Build dams and trade with India

THE recent visit by India’s prime minster Narendra Modi and his entourage should be welcomed by South Africa .

Over and above the various trade agreements signed, Modi made it clear that relations between these two long-time allies are a case of give and take. This indicates that there are many opportunities for South Africans to do business with India, creating much-needed jobs.

It seems this is not the case with China, which is interested only in exploiting resources in Africa to its own benefit.

For instance, India’s winter is South Africa’s summer. India’s winter is harsh, especially for the farmers, who battle to produce crops. The Monsoon rains also create havoc, with loss of lives and destruction of crops.

Lentils form a key component of Indians’ staple diet, so this is an opportunity for our farmers to produce crops like beans and peas and export to India.

Unfortunately the current drought does not help this niche market. It was recently reported that up to 2 000 commercial farmers are thinking of selling their farms because of it.

The South African government needs to do much more to assist all farmers to overcome the drought. I heard a government minister once saying that there was no reason for our rivers to flow into the sea.

What we need is speedy action by government to build more dams and irrigation systems to prevent wastage of water, thereby retaining healthy dam levels. The recent torrential downpours speaks for themselves, when millions of litres of fresh water end up in the sea.

Most countries throughout the world take measures to protect their agricultural industries, which ensures food security. Is this happening in South Africa? Me thinks not!