In this session of Gather To Grow, Food For Mzansi’s weekly Twitter Space, we reflect on the year 2022, including the difficulties faced and the positive developments that occurred in the agricultural industry.
In order for farmers’ companies to be successful and to prepare them for the future, we look at what factors they should take into consideration.
We are joined by agricultural economist Lunathi Hlakanyane, trade and engagement manager Elton Greeve, agricultural economist Conce Moraba, agricultural economist Thabile Nkunjana, agricultural economist Karabo Takadi-Mabuza, and farmer Thapelo Phiri.
The important role of agritech
One of the most significant challenges that farmers have is that they do not make adequate use of the vast quantity of data that they possess, says Hlakanyane.
“We know that you generate data the moment you step onto your farm, and that data has the potential to inform a lot of your decisions. And what we are seeing is a lot of farmers are not utilising their data to reap these benefits.”
He adds that one of the best things about data monitoring and record-keeping is that it allows you to spot any inconsistencies in your farm in real time.
“I think the value of agritech solutions, not just Abelusi, is that they enable you to achieve all those things.”
Reflecting on 2022 and anticipating 2023 in agriculture
According to Moraba, a lot happened in 2022 as a result of some agricultural challenges such as foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), maize harvest miles being reduced, and poultry feed and input costs being so high. This implied that 2022 was a particularly difficult year for farming in South Africa, she explains.
“You can imagine the livestock sector was not doing so well, with beef exports being banned, as well as the sheep wool industry and we are now heading to a new season. Those things will still play a very important role.”
During the session, the experts examine the following topics:
- The possibility of an increase in the cost of chicken meat production,
- The economic recovery in Mzansi; and
- The mounting pressure on feed prices.
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