk chose to invest in the ASTMatic ripper is because of its penetra...
At sunrise, Pannar's team was ready to go at their Val Farmers Day stand, armed with expertise and colourful banners displaying Pannar's latest seed varieties. Farmers from across ...
In Africa, Advanta is present in 30 countries at different stages of its evolution. In Zambia, Advanta Seeds has been operational since 2018, with presentment and a supporting team in Co...
In a world increasingly plagued by pressing societal issues and environmental concerns, conscious individuals and companies are re-evaluating our roles and responsibilities, seeking ways...
Corteva Agriscience™ was founded in 1803 and was built on the rich heritages of Dow, DuPont, and Pioneer. Corteva Agriscience is a pure-play agriculture company dedicated to helpin...
Strawberry farming requires courage, patience, labour, and a lot of perseverance. Madelé Ferreira, female farmer from Mooihoek farm in the Gamtoos Valley in the Hankey district, star...
Spring fertilisation plays a vital role in promoting the growth and productivity of vines and fruit trees. As the winter cold subsides and the temperatures begin to rise, these plants en...
Moringa is a resilient crop that can survive in the often harsh and unpredictable climate of Southern Africa because of its drought resistance. Farmers, who may have trouble growing othe...
Preserves are similar to jelly with the exception that whole or large pieces of fruit are used in the making of preserves. The figs used for the preserve should be first-ripe instead of ...
Skills development within the herbs and spice industries is not only needed, but the industry also provides a well-needed chance for skills development. Through training and upskilling, ...
Both animals and humans can benefit from eating moringa (Moringa oleifera). Due to the plant’s high nutrient content, this "miracle tree" is useful in the fight against malnutrition, a...
Pickled red cabbage is shredded red cabbage canned or bottled in brine. Red cabbage (Brassica oleracea capitata) is most frequently used and should be packed as soon as possible after re...
Blueberries are a well-known fruit across the globe. The juicy, marble-sized fruits are a culinary favourite, making their way into the muffins, pancakes, bread and breakfast bowls of co...
Pannar was present at the recent 2023 Val Farmer's Day, hosted by the Waterval farmers association. They aim to show farmers that they are active in the community and participating in di...
Yara Fertilizer is an international fertiliser manufacturer and distributor that aims to re-establish their footprint on the African soil. At the recent Val farmers' day, their goal was ...
Water is life and irrigation is a must for anyone who wants to farm profitably. That is why Holland Greentech ensures they provide farmers with the necessary guidance and support as well...
At Holland Greentech, we believe that if a farmer wins, we win together. Holland Greentech is a distributor forRijk Zwaan hybrid vegetable seeds and soil testing, Rivulis for drip irr...
The spice and herb market is an assortment of a few high-level spice distributors and many medium to low level producers. Although growers are faced with many challenges, the overall mar...
Are you looking for pasture grass for your livestock? Then BRAZGrass is the answer. This seed can be planted once every seven years. BRAZGrass has three different types of products: B...
The Grain SA’s NAMPO Harvest Day 2023 was a huge success for the Corteva Crop Protection team. With record numbers attending the event - the team was able to engage with many of their ...
Yara fertiliser helps the farmer with a well-thought-out plan that is based on real-time, in-season information from the farm. Since its formation in 1905 to help avert the impending ...
Are you looking for pasture grass for your livestock? Then BRAZGrass is the answer. This seed can be planted once every seven years. The expert team at BRAZGrass is there to help you,...
The AllFarm App from Yara Africa Fertiliser is a platform that assists agronomists in collecting data to assist in precision agriculture. There are so many data points on a single far...
Malay apple is an and unique tropical apple now grown, eaten and sold in Nigeria and some tropical countries of the world. As its name suggests, Malay apple originates in the Indo – ...
The company’s aim is to increase sustainability and to help farmers produce healthy crops over the long term. In 2000, the Herholdt brothers began composting chicken manure and prod...
Holland Greentech is a distribution company that offers African farmers an integrated portfolio from quality Dutch companies. This consists of a range of input products from industry lea...
Advanta Seeds International is a plant genetics company with a global presence across Africa, Asia, Australia, South America, North America and Europe. Advanta is a subsidiary of the...
The sweet cape gooseberry is gaining popularity due to its high value as the next big superfood. Its name is derived from its look, as the ripe fruit looks like it is wrapped in a paperl...
Baby marrows (courgette or zucchini) are common ingredients in vegetable pickles. It can either be pickled alone or in combination with other vegetables such as onion, gherkins, cauliflo...
Omnia prides itself on producing high-quality products that help farmers deliver a good yield. The business is divided into three categories: Emerging, Retail Commercial ...
As the annual cereal planting season is upon us, it is important to have a comprehensive crop protection solutions offering on hand. Corteva Agriscience™ offers a wide range of high...
Farmers’ days bring farmers together and give them the chance to take a closer look at the different cultivars so that each farmer can choose exactly the right cultivar for his farm an...
Tradition is no longer the determining factor when farmers make decisions about tillage. Successful farmers are guided by the latest research and technology and careful analysis of produ...
Omnia actively pursues the science of growing all over the globe, but also in Zambia. Omnia Zambia has been operating out of Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia, for close to 30 years. Wi...
Asparagus is preserved by the addition of salt and acid in a suitable container that may or may not be pasteurised. Asparagus is usually pickled as whole spears, alone or with the ad...
The cactus- or prickly pear is an interesting kind of vegetation. It is a cactus that is both a vegetable and a fruit because the fleshy pads are considered a vegetable and the parts t...
In optimal weather conditions, plants generate energy and reach their maximum production capacity, thanks to moderate temperatures and a proper water availability. However, the realit...
Outside of Middelburg is a test farm that Pioneer employs to evaluate not just their own seed kinds but also those of its competitors. Based on the results of the experiments, it is c...
Pioneer uses the trial farm outside of Middelburg to test both their own and competing seed varieties. The trials demonstrate that these cultivars benefit from the new biotechnology i...
An important industry that is often overlooked in the agricultural sector is the production of fibre crops. Processing fibre crops leads to products such as clothes, cordage, and filling...
Herbs and spices have multiple uses, adding to their value. You may only consider culinary uses, but there are other functions that make herbs and spices valuable. This may include medic...
Your farm is an ecosystem. A perfect environment where every organism, plant, and nutrient works together to grow food. For every good seed and measure of fertiliser you put in, natur...
Farmers in the Northwest will benefit greatly from the insightful tips and advice that Pioneers agricultural specialists provided to them at a recent farmer's day which took place outsid...
Pickled beetroot is skinned, sliced and cooked beetroot packed and preserved in vinegar, a little salt, with or without sweetener and spices. The product is sealed in glass jars and pas...
The discovery of spices and herbs, in particular the trade of these ingredients, was a defining moment in world history. Firstly, because spices and herbs enhanced the culinary experienc...
Herbs and spices are important commodities for different reasons. Not only do they serve as an important source of income for farmers, but they are important substances for use in foods ...
Urgent action is needed to stop the rapid spread of the invasive alien plant, prosopis, that has already encroached 1,8 million hectares of South African rangeland. At the present gro...
Successful farmers regularly take samples of their soil to determine the fertility or nutrient levels of their land and make educated decisions about the best way to manage it. Taking a ...
Tree nuts are invaluable in whichever form they are. Their value, like with any product that undergoes value addition, increases. Value addition gives a raw product a new life as its fin...
The trial farm outside Sannieshof serves as a place where Pioneer can test their own seed as well as other companies' seed. What the trials show is that the new biotechnology in these...
PowerCore is biotechnology that Pioneer developed within the Corteva group. This provides farmers with improved insect resistance and better weed control. For more information, vis...
Builiding trust and a relationship with farmers is the first team in showing a farmer that Pioneer seed truly works. The second is planting it, because the results speak for themselves....
Kynoch fertiliser has a long history in South Africa of supporting farmers through crop care. As an agricultural inputs company, they provide a range of products to promote crop health, ...
Pineapples. Who does not enjoy the sweet and sour flesh from time to time? Freshly sliced, the yellow fruit is juicy and rich in vitamin C and fibre. It is a tropical fruit that is grown...
While the official unemployment rate has eased marginally to 32.7%, South Africa’s unemployment rate is still one of the worst in the world, with 7.8 million people unemployed. Even m...
In this article, everything the farmer needs to know about pollen shedding is looked at in detail: what is it, how is it characterised and when does it take place? Key findings •...
AgriCOTE is a seed build-up that is mainly produced for the seeds of cover crops and grasses. This product is formulated by AGT Foods Africa who has over 25 years of research-backed deve...
Many articles have been written to compare the effectiveness of ammonium nitrate and urea – each one emphasising a specific sales argument. In any case, the advantages of the nitrat...
As part of the Tsebo Solutions Group, Tsebo Kenya shares its parent organisation's environmentally responsible ethos and commitment to managing its environmental footprint by employing w...
Kynoch Fertilizer has been a plant nutrition partner for South African farmers for over a hundred years, offering innovative and purpose-built products based on the needs and growth phas...
This overview aims to explain the utility and use of KynoPlus to arable farmers. As is well known, there are different nitrogen sources to be used in agricultural practices; either durin...
Agriculture is in a time where the focus is increasingly placed on the subject of soil microbiology and "soil health". Regular discussions across the spectrum, between the media, produce...
Corteva Agriscience™ is a dedicated agricultural company that focuses on supporting farmers to get the most out of every hectare every season. Our solutions increase productivity an...
What is silk jamming? This phenomenon occurs when the silks are supposed to appear at the tip of the cob and the elongation of the silks is obstructed by husk leaves that are packed too...
The invasive alien plant, prosopis, is a serious threat to of areas in Southerern Africa where it threatens water resources, indigenous vegetation and the livelihood of communities who a...
A relish is a sweet-n-sour condiment containing preserved fruit/vegetable pieces and spices. It is served with curries, hot and cold meats, and savouries. Pear relish is usually prepared...
Kiwi fruit production has been a hot topic for over two years. Many growers have seized the opportunity to farm with kiwis and capitalise on the demand for this exotic fruit. Contrary...
After more than a hundred years in the fertilizer industry, we still take care of your fields. Our experienced agricultural experts are ready to help you find the right nutrition for you...
Adding value to nuts has always played a vital role within the tree nut production industry. The process improves the profitability of producers, it empowers them, provides safe, quality...
A rare production system farmers delve into in sub-Saharan Africa is herb and spice production. This may be due to the lack of knowledge of their value, supply chain and market linkages,...
The invasive alien prosopis species is spreading at an alarmingly rapid pace. It is already covering 1,8 million hectares of grazing rangelands, and based on the present spreading rate o...
Markets in all agricultural systems are best accessed by the supplier fulfilling pre-established requisites. These requisites help the supplier to meet target market specifications, e...
Pioneer understands that precision farming is more than the technology in your tractor and how you prepare your seed bed. It is also about your seed and the result you see in your plant'...
Since the breakout of Covid-19, the prices of fertilisers have been rising monthly. This has been compounded with the war in Ukraine. Regardless of whether the commodity prices of fertil...
Granadillas, also known as passionfruit, is a vine species of passionflower that is native to Brazil. It belongs to the family Passiflora. The centre of the fruit is filled with yello...
Fruit that has had almost all of the water content removed through drying methods is referred to as dried fruit. The fruit shrinks during this process, leaving a small, energy-dense drie...
Maize sweeteners and syrups are manufactured from the starchy endosperm of maize using a conversion process known as hydrolysis. This hydrolysis process can be chemical (by means of stro...
Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is an exotic arthropod pest which is highly damaging to maize in sub-Saharan Africa and Zambia in particular. It attacks maize which is a staple cro...
Southeasterly (SE) winds in the Western Cape in the latter part of the year can be especially damaging to young mandarin fruit, because it coincides with the first 12 weeks after petal d...
The seed, which is the first of many growing stages in a plant’s life cycle, is also the stage at which the plant is most vulnerable. Therefore, safeguarding the seed is the most im...
Sweet potato sugar syrups are made from sweet potato starch, which is converted into a range of different types of sugars by means of special enzymes. The manufactured syrups can be used...
African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) The African yam bean belongs to the family Leguminosae. The annual climbing or prostrate vine is mainly grown for its fleshy roots that looks ...
The key to successful crop farming is planting the right product on the right hectare. And the way to determine what is the right product for the right hectare, is to plant trials. This ...
Soya sauce is the dark brown liquid extracted from a fermented soya-wheat mixture. It has a salty taste and sharp flavour. It is used as an all-purpose seasoning. Soya sauce is prepared ...
Summary Cold injuries lead to a diminished stand and subsequently to a reduction in yield. Cold that presents early in the season, has a sizable influence on the development of m...
Syngenta Zambia has “cemented” its commitment to Zambian farmers and crop protection with their new corporate office in Lusaka’s Rhodes Park area. Syngenta Zambia held a launch ...
The tree nut production industry is expected to grow to US$103 billion in 2027 according to a report from Intrado GlobeNewswire, 2020. It is mind boggling to find the roots of this in...
Some plant species that have been brought to Southern Africa from other countries pose a serious threat to the environment, including water resources, indigenous vegetation, agriculture,...
When most people think of high-value crops, the first things that come to mind are probably fruits and vegetables. However, one nut is quickly becoming a favourite among high-value crop ...
South African seed potato producer RegenZ and European hybrid potato seed innovator Solynta announced a partnership to bring hybrid true potatoes to the South African farming community. ...
Vegetable crops offer a good source of income for both small- and largescale farmers. But it takes so much more than placing a seed in the soil and harvesting the plants at the end of th...
The global tree nut production industry continues to steadily grow corresponding to increasing demand. The Tree Nuts Market Outlook, from the Future Market Insights states that the globa...
Introduction The development and large-scale implementation of hybrid genetics are one of humanity's greatest achievements, resulting in a multifold increase in productivity over histor...
Farmers welcome Syngenta’s announcement of ORONDIS® Ultra fungicide with two active ingredients for unsurpassed late blight and downy mildew control. ORONDIS® Ultra fungicide brings ...
Ripper Tillage Equipment has an implement for every job throughout the planting journey. The team specialises in custom-built equipment that ensures results in your crop because a succes...
Tree harvesting has left the Miombo woodlands in northern Malawi denuded of trees, resulting in major soil erosion. Ken Coetzee of Conservation Management Services, based in Georg...
Each year, in rural communities, devastating livestock losses due to crime, pests and diseases, natural disasters and fires¹ increase the burden on impoverished South Africans. More and...
The cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) is one of the most important seed legumes in Africa. The edible leaves and seed have significantly high levels of protein (up to 40%), as well as t...
Jute Mallow and Ethiopian Kale are two ancient African plants that are used as leafy green vegetables. Jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius) Jute mallow belongs to the Malvacea...
Any plant that is not wanted or that sprouts up at the wrong time or in the wrong place is considered as a weed. There are a number of drawbacks associated with weeds: Weeds cons...
According to the McKinsey and Company report, Winning in Africa’s agricultural market, more than 60% of the population of sub-Saharan Africa are smallholder farmers, and about 23% of s...
Soya beans (Glycine max) is a crucial food legume crop being cultivated extensively in our country Zambia on large and small-scale farms. Growers must follow basic agronomic principle...
"It was truly a privilege and a blessing from day one to be in agriculture," says Chrisna Heuer, marketing manager in South Africa for Yara Africa Fertilizer (Pty) Ltd, an international ...
Increasing input costs, over-reliance on fertiliser, consumer pressure to farm more sustainably, government regulations to reduce greenhouse gases, the unpredictable effects of climate c...
Eggplant, aubergine or brinjal, whatever you would like to call them, this vegetable has probably made an appearance on your plate and is definitely worth growing in your garden or on yo...
Following the opening of Corteva Agriscience’s Centre for Seed Applied Technologies (CSAT) laboratory in Rosslyn, Gauteng, farmers can now reap the benefits of LumiGEN™ seed treatmen...
Barbecue sauce During barbecue-style cooking, barbeque sauce is used as a flavouring sauce, marinade, or basting for pork, beef and chicken. Barbeque sauce is a ubiquitous condiment tha...
Legumes are a staple in many developing countries. Besides being a valuable source of protein, it also enriches the soil in which it grows. In this series, we highlight traditional crops...
The main asset utilised for farming in Africa is soil, a mixture of organic matter, minerals, gases, liquids, and organisms for that sustain plant growth. The optimum use of this re...
Intellectual knowledge blended with practical experience is always a well-balanced combination in any profession. In a sector such as agriculture, the value such an individual brings o...
Vinegar is the sour liquid obtained by naturally fermenting the juice of any fruit, cereal or sugar substances. Fermented grape juice, that is wine, is used as the starting material to w...
Lerotho, Bangala, Spider flower, Delele, Jew’s mallow and kale are all part of the African leafy vegetables that can be commercially grown. These plants also help fight against malnutr...
Bell peppers, sweet peppers or just good old peppers, these vegetables are jam packed with nutrients. Red peppers contain 300% the daily requirement of Vitamin C — significantly more...
The methods used to apply plant protection chemicals are referred to as application techniques. There are many factors that contribute to good plant protection, including the substa...
For some time now, Syngenta Zambia did not have an alternative seed treatment solution for soya bean in Zambia other than DIVIDEND® Extreme. They had been providing some third-party pro...
In this article, we discuss seeding rates, depth of planting, nutritional requirements and crop protection. [caption id="attachment_4171" align="aligncenter" width="352"] Neat seed sp...
The benefits of accepting a world class agro-chemical company in a developing country are numerous and valuable. Apart from the job opportunities created and the professional skills that...
Tradecorp is a global reference in the field of biostimulants and crop nutrition specialist, developing and manufacturing first-class, innovative solutions that are marketed in more than...
Research enables us to better understand the challenges farmers face daily, providing evidence about which solutions are needed. By combining the strengths of both companies, Tradecorp a...
“I really appreciate the World Focus view,” says Herlu Smit of Boomplaas near Jacobsdal in the Western Freestate. “They do not pester you to peddle their product – their aim is t...
Cash crops keep farmers going by providing a regular income and a steady cashflow. However, expanding your farming operations always remains a good investment, and there are various opti...
180 years. That is for how long a pecan nut tree can yield its rich annual nut crop. With an expected productive life that long, today’s investment for the future of your children and ...
Shade cloth cover for plants is relatively less expensive than other protective structures. Furthermore they are easy to erect and the producer can design his own structure to fulfil his...
Macadamia is a tasty and very nutritional nut that was originally and indigenously grown in Australia. There are several varieties of macadamias, although only two are edible. Over the l...
In the previous articles of this series we have covered crop establishment, crop nutrition and crop protection. It’s befitting then to end this four-part series with a look at activiti...
Vinegar is the sour liquid obtained by naturally fermenting the juice of any fruits, cereals, or sugar substances. Apple vinegar is produced by alcoholic fermentation followed by acet...
Improving production and profits while minimising expense and effort is every farmer’s goal. Bayer understands this and continuously develops products that will enable a farmer to achi...
In the previous issue, we discussed ways of bringing back food plants our ancestors used, but which have become neglected and underutilised in recent times. By using these plants in t...
With the high cost of living and rising food prices, many South Africans are struggling to put food on their plates.1 September is planting season in South Africa, and the climate and so...
It has been almost four years since the Constitutional Court ruled that South Africans have the right to consume cannabis in the privacy of their own homes, effectively decriminalising t...
In previous issues, we discussed the value of indigenous and ancient food plants of Africa that can provide essential nutrition that is lacking from ‘modern’ food plants that are pre...
Methods of chemical pest control The following must be done before applying pesticides: Choose the active ingredient in a pesticide: Whenever possible, use an active ingredient th...
The landscape of the South African avocado and macadamia industry is in a state of uncomfortable upheaval, with local growers and tree nurseries scrambling to adjust and adapt to the pre...
Ketchup is made from strained, pulped tomatoes and additions such as spices, salt, sugar, vinegar, onions, and garlic, and it contains no less than 12% tomato solids. The principles o...
Sesame is an erect, annual plant (Sesamum indicum L. Pedaliaceae), which is cultivated for its seeds, which are used for food flavouring and for the extraction of a prized oil. The seeds...
Sauerkraut is made from shredded cabbage leaves preserved through an acidifying fermentation process. Sauerkraut is produced from both hard white or red cabbage varieties. Process descr...
Bell peppers can be preserved in the form of a sauce known as Salsa. Salsa is a spicy sauce that is served with meat and Mexican food. It is best served fresh, but can be frozen for late...
Chilli peppers can easily be pickled in a brine or vinegar solution, alone or with other vegetables and seasoning. The bright red-coloured chillies make attractive pickles. Certain varie...
Peppers can easily be pickled in a brine or vinegar solution, alone or with other vegetables and seasoning. The variety of coloured peppers available make attractive pickles. Certain var...
Small onions are peeled and stored in brine (salt solution) to facilitate natural fermentation of the product. The fermented onions are then packed and preserved in vinegar to produce pi...
Fresh-pack or quick process pickles (that is whole cucumber dills, crosscut cucumber slices, bread-and-butter pickles) are made by the addition of an acid such as vinegar and not by th...
Fermented pickles or brined pickles undergo a curing process for several weeks during which fermentative bacteria produce acids necessary for the preservation of the product. These ba...
Pickles generally fall into two categories, namely clear pickles, and thick, saucy pickles such as piccalilli. Pickled vegetables are preserved by the addition of acid, salt, and sugar. ...
Virgin olive oil is the oil extracted by mechanically pressing the fruit without using any heat, and may have a slight off-flavour, “olive-fruity” and may contain acid up to 0,3 to 0...
When farmers use their raw products produced on the farm to make refined products that can be sold to the retail or wholesale markets, they add value to their products and boost their pr...
Add value to your avos by making guacamole The principle of any farming business is to grow or cultivate natural products in order to supply a demand set by the market. Many farmers do ...
Grinding Grinding involves exposing dried products to friction and pressure to produce a fine powder. Before extraction of the oil can take place, the dried rhizomes are ground. Size r...
Drying is the removal of surface and/ or internal moisture from a product to lower the overall moisture content. There are various methods to dry ginger, each with a different purpose...
Peeling involves removing the skin, peel or other outer protective layers from fresh produce using manual or mechanical devices. Before further processing the ginger rhizomes are peeled....
We can use the very tasty and healthy spice, ginger, which is popular for its uses in food and home remedies, to extract ginger oil, which can also be applied to alleviate a number of he...
You can earn more for your produce than the current market prices. If you add value to your produce by processing and packaging it, you can increase your profit by selling processed cond...
Oja Farms has always been a family-owned and operated business. Located in the heart of the Mpumalanga Highveld, brothers Jannie and Martin Cloete are the fourth generation of their fami...
Swiss chard can easily be confused with spinach. This is because these green, leafy vegetables only differ slightly in appearance: Swiss chard has bigger, broader leaves and thicker stem...
A cucurbit is any plant from the Cucurbitaceae family. These plants are climbing or trailing plants and include squash, pumpkin, gourd, watermelon, melon, cantaloupe, cucumbers, and marr...
Mashed, fried, or roasted; there is nothing quite like the versatility of the potato. These starchy vegetables are a staple for many people across the globe, ranking as the world’s fou...
Evidence suggests that onions have been part of the human diet for over 5 000 years. This means that it may have been one of the first cultivated crops. Knowing this, a quote by American...
Beetroot or beets, as they are known in other parts of the world, is a versatile vegetable, known for its rich, dark red colour and sweet taste when consumed raw. Beetroot refers to t...
Sweet potatoes are high in beta carotene, vitamin E, C and B6, as well as iron and potassium. Orange types are also high in vitamin A. The high carbohydrate content is a key source of en...
Seeds are a vital input for agricultural productivity. There are many seed companies that offers good seed. To provide the farmer with the best yields, seed should have the best genetics...
The world is undergoing great shocks due to climate change. Every drop of water is more important than ever before. Agriculture has become more scientific, and farmers that depend on rai...
The sunflower, Helianthus annus L., is one of the few crop species that can be traced back to North America, despite reports that it originated in the Fertile Crescent, Asia, or in Sout...
Everybody knows tomatoes. Tomatoes are normally big, round, edible, pulpy berries that are often red in colour but may also be yellow, orange, green, or purple. Tomatoes can vary in s...
Dry beans are an ecologically sound foodstuff in today’s world. Dry beans are one of the easiest crops to produce organically. Dry beans are an excellent source of protein when combi...
Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable. Crunchy and mild, it works as both a supplement and a substitute for many dishes. Growing cauliflower is very similar to growing cabbage. Neverthel...
Soya beans are healthful and rich in protein, giving them numerous nutritional uses. People can eat them, drink them in milk alternatives, and take them in the form of supplements. Soya...
Nuts and legumes are very good alternative sources of protein that can be utilised in areas where meat is not readily available or too expensive to buy. Cultivating and supplying peanuts...
Carrots Origin and distribution Carrots are believed to have originated in Afghanistan, which remains the centre of diversity of D. carota. They were known to the Greeks and the Roma...
Whether you are a commercial vegetable farmer, subsistence farmer, emerging farmer, or just an avid gardener who wants to learn to grow his own vegetables, there are certain important gu...
Agriculture is not only limited to commercial farming units. In fact, the majority of agricultural products in Africa are produced by small-scale and emerging farmers. If more people are...
Avital part of crop production is pest control. However, pesticides should be used responsibly to prevent harming farmers, workers, consumers, and the environment. Guidelines for action...
When it relates to agriculture, marketing starts right on the farm, with the planning of production to meet specific market demands and future growth opportunities. It consists of the f...
Shading vegetables Because Namibia’s climate is often warm, shade netting helps most vegetables grow. Shade netting throughout the garden is expensive, so only use it where needed. Mo...
Irrigation methods There is no one-size-fits-all method of irrigating fields that differ in soil, crop size, or crop types. Any location’s best system is the one that can provide appr...
Agriculture relies heavily on soil. As a result, fertiliser is required to replace the nutrients taken from soil by our crops. This replenishment ensures sustainable production of high-q...
Fertile soil provides plants with the nutrients they require to flourish, resulting in nutritious food for humans and animals. Soil fertility is essential to agricultural production, whi...
The stage between sowing and the appearance of the first true leaves is crucial, and many seedlings are lost if conditions are not favourable. Many crops are sown directly in the field o...
It is well known that continuous cultivation of the same crop on the same soil leads to “tired” or “sick soil”, with consequent reduction in yields over time. However, this does ...
Farmers are facing the constant battle of increasing input cost. This is not limited to fertilizer and chemicals, but seed cost has increased exponentially in the last year. W...
Drying is the removal of surface and/ or internal moisture from a product to lower the overall moisture content. There are various methods to dry ginger, each with a different purpose a...
The right location, cultivar, land preparation and cultivation programme are crucial to ensure the best yields, profits, and sustainability of your pecan nut operation. Pecan trees like ...
The annual Namibian Table Grape Competition, hosted by the Namibian Grape Growers Association, was held in Aussenkehr on 9 November 2019. This prestigious event draws great attention ...
Zimbabwe is the largest producer of tobacco in Africa. The plant, also known as the ‘golden leaf’ has been the backbone of the country’s agricultural economy. Tobacco constitutes 3...
Botswana is home to more cattle than people. In recent years, the government has made an effort to encourage agriculture in order to boost the national economy. Many farms are being set ...
Constant attacks are launched against farmers by various vicious pests and plagues. Fortunately, Bayer offers a complete arsenal of weapons for farmers to defend their crops against thes...
The brilliant feature of a Valley centre pivot is that a Valley keeps on going and going, year after year. But what about the new, helpful control technology that is now available that d...
An ongoing concern of tree-lovers is a dreaded pest known as the polyphagous shot hole borer beetle (PSHB). This tiny beetle bores into tree trunks, introducing a fungus that weakens a...
The President of the British Royal Academy, Sir William Crookes, warned that a lack of food security could pose a danger to England and other prosperous nations in the foreseeable future...
In the previous two parts on ancient African foods, we discussed food security in Africa and how ancient food plants that are not cultivated anymore can help to add nutrients to the Afri...
Africa has for a long time suffered from political turmoil, drought, and famine. Climate change badly affects Africa, as it causes weather patterns that are different from what we are us...
Interesting facts became known in Jurie van der Walt’s research on food in ancient cultures. He has published two books, namely The history of food and why we eat it (2020), and We nee...
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. They have also been a very good friend to Botswana’s economy. The diamond industry in Botswana is responsible for most of the job opportunities in ...
Choosing which crop to grow Besides the various grain crops like maize and pearl millet, there are several groups of vegetable crops to choose from. Farmers can consider the following: ...
Soil pH is the measure of acidity and alkalinity in soil chemistry. Plant nutrients are affected by soil pH as the pH controls the nutrient’s chemical form. Knowing the texture of y...
Plants also need to eat. If they are well-nourished, the farmer will reap rich harvests, enabling him to feed the population. The best way to see what your crops need, is to take soil sa...
Agriculture as the backbone of Namibia’s economy has a major role to play in achieving Vision 2030. However, to be able to make a significant contribution towards the growth of the eco...
Chutney is a sweet, tangy condiment that is served with curries, hot and cold meats and savouries. Peach chutney may be prepared from both green and ripe peaches, along with other fru...
Green mangoes with premature soft seeds are suitable for achar or oil pickles. Achar is very popular with a large part of the Southern African population. It is eaten with maize porridge...
Cottage cheese is categorised as a cultured dairy product. It is the product obtained from coagulated milk, cream, partly or wholly skimmed milk, reconstituted (prepared) milk, or a com...
Southern African farmers are well known for the regular economic challenges they have to face. These realities force them to search for new options of surviving and expanding their busin...
A variety of equipment for different methods of fertigation is available in the local trade. The choice lies with the producer on how specialised he wants to operate and which equipment ...
Some irrigation water and fertiliser product combinations can cause detrimental reactions such as corrosion and sedimentation (resulting in blockages). It is therefore recommended that a...
Fertiliser products are available in a water soluble granular, powder or liquid form. The choice between the different types will depend on the storage space available, the available inj...
In this series we discuss the design of irrigation systems for fertigation. Fertigation means the application of dissolved nutrients through an irrigation system. The total or partial re...
There are many advantages to producing your own food. Not everyone can keep livestock, but whether you live on a farm or in a flat in the middle of Johannesburg, you can produce your own...
Tomatoes are used in a variety of ways. Ripe tomatoes are consumed fresh or processed into purée, paste, powder, ketchup (tomato sauce), sauce and soup or canned as whole fruit. The unr...
Irrigation can drastically improve crop production, but only when the correct management principles are applied. Drought is any farmer’s worst nightmare. Irrigating your crops will ...
Soft, even rainfall over a field of uniform soil type will allow water to penetrate (sink into) the soil to a similar depth at each point in the field. Each plant has an equal chance of ...
What happens with water? [caption id="attachment_1183" align="alignnone" width="200"] (Photo by gardeningknowhow.com)[/caption] Plant available water is stored in the soil. Water tha...
Unlike nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), the majority of soils in Africa are historically considered to be rich in potassium (K). However, farmers should keep in mind that not all K exist...
It is important to understand the most fundamental principles of irrigation to become a good farmer. In this series we shall discuss all the steps and general practices to ensure that yo...
More now than ever, engaging in agricultural production requires farmers to fully understand all aspects of their production systems, ensuring that they are meticulous in gathering and c...
With temperatures rising, growers are experiencing increased pest pressure from common insects such as lepidoptera, aphids (aphidoidea), and whiteflies (aleyrodidae). Growers should f...
Soil is the most fundamental resource for the farmer, without which food and natural fibre cannot be produced. This article forms part of a series to highlight this resource. In this art...
We started with research on an annual fodder sorghum (cultivar Kow Kandy), in the Lusaka, Ndola and Livingstone districts of Zambia in 1999/2000,. The Kow Kandy was specifically popular ...
Soil is the most fundamental resource for the farmer, without which food and natural fibre cannot be produced. The mineral fraction of soils originates mainly from geological material. T...
Soil is the most fundamental resource for the farmer, without which food and natural fi bre cannot be produced. The mineral fraction of soils originates mainly from geological material...
Soil is the most fundamental resource for the farmer, without which food and natural fibre cannot be produced. Furthermore, it is often also the most expensive single capital asset of t...
(Image source: unsplash.com by Kelly Sikkema) Soy beans Soy beans dominate the world oilseed production and make up about 50% of the total world oilseed crop. Soy beans are the most im...
Soy paste Soy paste is basically prepared from whole or flaked soy beans and other cereals (wheat, rice, barley) that is fermented, mixed with brine and fermented again to produce a sal...
Better results can be expected if plants are well fed, and protected from extreme temperatures. One of the ways to achieve this is through mulching. Mulching means placing the organic or...
Soy bean oil When soy beans were first processed commercially, the oil was considered as the most valuable component and the defatted soy bean flour as a by-product. But since 1960, the...
The planting season has begun. Most farmers have decided which crop they will plant, and now land preparation is their next focus. This is a key process to successful crop establishment....
Cabbage is one of the most popular vegetables in horticulture. It originated in Europe but is grown around the world today. It is not just high in nutrients but can also be used for medi...
A crop farmer can also harvest the secondary process, namely the processing of oil seeds. African farmers facing current economic realities are searching for new methods to survive and e...
