3 minutes with...

DR ABONGILE BALARANE

General manager of the Egg Organisation of the South African Poultry Association

If you were given R30 million to invest in agriculture, either in new or existing farming activities or in the agriculture value chain, how would you spend it?

Assuming that I’m an egg producer with hopes of expanding my farming enterprise, I would use this money to invest in market research and to ensure that the necessary licences were acquired.

I would also buy a piece of land to start producing yellow maize and processing it into feed for my primary enterprise, the layers.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

The best advice I have ever been given is to always believe in myself and have faith in myself.

If you were given carte blanche to effect one major change in South Africa tomorrow, how would you use this power?

I would make sure the right environment was in place so that the farming community could continue to do what it does best for the South African population, which is to produce food.

I’d also strive to settle some of the challenges faced by farmers, such as access to agricultural finance, markets, land and water. I would also give special attention to promoting farm security.

What is the one thing that the national COVID-19 lockdown has taught you not to take for granted?

The Level 5 lockdown taught me to appreciate the efforts of those who invest their time and money, and take financial risk, to ensure that they continue to produce good food for us. It was humbling to be made aware that without food, we’re without life.

What is your favourite South African dish?

That’s easy! My favourite dish is hot pap with tomato gravy and a piece of wors and steak, accompanied by a glass of fine South African red wine.