The Western Cape has undertaken what it calls “pioneering research” into conservation agriculture as it prepares for a future in which climate change is a reality.
New techniques involve minimal soil disturbance, crop diversity and permanent soil cover, according to Minister of Economic Opportunities, Alan Winde.
He said the province’s Smart Agri plan aimed to outline potential responses to potential shocks like drought in the future.
“We’ve also developed Fruit Look as a tool for our crop farmers, which allows them to access satellite images, and soon, drone-gathered imaging, to determine which crops need irrigation and when, resulting in much smarter use of water.”
