| Vegetable seed production – definitely profitable and sustainable farming |
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KLEIN KAROO SEED PRODUCTION (PTY) LTD in Oudtshoorn focuses on the accretion of high quality vegetable seed for international clients. The company offers its clients and growers professional, technical and production advice. It also has an internationally accredited seed cleaning and laboratory facility. “For producers in the Western, Northern and Eastern Cape there are numerous opportunities to place greater emphasis on seed production. Growing seed is definitely a profitable industry with many possibilities and a very bright future. Seed producers not only provide seed – they also contribute greatly to food production and food security for the world market. Thus, there will always be a demand for good quality vegetable seed. “The fact that South Africa is situated in the southern hemisphere makes KLEIN KAROO Seed Production a strategic provider of seed to companies in the northern hemisphere so they are able to provide their clients with seed throughout the year,” says David Malan, managing director of KLEIN KAROO Seed Production. What makes seed production an attractive agricultural embranchment? Seed production is an exclusive, profitable method of farming of which the producers form part of a unique export industry. Production is done according a contract with international clients, and Dollar or Euro prices are agreed upon in advance. It is an ideal farming embranchment which contributes to enhancing the income basis of producers. Elements which ensure sustainable seed production Farmers situated in a production area with winter rainfalls, as well as areas where dry conditions occur during harvesting can be assured of good seed production. Vegetable seed production requires committed attention, good soil, integrated fertilisation, disease and pest control programmes, sufficient water and applicable irrigation methods, as well as sound knowledge of production methods, mechanisation and harvesting practices. When these aspects are in place, vegetable seed can be produced in a sustainable manner. Integrated approach to vegetable seed production It is important that seed production has to form an integral part of the crop rotation system on the producer’s farm, whether it is mealies, wheat, sunflowers, viticulture or lucern. It also means that biological aspects of the soil quality has to be optimalised and that a more environmentally friendly approach to disease and pest control must be followed though the diversification of the use of chemical and biological practices. Minimum requirements for entry into the seed industry Vegetable seed production does not requirement large capital investment. The infrastructure a prospective seed producer should have is a storage facility for the drying of seed and storage of plant material; a threshing machine, and certainly most important of all: the will to be successful. Continued production advice available to producers The highly skilled production advisors at KLEIN KAROO SEED PRODUCTION advise and assist producers who grow seed on a contract basis in every step of the production process. The producer, together with the advisor, determines which variety is best suited for the specific region. Because different vegetable crops require different production methods, advisors offer assistance in the entire production process which includes the sowing, planting and harvesting of seed. Assistance with water scheduling, harvesting and post-harvesting control, as well as weed, disease and pest control is also given by the technical advisory team at KLEIN KAROO SEED PRODUCTION. Producers who already grow seed for KLEIN KAROO Seed Production testify to excellent service and a professional approach to seed production. Crops well-suited to seed production KLEIN KAROO SEED PRODUCTION particularly focuses on the growing of onions, spring onions, leeks, beetroot, carrots, radishes and lucern for seed purposes. All vegetable mother seed is provided free of charge to selected producers for increasing the seed according to an agreed contract. Economic sanctification In proportion to the crop being planted and yields achieved by the producer, net profits of as much as R40 000 to R120 000 per hectare can be realised. KLEIN KAROO Seed Production offers an informative day for seed growers in Oudtshoorn on 6 August 2009. The sustainability of vegetable seed production will be discussed. All farmers interested in attending this event are most welcome to do so. Contact Ellen Smith at 044 203 5259 or e-mail her at esmith@kleinkaroo.com for more information. Media enquiries:
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