Local farmers raise concerns over lockdown

Kwatsaduza – Local farmers remain uncertain about whether to proceed with farming activities in their local gardens or pause them for the 21 days national lockdown.

Kopano Disabled Agriculture project manager Sthembiso Mndebele says: “No one has communicated with us on a way forward, what we have been doing is having meetings among ourselves which isn’t really helpful now.

“My biggest concern is that our crops and plants will die, should there be no one to water them for 21 days.

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“This will result in a huge loss for us, as we will have to purchase new seeds and replant our crops.

“Our beneficiaries are going to suffer during the period as we provide food to over 50 households and a number of orphans.”

Chairperson of the Vukani Bafazi Farmers Linda Mjobo say permits should be provided for farmers.

“If we are allowed to farm at least twice a week I think that could work under the circumstances.

“We still need to eat and most of our farmers are pensioners who depend mainly on fresh vegetables from the garden.

“And unfortunately, social grant money cannot cover all the basic needs of our people,” says Mjobo.

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She adds that not farming for 21 days will result in people not having food after the shutdown.

“We have collected some vegetables but it won’t be sufficient to last us for that long.

“And storing vegetables is not a good idea as they will spoil, and we going to face challenges after the lockdown,” explains Mjobo.

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