POLOKWANE – The programme according to professional farmer and stock trainer, Presly Mukwevho from Leeukuil started running in Polokwane three years ago, and runs for 41 days, where farm experts and spring farmers get together to not only learn about the farming industry, but also to be empowered and grow in this regard.
“Most farmers have very limited knowledge about farming, especially the factors that contribute to growing them as farmers. We recently had a successful organic farming programme to ensure that communities consume healthier food which will lead to minimisation of the various diseases we face. The programme lasted for about 41 days, where both experienced farmers and prospective farmers attended the programme, and at the end of the 41 days received accredited certificates for organic farm skills,” he explained.
The programme is funded and facilitated by the National Skills Fund which is part of the Department of Education’s learnership and skills programme.
One of the graduates, Mologadi Chuene-Makhudu said the programme was worth attending and that she learned a lot about organic farming, as well as other aspects that may contribute towards the growth of farmers, such as the business side and sustainability agricultural practices which they can apply in order to succeed and grow as farmers.
Both the upcoming farmers and expert farmers said that they lack funding in terms of bigger land and finances to gain access to all the necessary resources they need to succeed as farmers, and plead with relevant stakeholders and the Department of Agriculture to assist them in this regard.
“At the end of this programme we realised what farming together means, all of us have specific knowledge, skills and resources for farming and if we work together, we will be able to grow individually as a collective,” she added.
