South Africa is one of the leading sugarcane-producing countries in Africa, with a well-established sugar industry. Sugarcane farmers require access to high-quality seedcane to ensure optimal yields and long-term productivity. In this article, we will explore some of the major seed suppliers in South Africa that provide sugarcane seedcane (setts) to farmers, offering the foundation for a successful sugarcane crop.
1. South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI)
SASRI is the primary research body in South Africa responsible for developing sugarcane varieties that are disease-resistant, high-yielding, and suitable for the country’s diverse climatic regions. SASRI plays a key role in providing sugarcane seed to farmers and assisting them in implementing best practices for sugarcane farming.
Services and Varieties Offered:
- SASRI develops a wide range of high-performance sugarcane varieties that are suitable for different regions of South Africa, including areas prone to drought or specific diseases.
- They provide seedcane certified for disease resistance to pests and common sugarcane diseases such as smut and mosaic virus.
- Farmers can access technical support, training, and workshops from SASRI’s network of agronomists and researchers.
Contact Details:
- Website: sasri.org.za
- Location: Mount Edgecombe, KwaZulu-Natal
2. Tongaat Hulett
As one of the major players in the sugar industry, Tongaat Hulett supplies certified seedcane through its agricultural division. The company has been in operation for more than a century and has vast experience in sugarcane production and research.
Services and Varieties Offered:
- Seedcane Supply: Tongaat Hulett’s seedcane is known for its high yield and adaptability to different growing conditions, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.
- Farmers working with Tongaat Hulett benefit from technical support, advice on the selection of varieties, and assistance in pest and disease management.
- The company also focuses on sustainable farming practices, offering support to farmers to increase productivity while preserving soil health and water resources.
Contact Details:
- Website: tongaat.com
- Location: Tongaat, KwaZulu-Natal
3. Illovo Sugar South Africa
Illovo Sugar is another major supplier of sugarcane in South Africa, involved in both sugarcane farming and milling. The company works with farmers across several provinces, providing sugarcane seed that is suited for commercial production.
Services and Varieties Offered:
- Illovo Sugar offers a wide range of sugarcane varieties developed for high sucrose content and tolerance to various environmental conditions.
- They operate several seedcane nurseries where farmers can purchase certified seedcane.
- Illovo also provides comprehensive agronomic support, assisting farmers with fertilization, irrigation, and pest control to maximize sugarcane yields.
Contact Details:
- Website: illovosugarafrica.com
- Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
4. RCL Foods Sugar and Milling
RCL Foods, through its sugar and milling division, is a significant player in South Africa’s sugar industry. RCL Foods supplies sugarcane seed to both large-scale commercial farms and smallholder farmers, focusing on high-quality, disease-resistant varieties.
Services and Varieties Offered:
- RCL Foods offers certified seedcane developed in conjunction with SASRI, ensuring that farmers receive seed with a proven track record for high yield and resilience.
- The company also provides extension services, offering advice on land preparation, pest management, and water use efficiency to ensure high productivity.
- Their team works closely with sugarcane growers to improve crop management practices, ensuring sustainable farming and long-term viability.
Contact Details:
- Website: rclfoods.com
- Location: Malelane, Mpumalanga
5. Noodsberg Seedcane Growers Cooperative
The Noodsberg Seedcane Growers Cooperative is an independent organization providing seedcane to sugarcane farmers, primarily in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. The cooperative’s main goal is to supply certified, high-quality seedcane to support local farmers in improving their yields and profitability.
Services and Varieties Offered:
- The cooperative provides disease-free seedcane developed by SASRI, ensuring farmers have access to seed that meets industry standards.
- They focus on distributing regional varieties that are suitable for the Midlands area, known for its specific climatic and soil conditions.
- As a cooperative, Noodsberg emphasizes community-based farming support, offering farmers access to shared knowledge, machinery, and resources.
Contact Details:
- Location: Noodsberg, KwaZulu-Natal
6. Private Seedcane Nurseries
Across South Africa, there are also private nurseries that supply certified sugarcane seed. These nurseries work closely with SASRI to ensure the seedcane they produce meets quality standards and is free from disease. Private nurseries are often located near major sugarcane-producing regions such as KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and the Eastern Cape.
Services and Varieties Offered:
- These nurseries provide a variety of certified seedcane, often specializing in varieties suited for local conditions.
- Many offer custom orders for large-scale farmers and can provide technical support for land preparation, planting, and pest management.
- Some nurseries also offer seedcane delivery services to farms, streamlining the procurement process for farmers.
Contact Details:
- Farmers should inquire with their local sugarcane mill or SASRI to find reputable private nurseries in their region.
7. Smallholder Farmers’ Seed Programs
Many smallholder farmers in regions like Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal participate in seedcane programs aimed at improving access to high-quality seed for smaller operations. These programs, often supported by larger sugar producers like Tongaat Hulett and Illovo, work to develop local seedcane nurseries that supply certified seed to smallholder farmers at reduced costs.
Services and Varieties Offered:
- Smallholder programs focus on providing disease-free seedcane to boost yields and ensure long-term sustainability.
- Farmers receive training on seedcane propagation and management techniques.
- These programs often include capacity-building workshops, helping small-scale farmers implement better irrigation, pest control, and harvest practices.
Contact Details:
- Farmers interested in these programs can reach out to their nearest sugar mill or consult with SASRI for more information.
Access to high-quality, certified sugarcane seed is crucial for the success of sugarcane farmers in South Africa. Whether you are a large-scale commercial farmer or a smallholder, there are various suppliers and support programs available to meet your seedcane needs. The South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI) remains a key player in seedcane development, while companies like Tongaat Hulett, Illovo Sugar, and RCL Foods provide additional options with extensive support services. By selecting the right supplier and using certified seedcane, you can ensure a strong, healthy crop with high yields, contributing to the long-term success of your sugarcane farming operation.
