Hailstorm in the Rietvlei area destroys crops in a matter of minutes
Local farmer, Augustine Nemasisi, fears that some of the farmers may not recover from their losses.
LIMPOPO – Farmers from the Rietvlei area outside Louis Trichardt, suffered severe damage after a hailstorm hit the area on the afternoon of November 4, destroying the greater part of their vegetable crops within a matter of minutes.
Local farmer, Augustine Nemasisi, fears that some of the farmers may not recover from their losses.
“Rainfall is a double-edged sword. We need the rain, but too much of it affects farming and causes damage to infrastructure and crops. I don’t expect a complete shortage of food but there will be higher prices for fresh produce.” Nemasisi farms with butternut and cabbage.
He says that they were just about to harvest when the storm broke out. His estimated damage amounted to about R400 000. “Most of my vegetables were damaged and others may suffer diseases.
The storm damage will not only have a negative effect on our farmers but will also have a severe impact on the entire region’s economy.
“We are going to need the government to help us with funding so that we are able to continue our operations,” he said.
Another farmer, Faith Neshunzhi said she will not be able to harvest any vegetables this year as all of her crops were destroyed, leaving her with an estimated loss of R500 000.
Neshunzhi farms cabbage, spinach, kale and watermelon.
“I cannot plant anything due to the water damage. Everything is inaccessible, it’s a mess. I might be able to plant wheat, but I’m not sure what I will do. We are dealing with yet another concern that will only increase the number of poverty and unemployment as many farms will be forced to stop operating due to their losses,” she said.
