South African agricultural exports have increased

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development in South Africa is proud of the increase in the amount of its products that are sold in different countries of the world.

This happened despite the fact that South Africa and the world are facing problems caused by Covid-19 that has invaded the world.

The unstable financial situation in the world and in South Africa has not prevented South African farmers from producing food for the world market.

The Minister of this Department, Thoko Didiza, said that it is good news for her to hear that the farmers’ agricultural products are doing well in the world markets.

This increase in the number of products exported was observed in the second quarter of this fiscal year 2022.

“South Africa's agricultural products have increased by an average of 12%. That means it is R51 billion,” said Didiza.

Agriculture in the country is facing many problems including farm security, drought, government restrictions and delivery of these goods.

“Our exported products come from various types of agriculture and livestock, but the top exports are oranges, corn, apples and pears, among others,” boasted Didiza.

Grapes, figs, avocados, nuts, wheat, sheep and goat wool as well as sugar, are some of the top exports in the world.

“What makes us very happy is that we were able to sell in countries where it was difficult to sell, but we did not leave the African continent behind, we also sold our agricultural products in the continent,” said Didiza.

Asian countries lead the way in buying these products, followed by European countries, then England and America.

“We intend to expand our trade ties with countries including China, India, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, the Philippines and South Korea,” said Didiza.

She said this is because businesses in South Africa are showing great interest in these countries.

“We are determined to strengthen and expand the export of our products with all the countries we have relations with, at the same time we intend to maintain relations with those countries that have not yet started buying our products,” explained Didiza.

This increase in the exports has been greatly received by members of parliament and farmers as well.

“We always say that we cannot live without farmers in this country, we ask for cooperation and tolerance between farmers and government officials,” pleaded Didiza.

Recently, the government was forced to intervene to solve the problem of oranges exports that were not allowed to enter European countries, especially countries under the European Union. The emergence of an oral disease has recently affected the meat exports, especially beef. After government intervention, the cattle ban was lifted, and cattle was allowed to move but under strict conditions.