Economists Expect Agricultural Boost In 2025

There are some green shoots for South Africas agriculture industry. Agri economists believe many staple crops will benefit from the El Nino weather phenomenon that is expected to bring more rain this year.

But for farmers in the Northern Cape who are facing a crippling drought in large parts of the Namaqualand region, the good news might be too late.

The data from the agricultural sector is encouraging with record exports of more than R240 billion in agricultural products.

The price of white maize is surging, climbing more than 50 in December last year to R6 600 a ton.

We think there will be more rainfall starting now, all the way into March which will assist us to bring broad recovery in agriculture even if there are pockets that are still facing challenges. But I think overall this is a year of a recovery and off course grazing field will also improve and in the fruit and vegetables, we also expect improvement and I think overall support for agriculture production, says Agri Economist, Wandile Sihlobo