By: Matsobane Manaka
The call for subsistence, small holder, commercial and organised farmers / producers to submit proposals / applications for support is due on 30 July 2022.
Those are farmers who need support in infrastructure, production inputs and mechanisation for 2023/24 financial year.
The targeted commodities that farmers will get support on are as follows:
- Poultry – day old chicks, point of lay pullets, feeds and medication
- Vegetables – seeds, seedlings, fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides
- Fruits – fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides
- Livestock – feeds, medication, and breeding stock for intensive production system (camp control)
- Mechanisation – soil preparation, planting fertiliser application and plant spraying
- Mechanisation subsidy – tractor and equipment
- On and off farm infrastructure – irrigation systems, packhouse, piggery, processing facilities, poultry house, tunnels, storage facilities, livestock infrastructure.
To do the check and balance by ensuring that the applicants submit the required documents, Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) held a farmer’s day at Ga-Willie Roller Mill, Nobody, Ga Mothapo, Polokwane Municipality on 10 May 2022.
Farmers were encouraged to apply for support in the category they qualify for according to the type of the commodity, land, size and scale of production. These are some of the determining factors that qualify farmers for financial allocation.
In a case of subsistence farmer, a completed application form accompanied by certified copy of identity document and proof of resident is required, thus according to William Mogano, agricultural advisory at Tshebela in Polokwane. As a Cooperative, one person on behalf of the Cooperative will apply with supporting letter and ensure that all beneficiaries attach certified copies of identity documents.
The higher the category, the strict terms and conditions will apply.
Ephenia Kekana, Capricorn District Director urged applicants to submit their forms on time in case mistakes are picked up earlier there will be sufficient time to make a follow up. She cautioned farmers that the application does not get automatic approval but is subject to screening through the committee.
Farmers also get information on both maize and sorghum management presented by Sbongile Maswanganyi.
Download application forms at departmental website at www.ldard.gov.za . Completed application forms with the supporting documents that meet the approved selection requirements must be submitted to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development District Office and Local Agriculture Office near the applicant on or before 30 July 2022.
Note that the type of commodity, land, size and scale of production are some of the determining factors to qualify for certain financial allocation. Due to limitation of funds, not all qualifying farmers will be funded.
