The South African berry industry exports berries to the value of around R3 billion annually. Blueberries are one of the berries in high demand. Every year, blueberry farmers record higher levels of production, but every year the supply still seems to come up short. At the same time the price of blueberries is decreasing after hitting a peak a few years ago. Farmers now need to optimize every input and hectare to ensure sustainability.
Growers therefore, need to carefully consider their rates and methods of application. One such grower is Anlo Farming & Investment, based in Mokopane in the Limpopo province. The farm supplies blueberries to the export market. Not only is a certain quality expected of export fruit, but it is also expected to reach the market at a precise time, in order to get to the end user in optimal condition. If not, the business faces claims on expired fruit which comes with negative financial and reputational repercussions.
Theo Lombard, manager of the farm, knew irrigation had to be their first consideration. “With the amount of attention that the blueberries required, we needed a custom designed, automated irrigation solution,” says Lombard.
Source: engineeringnews.co.za