It is expected that by 2050, the global population will peak at around nine billion, up from about 7,6 billion today. According to the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the amount of arable land available on a per- capita basis will decline steadily over the next few decades, from 0,218ha per person today to 0,181ha per person in 2050. In contrast, global demand for food is projected to increase by between 50% and 100%, due to the combined effects of a growing population and increasing demand for a more protein-rich diet by the world’s emerging middle class.
‘THE TERRA TRAC HALF-TRACK TRACTOR CONCEPT OFFERS A WEALTH OF FLEXIBILITY’
Meanwhile, farmers are also facing increased volatility in commodity prices and the cost of agricultural inputs. In order to produce enough food in a sustainable and profitable way, farmers will have little choice but to embrace new technology that can help increase crop yield per hectare, reduce production costs, and reduce the amount of inputs required, which will in turn improve soil health.
Fortunately, as was shown by the machinery and innovation from the 900 companies across the agricultural supply chain on display at this year’s Fieragricola in Verona, Italy, the latest equipment and technology from top manufacturers are designed to assist farmers increase productivity in a more sustainable way. More than 132 000 visitors from 20 countries attended the show, which took place from 29 January to 1 February.
MAKING TRACKS
This story is from the May 22 - 29, 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 May 22 - 29, 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
Africa goes from net carbon sink to source
New research shows Africa's impact on greenhouse gases and the need to focus on climate-smart agriculture
Ireland potato farmers unable to complete planting
Irish potato farmers have reported a delay in harvest and said that the UK might have to prepare for shortages of the produce. The shortfall is due to extreme wet weather during their planting season.
Zero-residue fresh produce a reality
Retail giants are calling for caution when using biologicals and chemical pesticides,
Big boost for mohair producers in Eastern Cape
A collaboration between the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) and the Mohair Empowerment Trust (MET) has resulted in a R1,4 million injection into four emerging Angora goat farming operations in the Eastern Cape.
KZN Youth Show at Roval Agricultural Exhibition
The KZN Youth Show will run from Friday, 24 May to Sunday, 26 May at the Royal Showgrounds in Pietermaritzburg.
Hemp permits and irrigation system handed over
In an effort to fast-track the entry of rural farmers into the cannabis and hemp industries, KwaZuluNatal Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Super Zuma, visited the Shukasibheme Project in Mbazwana, a co-operative in Mseleni, uMhlabuyalingana in the Umkhanyakude District, to hand over cannabis and hemp permits as well as a borehole and irrigation system.
Meet some of the heroes behind avitourism destinations
Exploring what the Garden Route offers birdwatchers, Brian Berkman discovers some special people who run hospitable places to meet and see a variety of species.
What the Citrus Academy offers aspiring producers
Cobus du Plessis takes a look at the Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa's Citrus Academy and how it is helping to develop aspiring farmers in the sector.
Natural-born killers of the insect world
The Myrmeleontidae family of lacewings from the Neuroptera order of insects consists of about 2 000 species of which 125 are found in South Africa.
Seeder kick-starts vegetation in challenging environments
Dr George Craven of Noorspoort, Steytlerville, in the south-eastern Karoo, is successfully using a home-built 'bedstead seeder' to re-establish veld plants in an arid area, writes Roelof Bezuidenhout.