Farmers looking to venture into macadamia farming have been urged to do the basics right to ensure a lifelong farming investment will not go to waste.
During the weekly Instagram Gather To Grow session hosted by Dawn Noemdoe, experts in the macadamia industry said patience and thorough research are the top advice they could share with farmers.
Get the basics right
Third generation of the family business Amorentia Estate and Nursery, Lauren Strever, said farmers need to ensure that the soil the macadamia tree would be planted in, is well prepared.
“Macadamia trees are adaptable to different types of soil. However, the soil preparation needs to be thorough for the tress to thrive and produce well.
“My children will be fourth generation farmers. Our Macadamia Nursery is celebrating 50 years this year which is a big milestone for us. My advice will be to start make sure you choose the right cultivars for your climate and location, because income per hectare is attractive,” she said.
However, Straver said farmers need to get it right the first time and be willing to dig deep in their pockets as it is not an easy start-up type of farming.
READ NEXT: Fruit farming: What starter farmers need to know
Expensive but worthwhile
“Starting the operations is not cheap but it is critically important for the foundation work to be done correctly. The set-up costs are expensive but if done correctly they are a lifelong investment,” she said.
According to Strever, the cycle of the tree is very long as they can go beyond 30 years only if they are maintained correctly. She said this lifelong farming investment needs people who are dedicated and willing to go the extra mile.
“It is a subtropical fruit and while adaptable to many soil types, it needs to be treated well. Heavy frost conditions are a no-no for these trees but fare well otherwise.
“When it comes to water, the trees require a lot of water so additional sources from dams and rivers will be required if rainfall is low,” she said.
Lauren Strever from Amorentia Estate and Nursery a farmer could break even after eight years.
ALSO LISTEN TO: Dragon fruit: The climbing cactus you should be farming
Long waiting periods
Strever said patience is important in macadamia farming as farmers can break even only between years 7 to 8 while full production can only take place between 10 and 12 years.
Gene Likhanya, a macadamia farmer in Limpopo, said preparation of the soil is crucial. He cautioned farmers who want to go big to rather start small and build from there.
Start small and avoid shortcuts
“Do it small and engage relevant people. While it is capital-intensive, over time the money will come in but it is important to do the right thing and not take shortcuts.
“My advice to farmers starting out is to start at the back end, know your market, speak to the nurseries and companies, explore markets and find out what sells,” he said.
Likhanya said research is critical and an action plan is needed. And just like any other commodity, there are ups and downs but with patience, good results are achievable.
ALSO READ: Macadamia farmers urged to keep the faith
Sign up for Mzansi Today: Your daily take on the news and happenings from the agriculture value chain.
