Agri-economist believes better harvests to come, likely to give economy lifeline

JOHANNESBURG – Agri-economist Wandile Sihlobo believes better harvests in the coming months are likely to give the economy another lifeline, after the sector’s positive performance in the first quarter.

The economy grew by 0.1% in the first three months of the year, beating expectations of a flatline or a decline.

While persistent challenges in mining and manufacturing hindered growth, agriculture was the best-performing sector in the period under review.

The Agricultural Business Chamber’s Sihlobo said this was mostly thanks to horticulture, while a recovery in grain harvests will add to a better year for agriculture.

"The big thing about agriculture in the first quarter is always horticulture – nice fruits that we harvest in that quarter, and some then of course go into exports. One could make an argument for poultry making a recovery in the first quarter. But generally, a better year for agriculture and the outlook is looking great."

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