Official distributor of Uralchem and Uralkali
mineral fertilizers in Africa
South Africa is the world's tenth largest producer of sugar and sunflower seeds. South Africa has what is known as a dual agricultural economy. On the one hand, there is a well-developed commercial sector; on the other hand, the majority of people engaged in agriculture are involved in subsistence-oriented practices in rural areas. In the predominantly white-controlled commercial sector, applied research and improved farm management have nearly doubled agricultural production during the past 30 years. Currently, South Africa is not only self sufficient in virtually all major agricultural products but in a normal year is also a net food exporter, making it 1 of 6 countries in the world capable of exporting food on a regular basis. Because South Africa's summer harvest season coincides with winter in the Northern Hemisphere, the country is well positioned to supply agricultural goods to a number of wealthy countries in the more developed world. The share of employment in agriculture is 5.55 %. The South African agriculture sector is one of the mainstays of the country’s economy and offers several opportunities for both large commercial and emerging farmers in areas, such as capital investment, training, and supply of equipment and services.
South Africa has a lovely, temperate climate with plenty of sunny, dry days. The main factors influencing conditions are altitude and the surrounding oceans. Temperatures drop by about 6°C for every 1,000m you climb (or 3.5°F per 1,000ft). The east coast is on the Indian Ocean, which has a warm current. The west coast is on the Atlantic Ocean with a cold current.
Dry season – May to September – Winter
There is virtually no rainfall during the whole winter and humidity is very low.
Wet season – October to April – Summer
The summer rains are usually afternoon storms, and it can be uncomfortably hot on the Indian Ocean coast, with temperatures up to 30°C/86°F and high humidity. At this time, it is unbearably hot in the Kalahari Desert area where temperatures can climb up to 40°C/ 104°F.
South Africa is one of the world’s largest producers of chicory root, grapes, maize, castor oil seed, pear, fiber crops, and sisal. Maize contributes to 36% of gross value of the South African field crops. Maize contributes to 36% of gross value of the South African field crops, followed by wheat and, on a lesser scale, sugar cane and sunflowers. 12.1% of agricultural households be supported by state. South Africa's wine and spirits industry is one of the most developed in the world.
