Food prices on the rise
The current drought will hit the pockets of already under-pressure consumers hard.
2016 saw record highs in summer grain prices as a result of the drought.The effects of the drought have been severely felt in the livestock sector, with massive losses recorded throughout the country.
The effects of the drought have been severely felt in the livestock sector, with massive losses recorded throughout the country.
Agriculture minister Senzeni Zokwana says the poorest consumers are the ones most affected by rising food prices.
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"The cost of a much smaller staple food basket consumed by poorest consumers has increased by almost 30% over the same period," he said.
Zokwana added that one of the reasons of the rising food prices is the fact that 60% of the wheat that South Africa uses is imported.
Zokwana says it's important to do more research on alternative ways for farmers to adapt to climate change in order to keep food prices affordable.
"One of the systems that I think should be implemented by farmers is the "drip-system" where it applies. It limits the amount of water that one can use," he said
The minister also urged farmers to look at the times when they irrigate their crops as this could make a significant difference.