Local farmers reap the reward after recent rainfall

With heavy, torrential rain that has fallen over many parts of the province over the last two weeks, small-scale and backyard farmers from various villages are rejoicing over the prospect of reaping more than they sow.

The farmers Polokwane Observer spoke to, say they have not received rain in these figures in the past few years, and all describe it as “encouraging”.

Phuti Lekoloane from Mmotong wa Perekisi outside Seshego, urged fellow villagers to make use of their yards for food production.

“We are blessed with big yards in the villages and we should make use of them to produce food. I have planted in a small portion of my yard but the recent rains prompted me to plant throughout the entire area.

“We planted mealies, which I think is enough for my family, and we plan on selling the rest of the harvest to the community,” he said.

Maite Malebana, who has sorghum planted in her yard in the Matlala area, says she plans to trade it to a reputable maize company at the end of the farming season.

“This is an ancient practice that has been sustaining us for many years. We harvest and we trade and we are able to support our families with the revenue.”

She added that the recent rainfall was surprising, saying the farming season is not over and yet they are already harvesting.

“We till the land in September every year with the hope of getting something out of it and normally there is nothing at all, but this season, we are overwhelmed. We have been praying for adequate rainfall for years and we are happy with what we are currently receiving,” she said.

Mokgaetji Malebati from Leinting village outside Lebowakgomo, said the recent rainfall has encouraged local farmers to till more land for subsistence farming.

“When we plant, we don’t usually expect or anticipate so much rainfall. Given the current situation with Covid-19, we however needed something that will at least put smiles on our faces and the rain is just doing that. We are grateful to the high powers because we will be able to harvest more in April.”

The Chairperson of the Smallholder Farmers Association in Limpopo, Masenya Masenya, told Polokwane Observer they are anticipating “bumper crops” this year.

“We are still encouraging those who have not planted anything to plant in their backyards and small-scale land, make use of the good rain and contribute to food production,” he concluded.