NEW FEEDLOT FOR JOE GQABI FARMERS

FARMERS in the Joe Gqabi District have been given the opportunity to create profits out of their livestock despite the drought that is battering the area and other districts. Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC Xolile Nqatha officially launched a feedlot to the tune of R2.7-million in the Walter Sisulu Municipality. The feedlot which has a capacity to accommodate 300 cattle at a time is one of the 12 feedlots currently operational in the province where the department has partnered with the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) and local municipalities to improve the quality of livestock in the province. This is part of implementing Agriculture Economic Transformation Strategy which seeks to commercialise agriculture in the province. Through these feedlots communal farmers increase the income they earn from cattle production, through greater and more beneficial participation in formal red meat markets. Farmers are able to take their livestock to the DRDAR funded feedlots for fattening over a period of 120 days. This is done at a standard fee between of R850 and R900. Once the cattle are ready for commercial markets they are sold to abattoirs or private buyers yielding more profits for farmers. This financial year, DRDAR has invested R16.5 million to increase the number of feedlots across the province. The department is supporting 11 rural custom feedlots that target communal farmers inclusive of (1) commercial feedlot. The feedlots are in the Chris Hani District, Amathole and the OR Tambo District. We have six more feedlots that are still under construction in various municipalities including Emalahleni, Inxuba Yethemba, Cedarville, Mhlontlo and Elundini. Speaking at the launch MEC Nqatha said: “Government is committed in ensuring emerging farmers are developed to become fully fledged commercial farmers because we cannot have emerging farmers forever. “By constructing this feedlot, we want to change the economic landscape of this district. We want farmers to form a movement to fight against poverty and inequality, a movement that will ensure economic transformation.” MEC Nqatha also said government was aware of the extent of the drought and how this is affecting farmers in Joe Gqabi and other districts. Chairperson of Walter Sisulu Secondary Co-op, which is managing the feedlot, Mr Nopice Sefatsa said the feedlot will “mitigate” the drought conditions. “We need to create our own fodder banks as feedlots because that will mitigate the drought conditions. “We are thankful to the department for this infrastructure and we want to commit ourselves that we will never let this be a white elephant. “Farmers in this area are happy because the cattle will be fattened and that means more money in their pockets,” Sefatsa said. NAMC Chief Executive Officer Zama Xalisa urged the farmers to “take this livestock development to another level. Xalisa hailed the department for its “consistency in supporting farmers,” adding that more partners should join NAMC and DRDAR in their bid to develop farmers because “we are not going to get it right if we are alone. Let’s join hands to develop our people” MEC Nqatha also donated fencing to the feedlot that will cover an area spanning six kilometres.

"Farmers in this area are happy because the cattle will be fattened and that means more money in their pockets," Sefasta said.