DRDAR EMPOWER YOUTH OWNED FARMING PROJECTS…

MEC hands over 23 tractors and other agricultural implements to farmers at Bhisho Showgrounds
THE MEC for the Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform Xolile Nqatha yesterday (MONDAY) handed over 23 tractors and other agricultural implements to farmers at Bhisho Showgrounds yesterday as part of the department’s strategy to commercialise agriculture in the province.
Speaking ahead of the handover event yesterday, MEC Nqatha said the provision of machinery and implements to farmers was part of “Government’s commitment to ensure that small scale farmers graduate to a commercial level as part of our commitment to increase the contribution of agriculture to the provincial GDP which is about 0.1% as we stand now.
“We want to ensure that we provide support to small-scale farmers and also target youth farmers. We have two projects that are benefiting today, from Joe Gqabi and Amathole. We do not want them to continue being called emerging farmers, we are trying to push boundaries now.
The machinery worth more than R10-million will assist farmers including youth participating in agriculture production to maximise their profits and stimulate food security and economic growth in the province.
The assets were donated to farmers and farming communities that are actively involved in crop and livestock production.
Dumisa Magidigidi, 37, who produces maize to feed his dairy and beef cattle said he was “happy and proud about the continuous support shown by government to young farmers.”
“This donation will take me to another level and change my business for the better. The support is enormous and I am glad to be part of the beneficiaries who have been given a lifetime support by government,” Magidigidi said.
Magidigidi received 10 pregnant Friesland heifers and a bull in March from the department.
Zukile Mgedezi, 35, who also received a tractor from MEC Nqatha yesterday, described the moment like a “dream.”
“It is like I am dreaming. I have wanted to own a tractor for a long time because a tractor is everything to a farmer. I am very happy as this means the quality of my crops won’t be compromised since I will be ploughing on time,” Mgedezi said.
Mgedezi who has ploughed 60 ha of land in his 400ha farm hailed the support he was given by department after it donated 10 pregnant Simbra heifers and a bull in March, saying the support “will benefit and grow my business.”