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Produk-inligting
April 2017
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Grain mapping:
The future for grain production
A
ccording to Prof Ferdi Meyer (director: Bureau for Food
and Agricultural Policy [BFAP]) a continuous process of
grain mapping and analysis of the agricultural sector is nec-
essary in order to identify appropriate, measurable bench-
marks so as to highlight what makes all South African producers
competitive and sustainable in the long run.
As an example, mapping future grain production reveals interest-
ing trends as influenced by numerous ‘mega-factors’ and reflects a
downward trend in white maize plantings as against expansion in
yellow maize and soybean production.
Mega trends influencing shifts in the
agricultural sector
Urbanisation and rural unemployment:
A challenge or our greatest opportunity?
More people are populating urban areas while the rural population
is declining – resulting in two distinct value chains highly commer-
cialised and a rural, informal value chain. There are opportunities
in both.
The NDP Vision – inclusive growth and jobs
The National Development Plan (NDP) aims to create 1 million jobs
in the sector by 2030. Prof Meyer maintains it is necessary to be
deliberate about the strategy because there is significant opportu-
nity to revitalise rural areas.
Three main opportunities for job creation are highlighted in
Graph 1
:
350 0000 potential jobs could be found in under-utilised or un-
productive land reform projects other than jobs created by com-
mercial producers.
200 000 jobs could emerge in the intensive commodities sector
like irrigated, high value crops if markets and export opportuni-
ties exist.
326 000 jobs could be created within the agro-processing sector
i.e. the multipliers within the agricultural sector.
Revitalising rural areas
This is a key focus of the NDP. Prof Meyer says BFAP is partnering
with The Jobs Fund initiative and Grain SA Smallholder Develop-
ment Programme to track funds and the impact of the programme
on farmers and their enterprises.
One of the biggest challenges is historically data bases have been
weak or non-existent and there has been no comprehensive agricul-
tural census or land audit.
Grain SA and extension officers have partnered in an extensive
field mapping exercise conducted over 3 000 fields. This massive
effort will benefit the whole industry.
Prof Meyer maintains it has been possible to learn more about the
condition of the lands, weed and pest management, crop conditions
and land use patterns than ever before. A key message for policy
makers: This initiative requires a long term commitment both by
government and this industry.
The various sources of funding streaming into this project show
how partnerships can work towards realising government strategy
and making a very real impact at grass roots level.
Value chains
Prof Meyer maintains it is important to understand the different
value chains, as well as the diversity within each. He cited the exam-
ple of the highly competitive poultry industry with a wide diversity
of producers, e.g. small scale breeders selling live broilers in rural
markets and large growers competing with the international market.
General perceptions say the small grower should be overwhelmed
by the competition; however the data gathered, highlights that
small scale poultry farmers, selling live broilers in rural markets, are
able to profit. The analysis enhances understanding so as to develop
rural areas more strategically and effectively.
The call is for more broad-based strategic level of information to
inform policymakers and businesses.
FEEDBACK
Congress
Special
JENNY MATHEWS,
SA Graan/Grain
contributor
Forewarned is forearmed
Dr Marinda Visser (manager: Grain Research and Policy Centre,
Grain SA) highlighted the emerging challenge of trans-bound-
ary diseases and pests like the fall army worm. The breadth
and speed of the spread of the worm is of great concern and
she predicts more similar issues, warning that we all need to
sharpen up on bio-security, i.e. measures put in place at on-
farm level to stop the spread of a disease or pest.
Surveillance of the fall army worm will be intensified so as to
halt the spread and manage it where it is already in evidence.
Dr Visser says another pest which will make the fall army worm
threat seem ‘like a walk in the park’ is maize lethal necrosis dis-
ease which is already in East Africa and spreading fast.
She is confident that relevant research is in place to identify
risks as well to determine the regions most likely to be affected.
The approach is: Forewarned is forearmed.
At Grain SA, research and development is ongoing and fo-
cussed on the themes of crop improvement, crop protection,
and climate change and conservation agriculture. Grain SA is
actively involved in monitoring and initiating relevant research
in the grain sector. The team is also involved in the refinement
of cultivar evaluation trials based on priorities provided by pro-
ducers.
There are memorandums of understanding in place with over-
seas collaborators, ensuring access to seed and latest technol-
ogy. Furthermore, Grain SA is in constant collaboration with
the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) in
writing policy documents and other regulatory aspects.