Farmer 101: Tips to cultivate deciduous fruit

Learn from the pros on how to successfully cultivate deciduous fruits in Mzansi. Agricultural economist Thabile Nkunjana from the National Agricultural Marketing Council, industrial engineer from Limpopo Fruit Dibesho Serage, engagement manager at Tridge’s Trade Elton Greeves, and Lundi TF Kama of Qwathi-Tolo Farms join us for this session of Gather To Grow.

According to Serage, nectarines are a good starting point for orchard farming as they are simple to maintain and have a higher demand from local markets and street vendors than dessert fruits.

Soil suitability

“There is going to be a need for scientific research in terms of the suitability of the soils for anyone willing to enter primary production level. You are going to do soil profiling; soil analysis, and check the climate, as well as water.”

He further recommends that farmers conduct research to determine which types of produce are suitable for their soil type.

According to Greeves, the export market in Mzansi is strong and stable right now, with stone fruits and palm fruits being the most successful varieties.

“We are currently busy with shipments to the Middle East, UK and Asia, especially since the demand for our stone fruit is always there.”

Packaging barriers

Greeves also sees the packaging procedure as the greatest barrier to marketing deciduous fruits. Cherries, for example, he says are a very fragile fruit that requires careful handling during the export process.

Serage emphasises the stability of the local fruit markets because fruit is almost universally consumed in our communities.

“I think there is a huge opportunity locally for beginners like myself. If you look at the total area that is planted for stone fruits, something like 18,000 hectares, 50% of it is more or less is sold as fresh.”