MAHIKENG MAIL - MAHIKENG - Sello Nthoesane, an emerging potato producer in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality became one of the beneficiaries of the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) when he received a ten hectare (10ha) centre pivot irrigation system last week Friday for his potato farm.
The intervention was aimed to boost the production capacity of farmers that contribute significantly to the province’s food security. Driven by MEC Madoda Sambatha, this initiative forms part of the department’s programme focused on delivering critical farming infrastructure to ensure sustainable food production. The installation of this system will not only allow the farmer to increase his crop yield, but will also ensure efficient water application and reduce labour costs.
Systems such as centre pivot irrigations are crucial for enhancing the resilience of the agricultural sector in the face of challenging dry climate conditions. “With a crop high in demand and with the potential to meaningfully boost the local economy, we are committed to empowering farmers like Nthoesane with essential resources needed to boost production. This project supports the creation of jobs for local people to improve their livelihood. That is why the department’s unwavering commitment to empowering the province’s farmers by equipping them with infrastructure remains a priority. Assisting to facilitate the transition of farmers such as Sello to commercial farming will ultimately enhance rural development,” said MEC Sambatha.
Sello expressed profound gratitude to the department’s effort in supporting black potato farmers in the province. “As a beneficiary of the department’s potato programme which started three years ago, aimed at increasing the number of black potato farmers in the country, this centre pivot will allow me to expand production to the 10ha that the system covers.
Maximizing the use of arable land on the farm is the ultimate goal so that we meet the market’s constant demand of fresh potatoes thereby driving profits - the ever growing demand includes informal traders, retailers and agro-processors that manufacture a variety of potato products. The pivot will be fully utilised to its maximum potential,” stated the potato farmer.
The initiative forms part of a broader strategic effort to combat food insecurity and uplift farmers across the North West Province.
