Musina farmer counts R120k loss after floods
A Limpopo farm lost 80% of its crops in the recent floods, causing a three-month setback as the owner appeals for government relief.
LIMPOPO – Crop farmer Nzumbululo Tsanwani, founder of Bono Farms in Niani village near Musina, is counting heavy losses after two weeks of relentless rainfall caused extensive damage to his crops.
Across the region, rivers have burst their banks, dams are overflowing, and several roads and bridges have been washed away by flooding.
Tsanwani said the damage to his five-hectare farm is estimated at R120 000, with the Niani area among the hardest hit by flash floods. He told CV that he is still struggling to recover from the impact of the rains.
“The rain has badly affected farming operations,” he said. “Most of the crops are now showing signs of nitrogen deficiency because of waterlogging. I have lost thousands of rands.”
He added that continuous rainfall over the past week caused major losses, flooding his fields and destroying about 80% of his crops.
“The next step is to try to recover the 20% that is left so that we can pay our monthly expenses,” Tsanwani said. “At the same time, we have to replant the 80% that was damaged, which will take about three months before we can start harvesting again.”
Tsanwani said he has not yet received any communication from government officials regarding disaster relief funding to help affected farmers recover from the losses.
“If the government could come to our rescue and help us get back on our feet, it would really make a difference,” he said. “Many people are going to be left without employment because farms have been destroyed by the rain.”
