Farmers learn about crops Tylden information day a resounding success

A MAIZE information day at Riversdale farm in Tylden recently allowed the empowerment of local farmers on how to yield bigger harvests.

The Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) conducted the programme on the farm of Tembi Xamesi who has benefited from the department’s crop programme to boost farmers’ produce.

DRDAR deputy director Mfokazana Ndaba said the programme aimed to inform farmers about the different types of cultivation procedures based on the climate of their areas.

“As government we have a responsibility of uplifting people in our communities. We are here to provide information about prices, different types of seeds, how much they yield and the time they take to harvest.”

Ndaba said the cheapest bag of seed was R385 with the most expensive costing from R3 890. “The most expensive yields more harvest and the cheapest the least. We want farmers to be aware of what is available in the market.”

Farmers from Zingquthu, Machibini, Ezibeleni, Gatyu also attended the session.

Xamesi mentioned he began farming in Machibini but later moved to Tylden.

“I started with vegetables but they needed a lot of water, so I switched to maize and lucerne. My biggest challenge was having to pay a high electricity bill to pump water.”

This resulted in him having to cut down on labour. Solar energy would be the best solution going forward, he said.