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Raw corn is shown as it is unloaded for processing at a plant.
There are some green shoots for South Africa’s agriculture industry. Agri economists believe many staple crops will benefit from the El Nino weather phenomenon that is expected to bring more rain this year.
But for farmers in the Northern Cape who are facing a crippling drought in large parts of the Namaqualand region, the good news might be too late.
The data from the agricultural sector is encouraging with record exports of more than R240 billion in agricultural products.
The price of white maize is surging, climbing more than 50% in December last year to R6 600 a ton.
” We think there will be more rainfall starting now, all the way into March which will assist us to bring broad recovery in agriculture even if there are pockets that are still facing challenges. But I think overall this is a year of a recovery and off course grazing field will also improve and in the fruit and vegetables, we also expect improvement and I think overall support for agriculture production,” says Agri Economist, Wandile Sihlobo
Sihlobo says with agricultural exports surging, it bodes well for those dependent on the industry.
“Just in the first three quarter of 2024, South Africa’s agricultural exports were already up by 4% from the same period in 2023 by around 10,6 billion dollars. Once the fourth quarter data is available, we will see it surpassing the record of 2023. This is good news because in terms of foreign earnings, the agricultural sector is contributing positively but also when agriculture is able to export and sustain itself, this boosts the sustainability of farming in the country and supports job creation.”
Northern Cape farmers
The Northern Cape is a mixed bag. The wheat, table grape and raisins industries are smiling. However, stock farmers have been crippled by drought.
With input costs also rising, the immediate future looks bleak.
“This has created a perfect storm, which has caused a crisis as far as animal farming is concerned and animal production is concerned in the Northern Cape. This crisis can develop to a stage where a lot of producers will have to sell off their remaining animals and stop their farming enterprises,” says Agri Northern Cape’s Willem Symington.
Farmers in the hard-hit Namaqualand area are hoping for some sort of assistance. But more importantly, lots of rain.
VIDEO | 2024 saw some farmers struggling to keep their businesses afloat because of drought.
