Responsible wastewater management: a crucial part of farming

The inadequate management of waste water is a challenge that the agriculture sector needs to deal with. Magda du Toit spoke to experts in waste and water management about a cost-effective treatment system.

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One could argue that water is the most valuable resource on the planet. Equally, one could propose that, with sustainability being one of the buzzwords of the current century, sustainable development remains one of the biggest challenges we are faced with as society’s impact on the environment is becoming increasingly evident.

The inadequate management of waste water is one of the challenges that the agriculture sector specifically needs to find solutions for.

Héliosec is an ideal and cost-effective tool for the management of waste water from equipment used in phytosanitary treatments and on-farm equipment like boom sprayers.

Héliosec is a French invention designed to contain and then concentrate pesticide waste for disposal using evaporation. This method minimises the risk of soil and water contamination in a safe, compliant and efficient manner.

As part of Syngenta Seedcare’s sustainability efforts, the company recently installed Héliosec treatment systems at four customer sites, namely SSK in Swellendam, Limagrain in Bethal, AST in Delmas, and ZAR Seed Production in Orkney, says Stefan van Zyl, Syngenta Seedcare business manager for South Africa.

“This system is a practical tool for our customers in the framework of responsible and sustainable agriculture, integrating waterprotection measures in agricultural practices.

“Seed companies needed a water management solution that is simple and cost effective for seed treatment effluent, and by partnering with Tandem Circular Consulting, we were able to address this need.

“At Syngenta, we bring innovation to farmers everywhere around the world. Our sustainability initiatives are implemented in collaboration with our partners Tandem Circular, experts in waste and water management,” he explains.