In a follow-up session on climate-adaptable crops, experts unpack a number of topics: from developing crops that have a stable genotype to the use of geographic information systems (GIS).
According to Tumo Makhetha, intern and Msc student at the South African Sugarcane Research Institute, crops that are more stable provide good yields.
“Whether or not the climate is bad or good, going forward, farmers and agriculturalists need to look at developing and using crops that have stable genotype so that it is not as affected by the environment.”
In the podcast episode, she elaborates more on why this is so important and what the difference between stable and adaptable crops is.
Answers on how small-scale or backyard farmers can approach climate change are also discussed in the episode.
What is GIS?
The session was open to listeners to ask questions. One of the questions was on how farmers can use geographic information systems (GIS) for soil analysis.
“Based on the GIS system, the soil types are still a project that is undergoing. It’s not available yet,” Diana Mngomezulu, a plant scientist said.
Currently, old maps containing soil information are used. However, Makhetha cautioned that new maps are needed so that more accurate data can be incorporated into the system. She said this could take years, however.
Makhetha added that GIS is important for farmers.
“It is basically developed in order to assist farmers. It’s not a tool to benefit the researchers, but rather for the farmer.
“It forms the basis for tools, we call them dashboards or web apps that farmers can access to find out more information about what is going on around their environment which they are producing in.”
During the session, experts also discuss the following:
- Indigenous crops to tap into as an alternative
- Producing crops that perform well in South Africa and more.
ALSO READ: Augsburg breeds hope in farming community
Sign up for Mzansi Today: Your daily take on the news and happenings from the agriculture value chain.
