Tobacco
Introduction The tobacco plant is a member of the same botanical family as tomatoes, potatoes, peppers or eggplants. Tobacco does well in poorer soils, providing farmers with a welcome alternative crop. In many cases, tobacco provides a higher income than any other smallholder crop. As a crop, it fits well into environmentally friendly rotations: growing […]
Sugarcane
Introduction Sugarcane is cultivated in tropical and subtropical climates in areas with a plentiful supply of water. Approximately 800mm per annum is needed for a successful crop. Lower rainfall than this leads to difficult times for the industry. There is a vast global market for sugarcane derivatives. These are prevalent in the modern diet both […]
Honeybush
Introduction Like rooibos, honeybush is a uniquely South African herbal tea. It is made from the leaves and stems of the indigenous Cyclopia shrub that grows naturally in specific fynbos regions in an area ranging from Piketberg in the Western Cape to Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. The 23 known honeybush species – all […]
Chicory
Introduction Chicory (Cichorium intybus), a member of the sunflower family, produces a large tapered root which has been used for many years for its beneficial effect on the human digestive system (the health benefits of chicory were documented on the website www.chicory.co.za). It grows for seven or eight months before being harvested and defoliated. Roots […]
Cassava
Introduction Find the “Production Guidelines: Cassava” document at www.nda.gov.za. Cassava is a woody shrub with an edible root, which grows all year round. It is found in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Compared with grains, cassava tolerates poor soils and is more resistant to drought, pests and diseases. It has limited labour requirements. […]
Beekeeping
Introduction Honeybee products include honey, bee-collected pollen, royal jelly, wax, and health supplements. Honey and wax go beyond the food market and are used in large quantities in the manufacture of beauty products, candles, lipstick, medicine, herbal tea and chewing gum. Honey is a natural anti-oxidant and can, for example, be used to extend the […]
Herbs and spices
Introduction Herbs and spices are used for enriching what we eat and for delighting the tongue. It is the seasoning and flavouring of food brings out all the variety and tapestry of regions, nations, continents. The increasing demand in developed countries for natural flavour offers tremendous potential for spice crops as sources of natural flavours. […]
Cotton
Introduction Cotton remains one of the most versatile crops grown by humanity, noted for its appearance, comfort and the many useful products it provides. From the seed: flour and feed, refined oil (salad and cooking), margarine, soap and cosmetics, writing materials, rayon industrial fabrics, yarns, plastics, lamp and candle wicks, twine, rugs, mops, furniture upholstery […]
Bamboo Farming
Introduction If you were asked to list a hundred things you could do with bamboo, your first thought might be that bamboo poles can be tied together to make a fence, a bridge, a shack or some kind of settlement. Bamboo’s uses do indeed include construction (the costs of bamboo dwellings compare very favourably with […]
Pork and Pig Farming
Introduction There is much ignorance about pigs, and so we open this page with some basics. Many people think pigs like to be in dirty pens with only mud to stand in. Pigs roll in mud to protect themselves against the sun and extreme temperatures and against parasites such as flies. It is not necessary for pigs […]