The beneficiaries who work at the new agricultural development in Wilbotsdal have planted their second round of crops this year, and they seem promising.
“This year’s crops have a better chance of surviving than last year’s,” said Walter Soka, a beneficiary who is in charge of the spinach in the garden.
“In 2014 we had a drought, but last year the crops were better, and at the beginning of this year, our crops were very good.”
At the beginning of this year, this agricultural development raised crops that fed the residents of the Master informal settlement located only a kilometre from the plot. Potatoes, tomatoes, beans and brinjals were harvested on this occasion. A portion of the crop was sold to raise funds for new equipment and to provide an income for the beneficiaries.
Another beneficiary, Keorapetse Marogelo, said they have now planted new crops and the seedlings seem very healthy.
We planted onions, cabbage, spinach and beetroot, all of which are growing nicely,” Keorapetse said.
The beneficiaries say they sometimes find it difficult to raise seedlings as they have more than one type of soil in the area. “We have a muddy red soil, black sandy soil and grey soil. The crops seem to react differently when planted in these soils.” Keorapetse said they are in the process of training the beneficiaries so they know exactly which seeds to plant in what type of soil. She says they want the crops to be as successful as possible. “The more crops we grow, the more people we can feed.”
The venture recently received a spray mechanism from the Department of Agriculture. The sprayer uses borehole water to irrigate the crops. The seeds were also given to them by this department.
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, as well as the Randfontein Local Municipality, contributed to assisting the beneficiaries in every way possible.
Sina Erasmus, the DA councillor for Ward 4 who started the garden said they plan to plant fruit trees once winter is over.
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