07/09/2021 | South Africa

Agriculture in South Africa has a vital role to play in the national economy. The government, together with the private sector, will develop a plan to allow the growth of agriculture. Among the products with significant growth potential: the kiwi

 

The kiwifruit sector in South Africa is small, around 200 hectares cultivated in the Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape regions. The production made it possible to export approximately 564 tons of kiwifruit in 2020 for a value of 23 million ZAR (1.6 million USD). South Africa is a small player in the global market, compared to industry giants like China, New Zealand and Italy, which produce around 75% of global production.

 

But the kiwi has significant expansion potential. Much of South Africa's kiwifruit production ripens earlier than in New Zealand, giving domestic producers earlier access to the world market. Another advantage: South Africa is closer to the European Union than New Zealand.

 

These assets added to the know-how of South African producers and the efficiency of the entire supply chain could allow kiwifruit to experience the same expansion and success that blueberries have experienced in the country.

 

 

The government plan under preparation will include several axes which aim to allow the growth of the sector. Among these axes: improvements of infrastructure such as roads, modernization of irrigation facilities, reforms of regulations and land policies.

 

 

The products identified as having a growth potential are citrus fruits, wine grapes and kiwi.

 

source : businesslive.co.za