High demand calls for supply from young female Limpopo farmer

LIMPOPO – Her passion to succeed in a male-dominated industry such as farming has paid off dividends for Lufuno Raselabe.

Raselabe who farms watermelon, cabbage, butternut, tomatoes, spinach, peppers and onions on a six-hectare farm in Waterpoort outside Makhado in Vhembe, said the high demand for fresh vegetables in her area is another reason she decided to become a supplier.

She currently supplies local markets and residents.

From Phadzima village, she has loved farming since a young age but only really became interested in how she could start farm until 2020 durin ghte Covid-19 pandemic when she started a backyard garden.

“I did my research on what I would love to farm and looked for space to do so.”

Raselabe holds a diploma in information technology from Boston College.

She said growing up, “in primary school they used to teach us agriculture and how to make a small garden”.

“For me it is a dream come true, as being able to supply retailers with my vegetables is a big achievement to me. I know I am still a small-scale farmer but I am working on being one of the most reputable farmers in Limpopo,” she said.

Raselabe plans to invest in good quality tractors and equipment, build an office and increase the production of sugarcane and citrus crops to enable more people to be employed.

She said she is a true example that disadvantaged women can also stand up and contribute to the economic development of their communities.

Despite her success, Raselabe said there are also setbacks that she faces daily. “Electricity costs for pumping water from the nearby river are very high. Pests like boll worms are hard to control, and dangerous if not managed. I spend a lot of money to make sure that these pests do not cause harm to my products. But all these challenges do not deter my determination as farming runs in my blood,” she said.

She told CV she wants to see herself grooming young aspiring farmers.

“I am motivated by the demand from my clients and the feedback I get from customers coming to buy. I am a crop farmer, and I focus on growing vegetables for the community to eat. I love seeing people buy my products, it makes me just want to work harder,” she said.

She further said her goal is to have a multi-disciplinary agricultural company, and more land.

“I want to provide food security to people, provide jobs, and create a better life for the community. Being a farmer came with many challenges but a farm’s biggest client remains the villagers, as well as retailers who buy in bulk. This is not the easiest sector to be a part of, but all my hard work and determination are worth the reward.”

She encourages young women to strive towards their dreams, be active and take a hands-on approach to their work.