ETHEKWINI Municipality is offering a helping hand to emerging farmers, by making available tractors for farmers to hire free of charge.
In a statement the municipality said this is part of the efforts to address challenges that limit farmers’ progress.
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“The free tractor hiring initiative is managed by the eThekwini Municipality’s Agro-Ecology Unit. Several co-operatives have benefitted from the free tractor hiring scheme already, especially during the crucial cropping season,” the statement read.
“Local co-operatives are encouraged to make the most of this initiative particularly given the various vegetable planting seasons on the South African calendar. Over and above the assistance with the tractor services, to help cultivate their land for planting, the municipality provides farmers with seeds, fencing, equipment, a container (pack-house) to store their tools, irrigation systems, as well as training, and mentorship,” it stated.
Tractors are kept at the municipality’s agriculture hubs which are located across the city. Bookings must be made in advance using the following details:
- For Newlands contact: Sindi Khanyi on 031 577 8051 or 073 861 0618 or email: khanyi@durban.gov.za
- For Inchanga contact: Nomazotsho Nene on 031 783 4130 or 083 513 6912 or email: nene@durban.gov.za
- For Northdene contact: Bheki Khoza on 031 311 6278 or 083 388 2735 or email: khoza@durban.gov.za
- For Umbumbulu contact: Nombuso Zama on 031 322 4491 or 067 098 9442 or email: zama@durban.gov.za
- Hambanathi contact: Allan Naidoo on 032 944 1425 or 083 454 9812 or email: naidoo@durban.gov.za
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