The new director of the South African Sugarcane Research Institute (Sasri), Dr Shadrack Moephuli, said the work of the institution is to ensure growers are exposed to the available data and able to make informed decisions regarding their operations.
Food For Mzansi caught up with Moephuli following his appointment to find out what his approach will be and where he sees the institute in the future.
Tiisetso Manoko: Sasri plays a critical role in decision-making in the industry; how important is the institution’s research work in the lives of ordinary sugarcane farmers or producers?
Shadrack Moephuli: Sasri is very important in enabling the sugarcane grower to understand how best to optimise productivity and increase yields through access to improved cultivars that are disease-resistant and, where possible, drought-tolerant. Important outcomes to ensure sustainable livelihoods of farmers.
What challenges are the industry facing and what is the best way to resolve them?
As with any industry, the sugar industry has similar challenges of infrastructure, load shedding and operational costs. In the case of the sugar industry, there are other pressures, for example, the health promotion levy (also known as “sugar tax”) has financial implications likely to reduce demand with consequences of potential job losses, particularly in small towns where the industry operates.
Skills are also a bit of a challenge that needs attention throughout the value chain. The industry also continues to face the challenge of sugar imports. What we need to ensure that we resolve these challenges are:
- Stakeholder engagements, particularly policy-makers on the implementation of the health promotion levy to minimise adverse impacts on the industry.
- Ensuring the growers continuously have access to the best varieties that optimise their production and productivity. Targeted focus on skills development, such as postgraduate training within the industry, particularly at Sasri.
- Engaging the government on various aspects to reduce the negative impact of sugar imports on the competitiveness of the domestic sugar industry.
Related stories
- SA Canegrowers invests over R1 billion in sugar transformation
- The future of Mzansi’s sugar industry hangs in the balance
Where do you see Sasri in the next five years as an institution that focuses on research?
A leading sugar research institution that contributes scientific solutions, technologies, skills development and knowledge for the sustainable success of the industry.
Do you think there is great investment in research in the broader agricultural space in the country, especially focusing on new-entry farmers?
In general, South Africa, both from the private sector and government, is under-investing in research targeted at enabling sustainable growth and development of new-entry farmers.
What will be your immediate task as the new director of Sasri, and what are the things that you would like to focus on?
Sasri, as the name says, the immediate focus is on determining and ensuring the organisation fulfils its mandate of delivering research outcomes, so strategic focus with appropriate resources becomes essential.
ALSO READ: BFAP report offers hope amidst agricultural decline
Sign up for Mzansi Today: Your daily take on the news and happenings from the agriculture value chain.
