Jyothi Laldas
Jyothi Laldas is an accomplished journalist with 15 years of experience in the news media industry. She has established herself as a respected voice in the field, known for her keen insights and passion for storytelling. Jyothi grew up on a farm in rural KwaZulu-Natal, a background that instilled in her a deep appreciation for hard work and the importance of community. Her passion for writing and learning about people has been a driving force throughout her career, enabling her to connect with her audience and bring important stories to light. Jyothi‘s journalistic journey has been marked by her dedication to providing accurate and impactful reporting on a range of topics.
Latest articles
From farm to plate with Farmer’s Weekly at the Royal Show
Farmer’s Weekly will bring agriculture and food together at the Royal Show with a dedicated pavilion showcasing the connection between farming and the food on our plates.
Beyond production: Creating more value from African agriculture
Africa's agricultural potential will not translate into food security, jobs, and economic growth simply by producing more food, delegates heard at the 10th Africa Agri Expo in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
How the Windhoek Show grew into a regional agricultural hub
What began as a small agricultural gathering in 1899 in what was then known as German South-West Africa has evolved into a major platform for livestock, agribusiness, trade, technology, and regional business. Martenique Scott of the Windhoek Show Livestock Committee speaks about the show’s development and growing role in Namibian agriculture.
Sugar tariff hike offers relief; industry says more is needed
The South African sugar industry has welcomed the increase in the reference price for imported sugar, but growers and millers warn that the intervention may not be enough to stop the surge in cheap imports that has eroded domestic sales.
Tongaat Hulett delays payments to growers amid cash flow constraints
Tongaat Hulett may have escaped liquidation, but the sugar processor remains under financial pressure, with a R517 million statutory levy claim, a fresh Constitutional Court setback, and delays in cane farmer payments.
SA’s beleaguered sugar industry hit by strike
South Africa’s troubled sugar industry has been dealt another blow, with around 6 000 workers taking to the streets in protest after wage negotiations between unions and employers reached a deadlock.
Digital hub brings new opportunities for Northern Cape agri community
A new computer centre in Eksteenskuil, a rural agricultural community in the lower Orange River valley of the Northern Cape, is set to give farmers, farmworkers, learners, and rural businesses better access to online services, agricultural information, and an opportunity to improve their digital skills.
Sugar cane farmers take fight to Treasury as imports surge
Farmers from South Africa’s two sugar-producing provinces recently marched to National Treasury (Treasury) in Pretoria, Gauteng, warning that a surge in cheap sugar imports is threatening the survival of an industry that supports around one million livelihoods.
Court dismisses RGS bid against Tongaat rescue plan
The Durban High Court has dismissed a fresh application by RGS Group Holdings (RGS) to set aside Tongaat Hulett’s business rescue plan, ruling that because the matter is already before the courts, it cannot be litigated twice.
Tiger Brands gets all of its Oros oranges from local growers
For the second consecutive season, 100% of the oranges used to make Oros orange squash have been sourced from South African citrus farmers.
KZN sugar farmers battle cane cutter shortage
Sugar cane growers along the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) North Coast are battling an unexpected labour shortage during peak harvesting season, as many foreign workers have left farming communities following the March & March movement's recent mobilisations in the province and government's crackdown on undocumented foreign nationals.
KZN land reform beneficiaries receive title deeds, farming equipment
Land reform beneficiaries in northern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) received a major boost earlier this week when Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development Mzwanele Nyhontso handed over title deeds and farming equipment at an event in the Mthonjaneni Local Municipality.
Tongaat Hulett narrowly escapes liquidation
An 11th-hour deal has brought the liquidation of Tongaat Hulett to an end, just as the matter was due to be heard in the Durban High Court in KwaZulu-Natal.
This year’s CILTSA conference set to focus on greener logistics
The global logistics sector accounts for 11% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, leaving businesses under growing pressure from governments, investors, and consumers to improve their performance, according to the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport South Africa (CILTSA), which hosts its ESG Conference in Sandton, Johannesburg, on 23 June.
North West extension services receive a boost with new fleet of vehicles
The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has bolstered its capacity to serve farmers and combat foot-and-mouth disease in the province with the handover of 40 new government vehicles for veterinary and extension services.
Machinery sales slowdown could signal changing market conditions
South Africa's agricultural machinery market may be entering a new phase after more than a year of strong performance, with the latest sales figures suggesting a possible moderation in equipment demand during the second half of 2026.
Agri competition offers young innovators a chance to go global
A new agricultural innovation competition is offering up-and-coming agripreneurs a chance to take their ideas from the farm gate to the global stage.
Agriculture central to climate change resilience and response
Climate change is placing growing pressure on South African agriculture, with industry representatives and government warning of increasing risks to food production, water security and rural livelihoods ahead of World Environment Day.
Optimism as sugar season gets under way
Amid a delayed and uncertain start to the 2026/27 sugar cane season, KwaZulu-Natal’s sugar industry is pinning its hopes on a grower-led rescue plan aimed at preventing the liquidation of Tongaat Hulett and safeguarding thousands of jobs linked to its mills and refinery operations.
From curiosity to a passion for livestock farming
At a time when South African agriculture is under pressure to attract and retain young talent, Free State livestock farmer, certified cattle artificial inseminator and agribusiness innovator Rorisang Reanetse Tsotetsi is seeking out a space for himself that blends genetics, entrepreneurship, and youth development, all at the very young age of 21.
