DRDAR MEC continues to provide support for woolgrowers to flourish
Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC Nonkqubela Pieters will officially handover over a fully equipped shearing shed to Ubunye Farmers Association in Gqogqorha village in Tsomo tomorrow morning.
The handover of the R1.2 million structure for 24 farmers made up of 8 women and 16 men is a continuation of DRDAR's drive to commercialise communal and emerging farmers by providing the necessary infrastructure and equipment to improve the quality of their wool.
The shearing shed which has a sheep holding area as well as filling and catching pens is a relief for the group who started using an old house donated by one of the beneficiaries in 2011 with 420 animals. To date, the farmers' flock has grown to over 2800 animals.
The aim of organizing farmers for better and improved wool production by providing infrastructure, quality sheep and organizing market is key in the department's strategy of commercialising communal and emerging farmers.
The association has strong market relations with BKB and NWGA – in the 2022 shearing season they produced 35 bales out of the 2800 sheep receiving an income of R336 760.
Furthermore, DRDAR provided training on small stock production, animal diseases, sheep shearing and wool sorting. The department also assisted with the registration of the enterprise.
Members of the media are invited to attend this event, which will take place as follows: Venue: Gqogqorha Shearing Shed, Tsomo
Date: 18 August 2023
Time: 9am
For more information please contact
Mr Thozi Manyisana
Cell: 082 494 3600
