What goes into growing a successful canola crop and castor beans? In a recent Gather To Grow session, four experts summarised some of the main factors to consider when venturing into canola or castor bean production.
For starters, the canola industry in South Africa is quite lucrative thanks to increases in global demand for canola oil. The Western Cape area is the main producing area with over 1 000 canola farmers.
In the session, canola farmer Riedewaan Marcus explains that canola is a reliable crop that helps him cover his business expenses. Every year, he has been able to improve his yields on canola production.
“This year, I planted a little bit later than I usually do and I can see the results of that. I love this cultivar, it gives me a financial boost as well. I would recommend it for anyone who wants to plant this crop.”
Canola has a variety of cultivars – mostly sourced from Australia – and farmers use certain cultivars for specific desired outcomes.
Lucrative castor beans
In the episode experts also explore the castor bean industry. Native to Africa, the tropical plant has large glossy green leaves with usually more than five pointed lobes that look like fingers on an open hand.
According to Elton Greeve, the crop is not largely grown in South Africa and many consider it as an invasive species.
“But its added value lies in the castor oil production which stems from castor bean production,” Greeve says. “The plant produces a bean which is either pressed to extract the oil. That oil is then used for medicinal purposes in cosmetics, health remedies etc.”
Greeve also unpacks a new trend in which castor beans are processed for their biofuel properties.
He also shares valuable insights on castor oil exports, input and extraction costs, available and unexplored markets, the demand in South Africa and more.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE FULL SESSION.
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