AGRICULTURE NEWS - For emerging farmer Thapelo Madumo, farming is more than growing vegetables; it is an opportunity to build a future, create opportunities and contribute to his community.

With support from the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), Madumo is gaining access to infrastructure and agricultural extension services that are helping him strengthen his farming enterprise and look towards growth.

His experience took centre stage on Tuesday, when North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Madoda Sambatha officially handed over the Cassper Agri-Life Vegetable Packhouse in Mogogelo Village, Moretele Local Municipality.

For farmers like Madumo, access to facilities to handle and prepare produce for the market can make a significant difference. Without adequate infrastructure, smallholder and emerging farmers often struggle with post-harvest losses, maintaining product quality and meeting the requirements of formal markets.

The new packhouse aims to help overcome these challenges by providing facilities for grading, sorting, washing, packaging and storing vegetables before they are distributed to market.

“I am truly grateful for the packhouse and the extension services that I have been receiving. These resources have strengthened my farming journey and given me confidence to grow and improve,” Madumo said.

He said the support has helped him appreciate that farming is not only about producing food but also building a sustainable future.

“The guidance and support from the department have shown me that farming is not just about producing food; it is about building a future and creating opportunities,” he said.

While government support can open doors, Madumo believes aspiring farmers must also be prepared to put in the work.

He urged young people interested in agriculture to take the first step, remain disciplined and approach farming with the commitment required to build a viable business.

“My advice is simple. You need to start and put in the work before you can ask for help from the department. Farming requires commitment and discipline. You need to change your attitude as farmers, embrace hard work, and show dedication. Once you take that step, support will follow and you will see the difference it makes,” Madumo said.

His message reflects the broader objective of the department’s investment in agricultural infrastructure: helping emerging farmers move beyond production challenges and build enterprises that can compete in the market.

The Cassper Agri-Life facility is expected to increase vegetable production, improve market access for local farmers and create employment opportunities in Moretele.

The department funded and established a fully equipped packhouse, production tunnels, a borehole, a backup generator and mobile cold room facilities. Together, these resources are intended to improve production capacity, preserve the quality of harvested vegetables and help farmers reach wider markets.

For emerging farmers, the ability to handle and store produce properly is an important step towards reducing losses and improving the returns on their hard work.

The facility is the third agricultural packhouse launched by the department as part of its efforts to strengthen agricultural production, agro-processing and rural economic development across the province.

It follows the opening of the MOR Farming Packhouse in Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality and the Jantjies Boerdery Lucerne Packhouse in Greater Taung Local Municipality.

While the vegetable packhouses provide facilities to prepare fresh produce for the market, the lucerne packhouse supports fodder producers with baling, packaging and storage services.

Speaking at the recent handover ceremony, Sambatha said investments in agricultural infrastructure are essential to creating an enabling environment in which farmers can grow their businesses, access markets and contribute to food security.

“The department remains committed to creating an enabling environment for farmers to thrive. Through strategic investments in agricultural infrastructure, we are improving market access, reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring that farmers can participate meaningfully in the agricultural value chain while contributing to food security and rural economic development,” Sambatha said.

Bojanala Platinum District Municipality Executive Mayor, Suzan Nthangeni, said Moretele has significant agricultural potential and encouraged residents to make use of available opportunities and support services.

“Moretele is a home of agriculture, and we must stand up and use that strength. Our community members should make full use of the municipality and the DARD offices to access information that can uplift them,” Nthangeni said.

Nthangeni also called for more young people from Moretele and Bojanala to pursue opportunities in agriculture.

“Farming is the future, and it will bring us joy to see more young people from Moretele and Bojanala succeed in the agricultural sector,” she said.

For Madumo and other emerging farmers, the value of the investment will ultimately be measured by the opportunities it creates to grow their enterprises, reach more customers and build sustainable livelihoods.

With better facilities and continued agricultural support, the packhouse is expected to strengthen local farming businesses while contributing to employment creation and economic growth in the North West. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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