Farming couple reaping the rewards at Dube AgriZone

A young farming couple welcomed their first crop harvest at the Dube AgriZone recently.

“We have seen some amazing results,” said Knox Nxumalo, who, together with his wife Lindiwe, owns and operates McFair Holdings.

With a background in commerce, they started operations in KwDukuza, where they ran a business consulting practice working with agricultural cooperatives as well as other businesses outside the agricultural sector.

The operations within Dube TradePort are their first venture into intensive growing, which began in May this year. The couple have got two greenhouses of two hectares each, and employ 42 people. They grow peppers and tomatoes.

The Nxumalos are already gearing to scale up their operations, with the aim of developing their own vegetable brand and ultimately exporting their produce.

“We are looking at getting into frozen vegetables a couple of months down the line,” said Knox Nxumalo, whose father was an agricultural specialist.

“Farming has always been a part of us,” said Knox, whose wife Lindiwe also comes from a farming background.

Knox believes the future of farming in South Africa is bright, if we continue to invest in our youth.

“The more young people we allow to come into this space, the better for our future and our country,” he said, emphasising the need to focus on the quality of our products. He says that the technology of the AgriZone has a huge impact on quality.

Dube AgriZone is host to the largest climate-controlled glass-covered growing area in Africa. It aims to stimulate the growth of KwaZulu-Natal’s perishables sector and offer the potential for improved agricultural yields, consistent quality, year-round production and improved management of disease and pests.

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