Sharing eye-opening insights on enhancing crop yields through biotechnology and mitigating the impacts of pests and diseases, CropLife SA experts assisted farmers in gaining a deeper understanding of these rapid agricultural advancements during Food For Mzansi’s farmers’ day held in Gauteng.
In an era where farming is propelled by remarkable advancements, the event brought together over 300 farmers who together unravelled the mysteries and myths surrounding biotechnology and GMO crops.
CropLife SA’s plant biotechnology lead, Chantel Arendse, explained that when it comes to biotechnology, the terminology may be difficult to grasp for many but is actually very easy to understand.
“Our plant breeders have been selecting the best available varieties of our food crops out there, and those selections have been made through cross-breeding and selective breeding,” she said. “However, we now have a new set of tools because scientists have a better understanding of plant genetics. With this knowledge, we are able to breed more effectively.”
According to Arendse, plant biotechnology “involves taking specific characteristics at the genetic level, copying them, and introducing them into a new variety in a more predictable, faster, and efficient process”.
She advised attendees interested in exploring biotechnology to gather as much information as possible from reputable sources.
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Understanding the crucial role of pesticide labels
Speaking about the responsible use of pesticides when controlling pests on crops, CropLife SA stewardship coordinator, Hiresh Ramanand, underlined that the label of a pesticide product cannot be overstated, because when a pesticide product is used according to the label, the user can be guaranteed that the pesticide will be effective in targeting the pest while posing no health risks to the spray operators or the environment.
“Pesticide companies have done a copious amount of research to arrive at the instructions printed on the label. It’s not an advisory, but an instruction on how the product needs to be used. Every employer, particularly spray operators, should be trained in interpreting the new Globally Harmonized System (GHS) labels,” he said.
Tumelo Tswagong, a livestock farmer based in Pretoria, found the insights shared at the Food For Mzansi event highly informative – from biotechnology and GMOs to animal and plant health. She expressed her newfound awareness of the importance of forward thinking and becoming a part of the solution to address anticipated food insecurity.
“A big thank you to Food for Mzansi for not just focusing on youth with these farmer days but including all farmers. The day was very informative and gave us a lot of information to help us farm better and grow our farming enterprises,” she said.
“I definitely took a lot from the pesticide handling presentation by CropLife SA, as we are planning on starting crop planting next year.”
Prosperity through collaboration and knowledge exchange
The Gauteng leg of Food For Mzansi’s provincial farmers’ days was hosted on the farm of Dimpho Xaba, director of TBG Farms. The events are presented throughout the country in partnership with Youth in Agriculture and Rural Development (YARD).
“Farmers must collaborate to negotiate markets and procure inputs,” said Xaba, describing his key takeaway from the event. “Attending training, workshops, and events like these is essential for integrating new technologies into the market. The event was genuinely successful.”
The partnership is the cornerstone of success, added Xaba. “Our farming business has thrived due to collaborations with neighbours and other stakeholders. Social capital plays a vital role in organising successful events and projects.”
RMI TED’s commitment to inclusivity and sustainability
Attendees at the farmers’ day had a wealth of information at their fingertips, shared by expert speakers representing various organisations. This was complemented by over 20 exhibitions showcased at the dynamic event.
During his presentation, Khomotso Mashiloane, Red Meat Institute for Transformation and Enterprise Development (RMITED) transformation facilitator, highlighted the significance of record-keeping and discussed animal and public health. He emphasised how farmers can benefit from livestock, especially as consumers grow increasingly concerned about the meat they consume.
RMITED is making significant progress in promoting inclusivity and growth in the red meat industry. It offers training courses, webinars, and other resources to support emerging farmers. This year alone, the institute has reached over 2 000 farmers with Mashiloane expressing their commitment to helping farmers succeed and ensuring the sustainability of the red meat industry.
Land Bank’s blend of support and finance
Talking about Land Bank’s blended finance offering, relationship banker Lebogang Nkuna explained that the government introduced this initiative to new-era farmers.
“Government initiated this scheme after recognising that many of our development clients faced challenges such as lack of security,” he said. “It comprises both a loan and grant component, catering to small, medium, and large-scale producers engaged in full-time farming. This joint initiative with the department of agriculture, land reform and rural development incorporates a grant portion that does not need to be repaid by the farmer,” he explained.
In addition to its primary focus on supporting commercial farmers, Land Bank is also dedicated to fostering the growth of the agricultural sector by extending its support to new-era farmers. Recognising the importance of sustainability and inclusivity, the bank has tailored programmes and financial assistance specifically designed for emerging farmers.
By providing resources, mentorship, and financial aid, the Land Bank aims to empower a new generation of farmers, ensuring the industry’s longevity and contributing significantly to the agricultural landscape.
Expert insights and agricultural innovation
Also featured on the farmers’ day speaker line-up was De Wet Meyer, the technical sales specialist at Starke Ayres. Meyer underscored the pivotal role of planting timing in ensuring a successful crop yield.
“Understanding the right planting time is essential for your yield. As a farmer, it’s crucial to be aware of the optimal planting window and not just focus on market prices,” he advised.
Other notable speakers included Shaun Welmans, COO of Agri Skills Transfer; Juan Harmse, AECI Plant Health crop advisor; and Wandile Mbonani, marketing officer at Khula!; Phatudi Mahlakoani, sales agronomist at Advanta; Nonnie Kunene, who leads projects, operations, and communications at AGDA; Michelle Janse van Rensburg, technical advisor at Meadow Feeds; and Dr Lerato Bame Tsalaemang Matsaunyane, ARC research team manager for farmer support, commercialisation, and enterprise development.
In essence, this gathering transcended mere celebration of the agricultural spirit; it served as a vital platform for farmers to explore the ever-evolving advancements in the agricultural sector, including biotechnology.
Register now to attend the remaining farmers’ days.
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