Small stock hand over inspire farmers
Eastern Cape department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) MEC Nomakhosazana Meth brought joy when she delivered 303 sheep and goats to Chris Hani District farmers.
MEC Meth accompanied by Enoch Mgijima Mayor Luleka Gubhula handed over the small stock to at least 18 projects that included projects led by youngsters Asiphe Maxhalwe and Ludwe Paliso.
Praising the department for bring “economic freedom ,” the jubilant Paliso of Paliso Agricultural Co-op that has 368 sheep from Lucwecweni village urged the MEC to “continue to assist young people because we want to grow and be strong in this industry.”
“I am hopeful that with assistance of the rams I received from the department, our profits and quality of wool will increase. Our future plans are to become export farmers and be able to create employment for other young people.
I am proud of the department because my flock has improved immensely after the support I got some years ago when DRDAR donated 6 rams ,” said 32-year old Paliso whose project received 10 Dohne Merino from yesterday’s handover.
Maxhalwe (29), who together with 9 other young people from Deberha village in Ngcobo owns 260 sheep said the investment from DRDAR “will ensure that will be able to feed our children and support our families who assisted with sheep as a start-up.”
“The assistance of 10 rams will not only change our livestock quality but will encourage more young people to see value of what we are doing. I am very glad and thankful today,” said the shy Maxhalwe.
Addressing the handover ceremony held in Queenstown, MEC Meth said she was “encouraged” to see young people being part of the recipients in a programme that seeks to improve the quality of the livestock.
“We want to encourage and motivate our farmers to work harder than you are currently doing. Gone are those days when livestock farmers are farming for prestige hence I am encouraged by the youth that actively participate in their development
By changing the quality of the livestock, we want the province not only to lead in the numbers of livestock but to ensure economic spin-offs. As government we are here to support, develop and create are conducive environment for the development of farming business enterprises,” she said.
Chris Hani District Woolgrowers Association chairperson Zolani Tsheko said he “appreciated being the witness of this wonderful economic injection to our farmers.:”
Tsheko said the supplying of quality rams and ewes has “already improved” the quality of the wool and the economic spinoffs are “inspiring.”