Small-scale sugar cane farmers are expected to enjoy significantly reduced transportation costs following the opening of Mkhuze Rail Siding Transloading facility in the uMkhanyakude District.
The facility will benefit more than 1 900 Makhathini small-scale sugar cane farmers, all of whom are currently transporting cane by road to Felixton Mill at R170 per ton.
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These farmers, who deliver approximately
117 000 tons of cane to the mill annually, will now be moving their crop by rail, saving approximately R6.8-million per year.
The R38-million transloading station, funded by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALLRD), was officially opened by Minister Thoko Didiza last week.
Didiza said the facility is a stepping stone towards the long-term plans to develop a processing mill in the area.
She said uMkhanyakude District is strategically located, has a rich heritage and major economic growth potential which must be unlocked for the benefit of local communities.
‘Part of this is to support farmers and provide the equipment they need to grow businesses and communities,’ said Didiza.
The South African Farmers Development Association (SAFDA) was appointed by DALLRD to implement the project.
SAFDA executive chairman, Dr Siyabonga Madlala, said the station is part of greater efforts to ensure transformation in the sector, and to facilitate the development of small-scale farmers.SMALL-scale sugar cane farmers are expected to enjoy significantly reduced transportation costs following the opening of Mkhuze Rail Siding Transloading facility in the uMkhanyakude District.
The facility will benefit more than 1 900 Makhathini small-scale sugar cane farmers, all of whom are currently transporting cane by road to Felixton Mill at R170 per ton.
These farmers, who deliver approximately
117 000 tons of cane to the mill annually, will now be moving their crop by rail, saving approximately R6.8-million per year.
The R38-million transloading station, funded by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALLRD), was officially opened by Minister Thoko Didiza last week.
Didiza said the facility is a stepping stone towards the long-term plans to develop a processing mill in the area.
She said uMkhanyakude District is strategically located, has a rich heritage and major economic growth potential which must be unlocked for the benefit of local communities.
‘Part of this is to support farmers and provide the equipment they need to grow businesses and communities,’ said Didiza.
The South African Farmers Development Association (SAFDA) was appointed by DALLRD to implement the project.
SAFDA executive chairman, Dr Siyabonga Madlala, said the station is part of greater efforts to ensure transformation in the sector, and to facilitate the development of small-scale farmers.
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