Farmers at Dingleydale Irrigation Scheme near Thulamahashe in Bushbuckridge have raised concerns about outstanding agricultural support and infrastructure repairs after heavy rains that damaged crops and farming infrastructure earlier this year.

The Mpumalanga MEC for agriculture, rural development, land and environmental affairs, Khethiwe Moeketsi, visited the scheme on Thursday, October 15, to assess progress on commitments made after the disaster.

The MEC previously visited the project on February 17, after destructive January rains affected crops and damaged the irrigation canal, disrupting the farmers’ operations.

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During the initial visit, the department, working with the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, committed to assisting with the materials needed to repair the damaged canal.

During Thursday’s visit, farmers welcomed the follow-up engagement, which gave them an opportunity to raise concerns and seek updates on the outstanding support.

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Producers outline critical priorities
The farmers identified several priorities, including fencing about 1.7ha of farming land to protect crops from livestock damage and theft, additional production inputs, mechanisation support, completion of the canal repairs, improved access roads and better agricultural extension and advisory services.

Moeketsi acknowledged the challenges farmers face and the pressure caused by a shortage of agricultural extension officers across the country.
As part of the intervention, materials needed for the canal repairs had been delivered to a convenient location, with farmers expected to undertake the repair work using the supplied materials.

Boxes of the 701SC maize variety were also handed over to the scheme’s farmers. The department indicated that the farmers would additionally receive bags of 4:3:4 fertiliser and 600 bags of LAN 28% fertiliser.

The allocation of seeds will take into account the number of beneficiaries at the scheme and the specific maize variety cultivated by the farmers.

Department pledges ongoing monitoring

Commenting on the follow-up visit, Moeketsi said the department was focused on monitoring commitments made to farmers after the disaster.

“Our visit to Dingleydale Irrigation Scheme is about following up on the commitments made to farmers after the heavy rains damaged their crops and infrastructure. We understand the challenges they continue to face, including the need to repair the irrigation canal and access additional production inputs,” she said.

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She added that the provision of agricultural inputs and materials for the canal repairs formed part of the support aimed at helping farmers resume and sustain their farming activities.

“We will continue engaging with the relevant stakeholders to address the outstanding needs raised by the farmers,” she said.

Market access opens in Mbombela

Moeketsi also encouraged farmers to register as suppliers with the Mpumalanga International Food Market in Mbombela, where registration was scheduled to open on Friday, October 16. The initiative could provide farmers with opportunities to supply produce and access broader markets.

“Supporting farmers is essential to strengthening agricultural production and improving their opportunities for growth,” she said.