By Matsobane Manaka
A women-led project, Green Legislation from Feke Village, Ga-Maja is determined to break-even into international markets not so distance future.
Their presence is felt as their produce already made their way on the shelves of Goseame and broilers in fridges of Vleis Lapa markets, in Limpopo.
Mmabatho Mphahlele, one of the project leaders said they cultivate spinach, tomatoes, onions and produce own cabbage seedlings on a 4 hectare (ha) project. “This is in addition to growing day-old chicks in a four chicken houses with a capacity to carry 600 chickens each”.
After acquiring skills and knowledge from successful farms such as Ramahwidi Farming Co-operative in Kalkfontein, Polokwane, young women established Green Legislation Co-operative in early February 2022.
Mmabatho Mphahlele feeds day-old chicks in one of five chicken houses
Hardly five months down the line, their passion and committment in farming business open them doors to those markets. “Thanks to local agricultural advisors, who keep us on our toes to ensure the success of this project”, said Mphahlele. Their produce are also sold to local vendors and the community.
Their hardwork could not go unnoticed, however the local traditional authority granted the project additional 3 ha, which was debushed but not yet fenced. The project further drew interest to South African Agency Youth Communication (SAAYC), which brought 29 students who are currently undergoing a learnership programme in the farm.
The project employs six permanent employees. Seasonal workers are employed durin planting and harvesting stage. The project also offers exposure to the youth.
The local schools and community-based projects constantly receive cabbage seedlings produced from Green Legislation in a bid to encourage establishment of back yard gardens to address unemployment and food security.
Due to lack of electricity in the farm, the project experiences lot of expenditure on fuel to run generator that supplies both lights and getting of water from the water source.
