17 February 2006
The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture has struck a deal on behalf of
Nobanda communities with Farma Rama, whereby the company would buy wheat from
wheat producers in Mnquma Municipality.
The community of Ntwashu and Komkhulu villages in Nobanda administrative
area decided to form a commodity groups, whereby wool and maize was their major
enterprise. The Department of Agriculture granted them funding for fencing of
355 hectares and an amount R320 000 has been spent for production of maize and
wheat. An area of 100 hectares was set aside to plough wheat and it is the
first project of its kind in the Mnquma area. Hundred and twenty people are set
to benefit from this project and 10 000 will benefit indirectly. These
villagers are expected to get harvest of 250 tons at a price of R1 700 per ton.
The expected income would be R420 000.
The emerging farmers have always been concerned about the non availability
of markets for products and this is one of the deals that the Department has
managed to strike with retailers and many more are still to come.
On Monday, 20 February 2006, at Nobanda administrative area, the villagers
are going to be harvesting their produce and MEC for Agriculture and Senior
Managers in the Department will join them in harvesting and Farma Rama will be
on the site to buy the produce.
For further information contact: Mr Black
Manager Communication
Cell: 082 578 1437
Tel: (040) 609 3402
Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Eastern Cape Provincial
Government
17 February 2006
Source: Eastern Cape Provincial Government (http://www.ecprov.gov.za)
