AGRICULTURAL NEWS - JJ van de Velde, a Nottingham Road potato and maize farmer, has donated more than 800 bales of hay, destined for animal fodder, to drought-stricken Hluhluwe farmers.
“As KwaZulu-Natal farmers continue to battle with the severe drought, dying livestock and worsening conditions as we move into winter, this donation has come just in time and will hopefully remind others that the drought is far from over and that we need to stand together,” said Sandy La Marque, CEO of the KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union, Kwanalu.
Van de Velde said it was while watching a program on drought one Sunday evening that he saw and realised just how desperate farmers in some parts of the province were and decided to help.
Van de Velde said it was while watching a program on drought one Sunday evening that he saw and realised just how desperate farmers in some parts of the province were and decided to help.
“Most farmers in KZN are feeling the effects of the drought and it has been very difficult for us all, but when I saw the hopeless look on that farmer’s face it struck a chord,” he said.
“For the first time in 16 years, I have had a good potato crop and figured that my good fortune could be shared with those who were not so lucky,” he added.
“For the first time in 16 years, I have had a good potato crop and figured that my good fortune could be shared with those who were not so lucky,” he added.
Hluhluwe a priority area
Van de Velde said he got in touch with Kwanalu, who identified Hluhluwe as a priority area. Kwanalu has been working closely with AgriSA, and local farmers to help relieve the pressure of the drought on farmers in the northern parts of the province.
Van de Velde said he got in touch with Kwanalu, who identified Hluhluwe as a priority area. Kwanalu has been working closely with AgriSA, and local farmers to help relieve the pressure of the drought on farmers in the northern parts of the province.
“Thousands of animals have already perished. Both commercial and subsistence farmers are desperate for assistance and are currently living from one day to the next, relying on whatever animal fodder is donated,” La Marque said.
