Minister proud of SA farmers

April 2022

The minister of agriculture, land reform and rural development (DALRRD), Thoko Didiza, says South African summer crop plantings estimates provide hope despite the heavy rains. She says that South African farmers revealed their resilience and dedication, and pushed through the challenges and continued to plant even beyond the usual optimal planting windows.

Estimates released by the DALRRD’s Crop Estimates Committee show that the 2021/2022 summer crop plantings are 4,21 million ha, which is 0,4% more than the 2020/2021 production season. ’This data is comforting and the first bit of information that suggests that while the recent rains have been destructive in many regions, South Africa’s food security is still protected. The weather conditions for the next two months remain critical for the ultimate crop yields for the 2021/2022 season,” said minister Didiza. She added that the DALRRD remain optimistic that there will be reasonably good yields and, after that, sufficient crop harvest for South Africa and neighbouring countries.  

Source
Mzansi Agriculture Talk, 
27 January 2022

Publication: April 2022

Section: Pula/Imvula