Impact of Cape storm on agriculture: 'Rain damage pays its own costs'
The Western Cape is having a particularly wet winter, a positive for the agricultural sector.
Picture: Pexels
Africa Melane speaks with Jannie Strydom, CEO of AgriSA Western Cape.
Listen below.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a series of severe weather warnings for parts of the country.
While the storms have been damaging, there have been some positives for the agriculture sector.
ALSO READ:
A tale of two departments: Splitting agriculture and land reform
Drones a game changer on SA’s farms
According to Strydom, the major catchment systems in the Western Cape are steadily filling, which is extremely important to prepare for summer.
While some agricultural infrastructure has been impacted, he says they are still grateful for the rain for the most part.
“An older farmer once told me that rain damage pays its own costs.”
- Jannie Strydom, CEO - AgriSA Western Cape
“We just hope there is not too much damage to the land itself.”
- Jannie Strydom, CEO - AgriSA Western Cape
If the rain continues, the greatest risks to agriculture would be flooding in low-lying areas or loss of power supply.
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.