Citrus and avocado exports are likely to suffer under the latest water restrictions in South Africa. The Department of Water and Sanitation has gazetted further water consumption restrictions in the Western Cape and Limpopo.
Willem van Jaarsveld, the chief of Agri Limpopo, said farmers in the area were extremely worried, especially about the citrus production.
“We are the biggest citrus producer in South Africa. We’re worried about it because the orchards are flowering, meaning the fruit is in the process of growing.
“It is a crucial time in the life of a citrus tree, or any tree produce. There must be enough water to keep up the healthy growth of the producing tree,” he said.
Restrictions had been placed on a number of water supply systems and dams in Limpopo, with more stringent restrictions for mining and irrigation usage.
Van Jaarsveld was also concerned about the province’s avocado, macadamia nut, mango and vegetable production.
