Eligible Limpopo farmers encouraged apply for funding and support
The Department of Agriculture has called on eligible farmers to apply for funding and support from the department's Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme 2024/25.
POLOKWANE – The MEC for Agriculture Thabo Mokone says the applications for production input and mechanisation support apply to subsistence farmers while for infrastructure, production input, and that of mechanisation, smallholder, commercial and organised associations or commodity groups or cooperatives are welcome to apply.
“Applications are open until July 31, and forms are available from local offices of the department in all municipalities.”
Applicants must be older than 18 years of age previously disadvantaged citizens are welcome to apply.
Applicants must have capacity to enter into contractual obligations with the department. Mokone said the department has more details regarding the terms and conditions.
A success story of one of the former beneficiaries, is that of the 43-year-old Jonas Maponya, who farms potatoes and sugar beans among others, on a 800ha piece of land outside Polokwane in the smelter area.
A few months into 2010 after inheriting the land from his father, Maponya Agricultural Projects applied to the programme for financial support and advisory services.
In the 2015/16 financial year, he received a reservoir of 1,6kl at a cost of around R1.6m and a 10ha automatic irrigation system (centre-pivot).
“That was the turning point for my business as I could plant more potatoes and explore expanding into bigger production.”
He said as part of the programme, he completed refresher courses and new courses to brush up on his skills.
” I would not have understood in depth the reasons behind using, for example, the correct chemical measurements for crops and a range of other things, had it not been for these educational programmes.”
As part of his support, the department deployed Francina Montjane, who Maponya still works with, as the farm’s extension and advisory practitioner, who among other things makes certain recommendations for the continued progress of the project.
Maponya also received four boreholes and the addition of a 25kva transformer to boost the existing electricity supply.
In the 2021/22 financial year, his company received a shed where unprocessed produce could be processed safely.
Maponya also plants seasonal produce including peppers, cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli, and in previous years was awarded the title of Limpopo young farmer of the year.
