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.
Ithala Bank closure a huge setback to farmers in KZN
KwaZulu-Natal’s farmers, especially emerging and small-scale growers, are facing a financial crisis of devastating proportions following the effective collapse of Ithala Bank, once seen as the backbone of rural lending in the province.
Shoprite Group launches SA’s first fully recyclable 7kg potato bag
In a first for South Africa, Shoprite Group has launched a fully recyclable 7kg potato pocket, aiding the group in reaching its sustainability targets, while unlocking economic potential for waste pickers.
Vision pays up as Tongaat Hulett takeover nears completion
In a breakthrough for the long-awaited rescue of Tongaat Hulett, one of Southern Africa’s largest and most troubled sugar producers, the Vision Consortium has paid off the debt owed to the company’s lenders.
Namibian government to invest millions to boost citrus production
The Namibian government is planning to invest N$250 million into the country’s citrus industry over the next five years in order to reduce dependency on imports. The Namibian government, through the Namibia Agronomic Board (NAB), has announced a significant investment of N$250 million (R250 million) over the next five years to revitalise the country's citrus industry.
Optimism as China expresses interest increases SA imports
South Africa’s agriculture and economic sectors have welcomed a significant diplomatic overture from the Chinese government, whom was signalling interest in increasing imports of South African agricultural product.
South Africans encouraged to take action on World Environment Day
In a unified effort to address environmental challenges, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment is calling on all South Africans to commemorate World Environment Day.
Foot-and-mouth disease confirmed in KZN
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has been confirmed in two districts in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The KZN Department of Agriculture and Rural Development confirmed that there were currently two outbreaks in the Zululand and King Cetshwayo districts in the north of the province.
Foot-and-mouth disease detected on three farms in Eastern Cape
Biosecurity on farms is in the spotlight once again after three farms in the Eastern Cape were placed under quarantine due to an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). This was confirmed by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development this week.
SAFDA becomes a permanent member of the sugar industry
In a significant turn for the South African sugar industry, the South African Farmers’ Development Association (SAFDA) has become a permanent member of the sugar industry.
Unlocking KZN’s South Coast for agritourism
With an abundance of agricultural activity, the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast is a prime destination for agritourism, where leisure travel meets in an immersive agri-centred experience.
Drop in diesel price welcomed
While petrol will see an increase this month, a welcomed drop in diesel prices might provide some comfort for farmers.
Directive issued to promote welfare of animals in transit
In an effort to ensure the welfare of animals entering and leaving South Africa through the various ports, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (agriculture department) has implemented a directive regarding live animal import and export.
Citrus export season shows promising growth
The 2024 citrus export season is underway, and early forecasts indicate a notable uptick in export volumes. The Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa (CGA) unveiled these projections at a recent Citrus Marketing Forum.
Electricity price hike hits farmers and consumers hard
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) approved a 12,74% tariff increase, which came into effect on 1 April for direct Eskom customers, to address the financial challenges faced by the power provider.
Why cybersecurity is needed in farming
The farming industry is vital to the world’s food industry and requires the utmost protection from cyberattacks. This is according to Carey van Vlaanderen, CEO of ESET Southern Africa, who believes that with the evolution of technology, the digital threat level for farmers has increased in recent years.
SA citrus to make its way to Vietnam markets
As the South African citrus export season kicks into high gear in the coming weeks, a significant bilateral protocol has been established with the Vietnamese government, paving the way for local oranges to enter the markets of Vietnam.
New FMD outbreak reported in Frankfort, Free State
A new outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has been reported in the Free State. This is according to a statement by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.
Seventh consecutive decline in global food price index
In February, the global food commodity price index, used as a benchmark, recorded its seventh consecutive decline, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
How aquaponics is being used to feed communities
Green Arch Innovations founder Luvo Gugwana is a social entrepreneur whose goal is to spread affordable aquaponic solutions across rural areas in South Africa through his franchise model, writes Jyothi Laldas.
Fuel price increase will hurt consumers and logistics companies
With yet another fuel price hike on the horizon for March, the potential impact on the already under-pressure agriculture sector raises concerns about heightened production costs, reduced profit margins, and potential ripple effects on food prices for consumers.
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