A hardy plant and thick-skinned fruit are two of the characteristics that make brinjals a relatively fuss-free crop to produce. “There are no production challenges. It’s a willing grower,” says Theuns Kotzee, one of the directors of AAL Boerdery in Trichardtsdal, Limpopo.
Kotzee runs the farm in partnership with his brothers-in-law Sybrand van Jaarsveld and Louis Lategan. Production comprises papayas, jam tomatoes, peppers and brinjals, with cabbage and butternuts gradually being added to the mix.
Kotzee says that having brinjals adds an element of stability to their operation. “You can depend on a brinjal; it won’t really drop you. But because market expansion is limited, brinjal needs to form part of a larger basket of products that you deliver to the market.”
AAL Boerdery has been cultivating brinjals for about 20 years, testimony to the dependability of the crop.
“We have an affinity for brinjals. Our family eats lots of them and there are few meals where brinjals don’t feature,” says Kotzee.
GROWING CONDITIONS
Trichardtsdal’s high temperatures are well suited to brinjal production. Kotzee recalls the mercury reaching 46°C without affecting the crop. Low temperatures, too, have little effect; in winter the minimum temperature falls as low as 0°C without causing problems. All this enables AAL Boerdery to produce brinjals throughout the year.
The crop is grown on 6ha, with an annual yield of between 100t and 120t. Four to five workers per hectare are required.
This story is from the August 21, 2020 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 21, 2020 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Care of newborn lambs and goat kids
It may be a relatively simple task to successfully get rams to mate and for females to give birth, but the first couple of weeks of the life of a lamb or kid is a crucial period in livestock farming.
Don't ignore ChatGPT for one more day
If you are not using the free artificial intelligence app you’re missing out on assistance from the most potent personal assistant you could ever have.
Afternoon tea at the famous Mount Nelson
Brian Berkman says there’s not much to beat afternoon drinks and snacks served in the gardens at the newly refurbished Mount Nelson.
Starting a small-farm vegetable project: Part 4
Bill Kerr says that increasing the organic and microbe content of your soil is the first step to ensuring healthier crops and greater yields.
Luxurious and powerful workhorse at a great price
The new JAC T9 is certainly great value for money by offering features and driver comforts that compare with brands twice its retail price.
Are there solutions to antibiotic resistance, or are we running out of time to find new antibiotics?
Free State regional sales manager for Alltech, discusses how farmers can mitigate the use of antibiotics in cattle.
Dream stud Merinos
This stud was winning awards and attracting top prices, thanks to a quality sire imported from Australia eight years ago.
Choosing a breed that goes along with your lifestyle
Jarred Hodgson gives farmers advice on choosing the dog breed best suited to them, their families and operations. Although only four specific breeds are highlighted here, other breeds can also be considered.
Wheat production in South Africa
Master’s in Integrated Pest Management candidate at North-West University Zunel van Eeden explores the increasing importance of wheat production and the challenges experienced on the way to harvest time.
Sorghum essential for South Africa
Magda du Toit discusses Grain SA’s focus on sorghum as an important grain crop to cultivate, research and develop further in the country.