From rookie to supermarket supplier

LIMPOPO – After his parents bought a farm two years ago, Pfananani Augustine Nemasisi had to step in and learn how to farm.

He had to put his photography career on hold and relocate to Louis Trichardt to learn the ropes of farming and make his parents’ farm a success. He never imagined himself as a farmer but the passion developed as he got into it and learned more about farming operations. As with any other business, starting from scratch was a big challenge as he had little money.

“Not having my own tractor, electricity bills, employees to pay whether harvesting or not were all stressful factors, but the passion I had developed pushed me to not give up.”He believes in hard work and that nothing good ever comes easy.That is why he first sold his produce in the streets and the support he got from people was enough to keep him in good spirits.”We grew up knowing that farming is only for white people or old people but now people can see that even the youth can flourish, regardless of race.”His breakthrough came on social media when people started sharing photos of him and his produce, which led to interviews on several radio stations.He now supplies to superstores and even neighbouring countries. He produces tomatoes, cabbages, peppers, Florida Broadleaf Mustard and spinach.Pfananani explained that farming has become a part of his life and he wants to see his farm offering training to students who are busy with their agricultural studies so they can graduate and start farming.”I want to open my own vegetable shop to sell my produce and inspire the youth who hope to be farmers one day.”He advised up-and-coming farmers to keep growing crops even if they do not get to supply to bigger markets.”They can sell by themselves on the street or go house to house if needed to.”Pfananani has two permanent employees and three who work part-time and he hopes his farm grows so that he can employ even more.

editor@nmgroup.co.za