The 2025 SASRI Modular Course in Sugarcane Agriculture concluded in Malelane this October, marking the successful completion of another year of practical grower training.
Hosted and presented by SASRI specialists, the course ran from April to October 2025. The modular format has proven to be a highly effective way of transferring knowledge to growers who may not be able to attend the full-time Senior Certificate Course.
SASRI’s Extension Specialist Jan Erasmus, Crop Scientist Dr Natalie Hoffman and Crop Scientist- Digital Agriculture Dr Nitesh Poona at the Modular Course in Malelane.
About the Modular Course
SASRI’s modular courses are designed to make specialist agricultural training more accessible to levy-paying growers. Courses are held locally within extension areas and spread over a ten-month period, with one subject presented each month. This flexible format allows growers to learn at a manageable pace while engaging directly with SASRI experts on key topics relevant to their region. Each course is customised to local priorities, ensuring that the material addresses the specific challenges faced by growers in that area.
At the end of the course, participants receive a certificate of attendance, recognising their commitment to continuous learning and the improvement of farming practices.
Typical subjects covered in the modular programme include soils, weed control, harvesting, management, sustainability, farm planning, varieties, husbandry, and pest and disease management.
The 2025 Malelane Modular Course included the following topics: ripeners and cane quality, soils, breeding and varieties, husbandry and controlled traffic, pests, diseases and seedcane, agrochemicals and sustainability, irrigation and scheduling, and digital agriculture.
Growers who are interested in attending future courses are encouraged to contact your local Extension Specialist for more information.