The effects of the load shedding instituted by Eskom are felt in many spheres of the economy and the agriculture sector is not spared as AgriSA requested an urgent intervention.
AgriSA says the power utility, Eskom has to find immediate measures to ease the financial burden and losses which hit the sector.
In a statement, AgriSA says it has requested an urgent meeting with Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter to discuss the outlook for load shedding in the country, ahead of the summer crop planting season.
The federation of agricultural organisations says it fears the current state of energy supply in the country – should it continue at this level – will have harsh implications for local food production.
“The greatest threat of load shedding is to the country’s food security, as crops fail for lack of irrigation or farmers plant less for fear of losses,” Agri SA said in a statement according to MoneyWeb.
“The country will only experience the consequences of load shedding in the future, as the produce anticipated from this summer’s crop fails to materialise. The result will be food shortages and high prices.
“Blackouts also disrupt cooling and packing with ramifications for food quality, and they pose a health hazard for humans and animals alike, as they disrupt access to clean water for consumption and stop wastewater treatment.”
Despite noting the effort by the embattled power supplier, Eskom to stabilise the power grid, the industry says it needs a more detailed longer-term plan to help it plan for the approaching season.
Furthermore, the agricultural body says many businesses suffering from Eskom’s load shedding, resorted to diesel-powered generators, driving operational costs through the roof in most cases.
“Electricity is a key agricultural input. According to the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development (DALRRD) statistics, the agricultural sector spent approximately R9 billion on electricity in 2021,” Agri SA said.
“This is more than 7% of the sector’s expenditure on intermediate goods and services. A reliable power supply is especially critical for the sector’s irrigation and water treatment.”
As things stand, the country is battling Stage 6 and now Stage 5 load shedding because Eskom is experiencing several generation unit breakdowns at various power stations.
Main Image: SA Farm/Farmers Weekly
