Farmers benefit from roadshows

February 2024

DR GODFREY KGATLE, RESEARCH COORDINATOR AND LEHLEHONOLO BAKWA, COMMUNICATIONS INTERN, GRAIN SA

The agricultural sector is often challenged by various factors such as climate change, infestations and diseases. To bridge the gap and foster agricultural development, Grain SA has established the research and policy centre department, whose role is the co-ordination of needs-driven grain research for farmers. 

With constant changes in agriculture, new possibilities and risks emerge daily for farmers. The objective of Grain SA’s research, facilitated by its nationwide research network, is to enhance sustainability and profitability. This is achieved by analysing patterns (such as climate variability, weed infestations and diseases) and creating informative resources. 

Grain SA hosted a series of roadshows that were sponsored by Absa and John Deere Financial in Mpumalanga, the Free State and North West during the last quarter of 2023. Various stakeholders from the agricultural industry participated in these events.

The theme for the roadshows (‘Climate, agronomy and plant health’) was based on the Grain SA research consortia and current research initiatives, as well as the challenges currently experienced by farmers.

The main purpose of these roadshows was to:

• Interact with farmers about relevant subjects. 
• Create awareness of conclusions from the team’s research network. 
• Present the research initiatives coordinated by Grain SA. Inputs received from farmers were used to make sure the research was relevant. This scientific information was shared with the farmers to help them with decision-making. 

WHY FARMERS SHOULD ATTEND A ROADSHOW

• In modern agriculture, roadshows have developed as an essential platform for empowering farmers, promoting innovation and promoting sustainable farming practices. 
• By serving as a channel for knowledge transfer, technological advancement and community building, these roadshows are instrumental in shaping a more resilient and sustainable future for the global agricultural sector.

As Grain SA continues to embrace the transformative power of these dynamic platforms, the journey towards a more efficient and sustainable agricultural landscape becomes even more attainable.   
 

Prof Willem Landman giving a lecture on weather forecasting.

Publication: February 2024

Section: Pula/Imvula