Small-scale farmers in Nelson Mandela’s village of Qunu have harvested tons of vegetables despite a spell of drought which deprived the area of much-needed water.
While tracts of land in the area lie fallow, parched and unwelcoming, the 15 farmers who earlier this year were given seedlings by the Eastern Cape department of rural development and agrarian reform made great use of the opportunity and are now producing vegetables which they sell to a local supermarket.
During yesterday’s harvest, the farmers were joined by MEC Mlibo Qoboshiyane, who encouraged farming saying it would help alleviate poverty.
One of the farmers who benefited from the department is Koko Nkunzi, who said despite water shortages and the lack of a proper irrigation system his garden was able to produce healthy crops of spinach, cabbage, beetroot and onions.
This is his second harvest, which he sells to fellow villagers and local Spar supermarkets in Mthatha.
He said food prices are always increasing and it was a slight relief to know that they did not have to spend money on vegetables as well.
“You know seeing the produce now, I feel like I should have started years ago.
“Can you imagine how this garden would be looking now?
“Our stomachs are full and we are confident that we are going to make this project sustainable,” he said.
He supplies Spar with 150 heads of spinach, cabbage and beetroot three times a week. These cost between R7 and R10.
Nkunzi works with three other men on the one-hectare garden.
Another farmer, Nothemba Barhaza, said she had no other source of income and was keen to learn even more about distribution channels that were available.
“My produce is popular and the community supports me, they always compliment my crops saying they are fresh and healthy. I would like to encourage more women to get involved in farming but people need to be patient and determined, because it takes a while before you can harvest,” said Barhaza.
Qoboshiyane said farming had the potential for commercial success and could turn things around for those households that found themselves struggling with unemployment or poverty.
Spar’s Jessica Venter said buying locally meant they were not only saving on transportation costs but were also guaranteed to give their customers the best in fresh produce.
Qoboshiyane also handed over tractors to the KSD vegetable cooperative and Intshiqo Farming from Mhlontlo. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
Qunu’s farmers beat drought to produce fine crops
While tracts of land in the area lie fallow, parched and unwelcoming, the 15 farmers who earlier this year were given seedlings by the Eastern Cape department of rural development and agrarian reform made great use of the opportunity and are now producing vegetables which they sell to a local supermarket.
During yesterday’s harvest, the farmers were joined by MEC Mlibo Qoboshiyane, who encouraged farming saying it would help alleviate poverty.
One of the farmers who benefited from the department is Koko Nkunzi, who said despite water shortages and the lack of a proper irrigation system his garden was able to produce healthy crops of spinach, cabbage, beetroot and onions.
This is his second harvest, which he sells to fellow villagers and local Spar supermarkets in Mthatha.
He said food prices are always increasing and it was a slight relief to know that they did not have to spend money on vegetables as well.
“You know seeing the produce now, I feel like I should have started years ago.
“Can you imagine how this garden would be looking now?
“Our stomachs are full and we are confident that we are going to make this project sustainable,” he said.
He supplies Spar with 150 heads of spinach, cabbage and beetroot three times a week. These cost between R7 and R10.
Nkunzi works with three other men on the one-hectare garden.
Another farmer, Nothemba Barhaza, said she had no other source of income and was keen to learn even more about distribution channels that were available.
“My produce is popular and the community supports me, they always compliment my crops saying they are fresh and healthy. I would like to encourage more women to get involved in farming but people need to be patient and determined, because it takes a while before you can harvest,” said Barhaza.
Qoboshiyane said farming had the potential for commercial success and could turn things around for those households that found themselves struggling with unemployment or poverty.
Spar’s Jessica Venter said buying locally meant they were not only saving on transportation costs but were also guaranteed to give their customers the best in fresh produce.
Qoboshiyane also handed over tractors to the KSD vegetable cooperative and Intshiqo Farming from Mhlontlo. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
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