MEC METH JOINS PINEAPPLE HARVEST
By Thozi kaManyisana
EASTERN Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC yesterday joined pineapple farmers in Ngqushwa during their first harvest since their started operating in 2018.
Yesterday’s harvest of 7ha at Cornfields which is expected to yield about 300 tons. The price per ton according to the consumer price index costs about R1500.
Speaking during the harvest, MEC Meth said Cornfields Farm was a true example of citizen activism as the farmers decided not to sit “idle” and wait for handouts.
DRDAR invested about R3, 8 million for pineapple production between 2018 and 2019 in Ngqushwa, on deliverables that include planting, provision of fencing material and payment of employees for bush clearing and farm work.
In this financial year an investment of R7 million has been allocated for pineapple production in Ngqushwa. The funds will be utilised for production inputs and labour.
DRDAR has appointed 20 people through the Expanded Public Works Programme to assist with clearing the fields in preparation for planting.
One of the owners, Mvuthuza Maputi (81) who grew up at Cornfields Farm said his dream of becoming a farmer had finally come true.
He spent a large number of his years as a farm worker. “I have been waiting for this moment where our governing is working hard to develop us.”
His daughter Noluvuyo Mali recalled how Maputi refused to leave the farm where his father and grandfather are buried.
“He convinced us to come and work this land when he made us do an application to use the land for development. Even though we were reluctant at first, we now see a brighter future.”
Mali said this first harvest was giving them hope as they have not seen any income since they started operating.
“We are thankful to the department for their support because if it was for them we would not be here,” said Mali.
DRDAR Acting District Director in the Amathole District Zoliswa Maleza said “workers in the pineapple farms here have a stake in the shares of Summerpride,” adding that she was a trustee who is representing the government in business transactions and that farmworkers are getting a share of the profits.