Land reform farms finally receive support

Many land reform farms properties are failing because farmers do not support one another and do not share their expertise in order to achieve a common goal, which is to feed the nation.

In an effort to support those running smallholdings the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Administration (Dardla) held a farmers’ day last Friday at Emjindini, which was was attended by various stakeholders from Land Bank, Grain South Africa and Komati Catchment Management Agency.

Abel Madonsela is one of the many dedicated farmers benefiting from the department’s initiatives aimed to support them. His project, called Riverside Key Farm, is located towards Nelspruit on the R40. Madonsela, who has leased it since 2009, says he initially wanted to venture into tomato production.

“Unfortunately the cost was too high – we needed a budget of R8,5 million as start-up. We have since submitted a loan application to the National Development Agency for funding.”

He says they are currently producing maize, the harvest of which is transport to a depot in Carolina for mealie-meal production. He also keeps pigs and cows and is considering chickens.

Madonsela says his project is looking good and he expects great results because of the support of Dardla. He encourages farmers to cooperate despite the challenges, in order to achieve the common goal, which is to feed the province and the nation.

“Many projects fail because we are not interested in our neighbours. In order to succeed and make a difference let us assist one another, share experiences, knowledge, skills and resources,” said Madonsela.

He adds that the challenges facing many projects is the theft of crops. Despite the problems he has encountered, he says he is optimistic and expects a good harvest.