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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.

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.