Drought tolerant seeds tested

DROUGHT tolerant seeds developed by the Progress Milling Educational Trust have been put to the test by smallholder farmers in Moletjie and these farmers now enjoy the fruit of their labours.

The drought tolerant seeds won Progress Milling a First Diamond award during the Limpopo Provincial Survey for Leaders and Achievers Awards at Bolivia Lodge on August 25. The survey was conducted by Professional Management Review (PMR).

Masenya Masenya, Progress Milling director of corporate communication, said they were delighted to have won the award.

He said the award showed recognition for the company’s role in economic development enhancement in Limpopo.

“Although we have won similar awards, we are delighted that residents of the province realise that, for the economy of this province to take shape, contributions from private companies such as Progress Milling should be acknowledged.

“We will always remain available through our infrastructure and agro-processing expertise to assist in the fulfilment of the provincial growth and development strategy,” he said.

Gladys Phago, a resident of Ga-Mphela village, was one of the people who tested the seeds.

She said the the farmers had to prepare the soil properly before they could plan.

“We now reap the benefits of Progress Milling’s drought tolerant seeds. We believe that other smallholder farmers will follow in our footsteps to reap the rewards in future,” Phago said.

She added that lack of other resources was, however, still a problem and affected their products.

Masenya said they planned to establish demonstration plots in various communities to educate villagers. He added that smallholder farmers should also know farming basics to reap better results.