Communal farmers in Lusikisiki have benefited from various activities and educational programmes, such as animal branding, rural economic development, livestock production, opportunities available for SMMEs and capacity building on communal farming.
This comes after an information sharing session hosted by Ntinga O.R. Tambo Development Agency, with communal farmers in the area, on March 23.
As part of ensuring livestock improvement, communal farmers will also benefit from the heifer exchange programme and bull loaning.
The aim is to build sustainable communal farming and strengthen rural economic development while putting people on the pathway to a living income through agriculture.
Speaking during the programme, Ntinga chief executive, Loyiso Mbiko, emphasised that the agency was working tirelessly to invest in agriculture, ensuring food security and improving the value chain in the O.R. Tambo region and beyond.
“The entity is investing in communal farmers, based on the understanding that securing a source of income can be truly transformational in the rural communities of O.R. Tambo at large,” he said.
“As the entity, we are ready to work with all stakeholders in improving the economy of the district and the Eastern Cape. Ntinga has created a market (Umzikantu Red Meat Abattoir) for animal producers, where animal producers can sell their animals. Vegetable producers can sell their produce through Kei Fresh Produce Market (KFPM),” Mbiko added.
Mbiko further encouraged farmers to use Adam Kok farms to learn new farming techniques for crop and livestock production.
Due to high demand and the limited number of heifers available in the O.R. Tambo region, the heifer exchange programme will be rolled-out on a first-come-first-served approach.
“As the communal farmers in the Ingquza Hill Local Municipality area, we are happy that the government is tirelessly devising means to assist us and is establishing mechanisms to ensure revival of communal farming in our respective areas,” said Tembile Melani, speaking on behalf of communal farmers.
The South African Police Service stock theft unit advised farmers to brand their stock to minimise theft of their livestock.
“All the communal farmers must apply for branding certificates. If we work together as a community, we will be able to fight stock-theft in our communities. Let’s do away with the traditional or communal form of branding livestock and create a safe environment for everyone,” said Lieutenant Colonel Maxabiso Nkani.
Farmers were also encouraged by SEDA to formalise their operations by registering their businesses or setting up cooperatives.
