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/ RESEARCH, TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

                             UPDATE ON



                   COTTON SKILLS


           TRAINING COURSES





                                     by David Mtsweni, Cotton SA
 UPDATE ON SMALLHOLDER   A cotton skills training course for the 2019/20   Although farmers often find it difficult to attend

 COTTON FARMERS  season was presented from 11 to 15 November   due to time constraints and other obligations,
                                                   the hope is that the effort put in by the trainer,
        2019 at the Taung Hotel School and Convention
        Centre. The module that was presented covered   together with support from the industry, will
        financial management and planning, which   encourage more persons to attend future courses.
        could not take place earlier due to unforeseen   The course is designed to include illiterate
        circumstances.                             learners, less academically inclined learners, as
           This module followed the initial module that   well as academically strong learners. Every effort
        was presented on land preparation and planting.   is made to accommodate everybody.
        The next module to be presented from 27 to   These training programmes are accredited
        31 January 2020 will deal with integrated pest   AgriSETA skills programmes, funded this year by
        management and mid-season pests.           Cotton SA, and coordinated and presented by
           A total of 16 farmers attended the course,   David Mtsweni, Cotton SA’s training coordinator,
        which is not ideal since it is an opportunity for   trainer and assessor.
        around 30 to 40 farmers to get trained in cotton
        production. Attendance was coordinated by
        GWK and included thirteen males and one female.       “  The next
        These learners are involved in a project where
        10 hectares were planted under irrigation by 140     module to be
        farmers. Two other farmers from Vaalharts also   presented from 27 to
        attended the courses, each planting 150 hectares
        under irrigation. Farmers enjoyed the training and   31 January 2020 will
        found the information useful.                   deal with integrated

                                                          pest management
                                                           and mid-season
                                                                 pests.”












            Cotton farmers from across the country attending a cotton skills training course at the Taung Hotel School.

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