By Maphuti Machabaphala
The Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) continues to stand firmly with farmers by tackling production challenges that threaten livelihoods. Following heavy rains from late December to January, many farmers faced pest infestations, particularly fall armyworm, which severely affected maize production.
In response, LDARD visited the Jack Mafarahle Project, a cooperative of 28 members in Spitskop, Ga-Mamabolo (Ward 34), to provide targeted support. Operating on 21 hectares of communal land, the cooperative produces maize seed certified by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC). During the 2025 season, the project suffered major losses as prolonged rainfall and excessive moisture fueled the spread of fall armyworm, while seed regulations prohibiting infested maize further placed operations at risk. As part of the intervention, LDARD handed over insecticides and trained farmers on safe handling, application, storage, and disposal of chemicals. Practical demonstrations emphasized the use of PPE, correct spraying techniques, and safe weather conditions, while discouraging unsafe disposal practices.
Farmers also received guidance on land care measures to counter rainfall impacts, including minimum tillage, vetiver grass planting to reduce erosion, and slope ploughing to manage water flow. The visit formed part of LDARD’s ongoing maize seed production support program with the ARC, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding seed quality, supporting farmers, and strengthening resilience against production shocks across the province.
