By Pfumelani Tsedu
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) together with the invited members of the media have, during the farm visit, witnessed the harvesting of sunflower on 974 hectares (ha) of Thornveld farm (Portion 1 of farm Welgewaagd 233 KB) located in Dwaalboom farming area near Thabazimbi, Waterberg District on 21 May 2024.
The farm tour was part of efforts to monitor agricultural activities on the allocated farm to ensure appropriate use of resources and community beneficiation.
The farm, measuring 1 284 hectares (ha), was acquired by the Department at a cost of R16.1 million and was allocated to a young farmer as part of the land redistribution programme. This is an on-going process through which DALRRD acquires land for purposes of empowering the previously disadvantaged farmers to ensure they play a significant role in the mainstream agriculture sector.
The farm owner, Rudzani Sadiki, who is also an Agricultural Management graduate, has an addition of bonsmara cattles, dorper sheep and broilers in his farm.
A 2023 Agricultural Research Council Award winner has injected a reasonable capital for development of his farm. That includes purchase of mechanisation and the use of GPS technology to avoid overlaps and gaps.
Sadiki acknowledged that working with sunflower does not have challenge with the market. He employed six permanent and around 80 temporary employees in his farm.
Sadiki’s farm is self-sustainable due to the mixture of crops and animals. Fellow farmers and extension officers commended his ability and capability of managing his farm in a sustainable manner, something that other farmers are grappling with.
In closing, the Chief Director in the PSSC Limpopo said the department’s money proves to be so well spent on Sadiki’s farming capabilities.
