Big boost for Dutywa farming cooperative

A THRIVING farming cooperative in Dutywa received three high quality tractors and implements from government yesterday.

Kwavelindyebo Farming Cooperative, who are maize producers, have for the past eight years proven to be successful in maize and beans production, but have often relied on various agencies for farming equipment and supplies.

Chairman Vulindlela Mzinyathi said they own 120 hectares of land but now that they were fully independent thanks to the tractors donated by the department of rural development and agrarian reform, they would be able to cultivate all that land.

“The department clearly sees and appreciates the work and they are now saying ‘you guys are ready to stand on your own’ and we also feel confident.

“These tractors will help us do more in a shorter space of time but most importantly this will also help us generate more income because we can hire out these machines to other start-up cooperatives,” said Mzinyathi.

He said he also hoped that the new equipment would entice young people to see the potential that farming has for local economic development.

MEC Mlibo Qoboshiyane said they were always keen to help increase the incomes of smallholder farmers and entrepreneurs.

“This will not only help them plant on time but if we want to see the revitalisation of agriculture and the agroprocessing value chains come to life, we have to show visible support to our community farmers as this will also encourage young farmers,” said Qoboshiyane.

Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Senzeni Zokwana, who was also present at the handover event which was held at Ngcingwane village in the Mbashe municipality, said the tractors were of a high standard equal to those of commercial farmers.

He said the aim was to reduce the strain that often comes with manual labour.

“Agriculture means food security and therefore we have to support farmers and this donation is a result of a gap identified during the assessment of the cooperative’s needs. They have been consistent and even used their own funding to get their own mill which we will also assist in getting it up and running,” said Zokwana. —