The future of farming is here
The first state-of-the-art vertical hydroponic Agri-park chamber on the West Rand has been launched.
Local farmers can now look forward to new and innovative ways of aggregating and storing their produce with the launch of Westonaria’s new Agri-park chamber.
On Thursday, 25 November, the Gauteng Provincial Government launched the first state-of-the-art Agri-park facility on the West Rand. This is set to transform the rural economy and create employment, among many other things.
On this day, Lebogang Maile, Gauteng MEC for Economic, Agriculture, Environment and Rural Development introduced the first government-owned Vertical Hydrophobic Agri-park chamber in the whole of Africa.
This park will be able to accommodate local smallholder farmers who will now have access to a modern storage facility for their produce. The facility will also assist local farmers to aggregate and grade their produce for the markets.
A total of four other Agri-parks have been established, in Sebokeng, Pretoria, Eikenhof and Carletonville.
According to the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the launch was attended by 400 local farmers and other stakeholders.
“Revitalisation of agriculture and the agro-processing value food chain remains one of the key priorities of this administration,” Lebogang said.
This facility’s infrastructure is designed to grow various things, including heavy vegetables.
“It’s the future. We have successfully grown things like strawberries, vanilla, herbs, flowers and lettuce, among other things,” Terence Wood, COO of One Agri Can said.
This system not only saves space, but it uses 90 per cent less water than conventional farming, as it recycles the water as well. As the result of a controlled climate, the produce is allowed to grow optimally.
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