By Matsobane Manaka and Pelane Phakgadi
From left: Diwe Mentor, Jan de Buys, Cllr Mfundiso Tyhalindwendwe, MEC Nakedi Kekana, Lindiwe Motlakala and Segoati Mahlangu celebrate confirmation of transfer of Boom Spray to Lindiwe from her Mentor.
MEC Nakedi Kekana together with Thabazimbi Mayor Cllr Tumisang Pilane have handed over a tractor and planter to upcoming commercial farmer, Lindiwe Motlakala, who operates under Diwe Farm, in Thabazimbi, Waterberg District.
Amid the handover celebrations, Lindiwe could not contain her emotions as she was further pampered with a boom sprayer from her mentor, Jan de Buys.
The mechanisation support to Diwe farm is part of government broader support initiatives to capacitate small-scale farmers to grow into commercial space.
Diwe farm, which practices precision farming, started in 2019 on a 7.5-hectare (ha) lease. Her resilience and commitment earned her expansion of land lease to15 ha, then grew to 38 ha, and subsequently to a100 ha.
Diwe has been supported by the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in the form of fertilisers, seeds, and extension services. The farm produces mainly vegetables and grain.
The farm is one of the 10 projects identified for commercialisation within Waterberg District. The initiative runs through other districts where 10 identified projects have been identified for similar purpose of commercialisation.
In her remarks, MEC Kekana said she hopes that the three equipment – tractor, planter and spray handed over to Diwe farm - will enable the farmer to maximise her profit. She further emphasised the importance of sustainability of the project that would address the triple challenges, which formed part of the departmental mandate.
MEC thanked Diwe's mentor, Jan de Buys for donating the spray and said that it is the kind of partnership the government wants.
MEC finally announced for the Call for Farmer Support programme and appealed to farmers to apply.
