Sugarcane is a vital crop for South Africa, playing a key role in the nation’s export economy. However, recent years have seen a concerning decline in production, prompting a closer look at the challenges faced by sugarcane farmers.
Dr Tumo Makhetha, a plant breeder at the South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI), said, “South Africa’s sugarcane industry remains a significant export earner. However, production figures have shown a concerning downward trend.”
In a recent Gather to Grow session, experts spoke about the pros and cons of the sugarcane industry and what farmers should be looking out for.
The status of the sugarcane industry
The decline necessitates a focus on improved cultivation practices and targeted research efforts. Sugarcane thrives in warm, humid climates with ample water availability.
Sugarcane production is concentrated in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and the Eastern Cape, highlighted Dr Sixolise Mcinga, a soil scientist at Green Cape. “These regions provide the optimal environmental conditions for successful sugarcane cultivation,” Mcinga said.
According to Mcinga, choosing the most suitable sugarcane variety is crucial for maximising yield and minimising losses. “Several factors influence variety selection. Soil characteristics, irrigation methods employed, and inherent resistance to pests and diseases all need careful consideration.”
She acknowledged the realities small-scale farmers face on a daily basis. “Traditional furrow irrigation techniques and even manual watering are still employed in some cases. While these methods can be functional, they require significantly more water and labour compared to drip irrigation.
“Drip irrigation has emerged as the most effective method. By delivering water directly to the root zone, drip irrigation minimises water waste and optimises resource utilisation,” she said.
Soil and pest management
Meanwhile, Makhetha explained that SASRI plays a critical role in this process, “Our ongoing research and development efforts focus on creating new sugarcane varieties. This includes exploring the use of genetic modification to introduce specific disease resistances, ultimately empowering farmers with a wider range of options tailored to their unique field conditions.”
Sugarcane cultivation is not without its biological challenges. “Rattoon stunting disease, the African sugarcane borer, and various rust fungi are some of the most common threats impacting sugarcane crops,” Makhetha said.
Makhetha highlighted the importance of implementing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. “IPM encompasses a holistic approach that includes managing the surrounding habitat to limit pest populations, implementing proper soil management practices to enhance crop health, and selecting sugarcane varieties with inherent resistance to prevalent diseases.”
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