Agricultural Supplies: Seeds, Feeds, and Fertilizers

To support food security and emerging farmers, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) procures vast quantities of agricultural inputs.

1. Seeds and Seedlings

• Certified Seed: Must meet the Plant Improvement Act standards.
• Variety: Specific cultivars for specific regions (e.g., drought-resistant maize for North West).
• Timing: Critical. Delivering seeds 2 weeks late (after the rain/planting window) destroys the crop.

2. Animal Feeds

• Act 36 of 1947: Feeds/Fertilizers must be registered under this Act.
• Types: Licks, eclipse pellets, drought relief fodder (lucerne/hay).
• Quality: Aflatoxin-free. Poor feed kills livestock.

3. Fertilizers and Chemicals

• Chemicals: Herbicides and pesticides. Suppliers often need AVCASA accreditation or similar to handle dangerous agrochemicals.
• Fertilizer: NPK ratios must be exact as per soil analysis.

4. Implements and Tools

• Mechanization: Tractors (often local content), ploughs.
• Hand Tools: Hoes, spades, knapsack sprayers.

Conclusion

This sector is seasonal. You need to be ready to move huge volumes (truckloads of fertilizer) in short windows to coincide with planting seasons.