WANDILE SIHLOBO: Farmers’ optimism reined in by disease and irregular rainfall
Too early to predict production for this season as drought and foot-and-mouth disease remain problems
23 January 2020 - 18:20
The underperformance of SA’s agricultural sector in 2019 was largely caused by two factors: drought and biosecurity (specifically foot-and-mouth disease and African swine fever). This was through two channels, namely lower agricultural output because of drought, and subdued trade activity because of a ban on exports of animal products after the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.
Will 2020 be any different? It is hard to tell at this point as the drought and foot-and-mouth disease remain a challenge, specifically in the Eastern Cape but also parts of the Free State and Limpopo...
BL Premium
This article is reserved for our subscribers.
A subscription helps you enjoy the best of our business content every day along with benefits such as articles from our international business news partners; ProfileData financial data; and digital access to the Sunday Times and Sunday Times Daily.
Already subscribed? Simply sign in below.
Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now