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.
KZN farmers still reeling from the effects of last year’s floods
The flooding in April 2022 has been described as the most catastrophic natural disaster yet recorded in KwaZulu-Natal, and farmers are still recovering from the destruction. Jyothi Laldas reports.
Holiday season rabies alert
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has issued an alert to residents and holiday travellers, particularly in areas where rabies is common including KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga, as well as the border between Free State Province and Lesotho.
Agriculture shows 9,6% decline in third quarter
South Africa’s real gross domestic product (GDP) contracted 0,2% in the third quarter (July to September) of 2023, after two consecutive quarters of growth, with the agri-sector showing a 9,6% decline.
Court rules Tongaat Hulett must pay
In spite of Tongaat Hulett's legal efforts, the company remains responsible for its financial obligations in the sugar industry, as ruled by the High Court of South Africa, Durban Local Division.
Rise in poultry prices on the horizon
As the festive season approaches, there may be a looming challenge on the horizon: potential increases in poultry prices. This was according to the Association of Meat Importers and Exporters of Southern Africa (AMIE).
Farming of the future
Regenerative agriculture is said to be the farming way of the future. It is believed that switching to regenerative agriculture methods minimises carbon emissions, promotes biodiversity, protects the soil, and ensures agricultural sustainability, writes Jyothi Laldas.
No cause for alarm over fowl pox
A few isolated cases of fowl pox have been reported in South Africa over the past few weeks. However, authorities say there is no need for panic as the virus was not likely to spread and could be managed through vaccination and good hygiene.
Agri department says no need to panic, buy eggs
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development is urging consumers not to resort to panic buying eggs.
Agri sector shows robust performance in labour survey
The agriculture sector in South Africa continues to show its strength creating 61 000 new jobs in the third quarter of 2023.
Many KZN farmers receive permits to cultivate cannabis
More than 600 KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) cannabis and hemp farmers were granted permits to cultivate, store and transport the product with a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content of not more than 0,2%.
Government will not compensate poultry farmers for losses
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development does not have funds to compensate farmers for their losses as a result of the deadly avian influenza outbreak across South Africa, according to the department's chief director Dipepeneneng Serage, who was responding to questions posed by the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development this week.
Potato and onion prices see major spike as load-shedding bites
The current cost of potatoes and onions have left South African consumers reeling, with a 7kg pocket of potatoes costing at least 100% more now than it did a year ago, while a 10kg bag of onions was 63% higher year-on-year (y/y).
Plan adopted to phase out hazardous pesticides
The adoption of a framework calling for highly hazardous pesticides in the agriculture sector to be phased out has been lauded by South African Minister for Forestry and Fisheries and Environmental Affairs Barbara Creecy.
Vets and veterinary nurses back on SA’s critical skills list
Amid several calls to address the critical shortage of veterinarians in South Africa, veterinarians and veterinary nurses have finally been reinstated to the country's critical skills list.
Latest crop estimates remain positive
The latest forecast by the Crop Estimate Committee (CEC) continues to point in a positive direction for summer and winter crop outputs in South Africa, despite threats levelled by the El Niño weather phenomenon being experienced this year.
A thriving empowerment agri project on the KZN South Coast
Started in 2008 to help ensure food security for a charity, the Siyavuna programme has expanded to focus on farming, training and growing its value chains.
Bird flu leads to possible egg, chicken meat shortages
More than seven million birds have been culled within the South African poultry industry in 2023 since the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
‘Important to reduce the risk of another listeriosis outbreak’
Food safety and proper food handling at all stages of the value chain are paramount in ensuring that contamination and the spread of foodborne diseases such as listeriosis is avoided in South Africa.
Rainbow Chicken opens new plant in KZN
One of South Africa's largest poultry producers, Rainbow Chicken, marked its 60th anniversary by opening a new plant in Hammarsdale near Durban on Monday. This signals the intention to bring Rainbow’s production volumes back to pre-2017 levels and return the plant facility to full operating capacity.
AfriForum disputes SAPS farm murder numbers
Civil rights organisation AfriForum has strongly criticised the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) recent statistics on farm murders, saying they were incorrect.
- ADVERTISEMENT -
MUST READS
- ADVERTISEMENT -
- ADVERTISEMENT -
