By Maphuti Mongatane
To maximise both productivity and profitability, farmers need to take a calculated, business-driven approach when selecting seed varieties, especially for crops such as sunflowers. This was the key message from Caiphas Muyambo at a recent workshop on financial and production matters, hosted by African Farming in Marble Hall, Limpopo. Caiphas, a seasoned Pannar Seed agent and managing director of Seedlink, shared practical insights aimed at helping farmers make informed, strategic decisions.
“Before you put any seed into the soil, you must know why you are planting it, what you expect from it, and how it will contribute to your business goals,” he said.
He likened seed selection to going to the doctor: “When you visit a doctor, you don’t just walk away without understanding your diagnosis and treatment. Likewise, don’t go into planting without understanding your soil, your needs and your environment.”
That’s why soil testing is so important. Caiphas warned that planting without first understanding the nutritional profile of your soil could lead to wasting money on a seed variety that is not suited to local conditions.
Farming is a business
Caiphas stressed the importance of treating farming as a business: “Know your numbers. How many plants do you intend to plant per hectare? What is your target yield? What is the cost per kilogram? How do you factor this into your production budget?” He illustrated this with practical examples.
He also said a farmer should always ask the following questions: What is a certain seed variety’s resistance profile? How does its typically perform in my region? How does it respond to local weather conditions?
Avoid costly mistakes
Caiphas cautioned against expanding too quickly or without a clear strategy. “Do not expand for the sake of expanding. First reduce your costs, refine your production methods and understand your margins. Only then is growth sustainable.”
He spoke from experience, referencing lessons he learnt when running multiple businesses: “I’ve seen that in any business, clarity and attention to detail are what make the difference between profit and loss.”
In closing, he reminded farmers that when it came to selecting a hybrid variety, there is no one-size-fits-all solution: “Choose the right variety for your specific area. Don’t just buy seed because someone told you it’s good – test, compare, and make an informed choice. If you need advice, reach out. I am here to help.”
Key takeaways
- Always start by testing your soil.
- Know your planting density and target yield.
- Calculate the cost per hectare and factor it into your budget.
- Focus on improving efficiency before considering expansion.
- Select the right hybrid for your specific conditions – and seek expert advice when needed.
This valuable session served as a clear reminder: Farming is not guesswork, but a combination of science, business and strategy. Farmers who apply these principles are far more likely to build resilient, profitable enterprises.
More to read:
AFGRI’s vision for sustainable farmer development
Seeds of Success: Caiphas Muyambo’s work with South African farmers
Expert advice from Caiphas Muyambo, Pannar’s sales agent and farmer development manager
