“Soil degradation poses a significant risk to farmers and affects the quality and quantity of food produced,” warned Gerhard Coetzer, managing director of Bontera South Africa, on the occasion of World Food Day, commemorated today.
The day marks the founding in 1945 of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation. This year, organisers stress the importance of supporting the Sustainable Development Goals and, specifically, achieving sustainable food production systems.
Coetzer shared his insights on the pressing need to revolutionise sustainable farming practices, with a focus on addressing soil degradation and promoting environmentally friendly alternatives.
Several pressing issues
“In a world grappling with the urgent need for sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices, several pressing concerns and issues need to be addressed,” he said. “Degraded soils lack essential nutrients and water retention capacity, making crops more susceptible to droughts and other stresses. This leads to increased expenses for farmers who must invest more in external nutrient sources and pesticides to combat pests and diseases.”
Furthermore, degraded soils yield lower-quality produce, which drives up prices for end consumers. Another concern is the strain on natural habitats caused by the increasing demand for food production. The reliance on chemical fertilisers in traditional farming methods has also led to significant environmental consequences, including high carbon emissions and water pollution.
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Working in harmony with plants
Addressing these issues, Bontera has pioneered a revolutionary approach to sustainable farming. Coetzer explains, “The pioneering group of scientists from Bontera recognised these concerns and is actively addressing them. At the heart of our approach is the development of products based on naturally occurring soil microbes.
“Unlike other microorganism-based products that focus on single microorganisms performing specific functions, our products harness the power of diverse microbial communities. These high-performance products, enriched with organic acids and micronutrients, work in harmony with plants, helping them obtain essential nutrients and promoting biodiversity in both the soil and the plant.”
A sustainable future for African agriculture
Coetzer emphasised that Bontera goes beyond simply solving problems related to pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies. They aim to optimise plant growth and prevent these issues from arising in the first place. Using their microbial products, they empower plants to resist diseases and ensure they receive the necessary nutrition, resulting in healthier and more resilient crops.
He said, “Recognising the need for change, we aim to be at the forefront of the transition toward environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical products, believing that providing tangible, effective solutions will motivate farmers to adopt more sustainable practices for the environment’s sake and their long-term benefit.
“Our objectives align with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly goal number two: achieving sustainable food production systems. By implementing resilient agricultural practices and maintaining ecosystems, we aim to contribute to the target of ensuring sustainable food production systems by 2030.”
Bontera is actively working towards this goal in sub-Saharan Africa, where the focus on immediate productivity often overshadows long-term sustainability, said Coetzer.
“Innovation and commitment are much needed to provide effective alternatives to traditional farming methods, and are essential in ensuring the production of high-quality, abundant crops and foodstuffs – for long-term food security in our region.”
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