The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR), through its Mnquma local office, handed over agricultural inputs and livestock to 76 subsistence farmers under Mnquma Local Municipality on September 1.
The handover saw each farmer receiving goods to the value of R14 000 and comprised of a 5 000-litre water tank, wheelbarrow, a rake, fumigation spray, 25 kilograms of seedlings, pesticides, herbicides as well as two watering cans to each farmer.
The handing over of the agricultural inputs and livestock was part of the Presidential Economic Stimulus Initiative which aims to help farmers deal with the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am very grateful to DRDAR for the donation of seedlings and agricultural inputs which will really help in alleviating poverty in my household. I also wish to thank the department for continuously supporting us in our farming journey as they also help us with tractors to till our gardens,” said farmer and donation beneficiary, Nobuntu Lavisa.
Mnquma Local Municipality executive mayor, Tunyiswa Manxila-Nkamisa, who presided over the event, implored the farmers to use the goods they received to expand their farming operations towards ensuring food security and assist in curbing the high unemployment rate.
She further encouraged beneficiaries to spread the word and encourage other farmers to apply for government support.
“The government support, especially the water tank, will help address the problem of water for irrigation. As Mnquma municipality is currently facing a drought crisis, the water tank will really help in harvesting and storing water for my farming enterprise,” said farmer Siseko Goniwe.
Goniwe added that the donation he received from DRDAR will lay a solid foundation for him to grow his farming operation towards becoming a commercial farmer.
“Currently I grow vegetables that I sell in my local community, but the dream is to expand and grow enough vegetables to supply big supermarkets,” he concluded.
