Beneficiaries of the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s food production campaign say the newly introduced less labour method of producing vegetables will go a long way toward providing them with essential nutritious food.
This was expressed during the rolling out of the MEC Desbo Mohono’s “one family, one food garden” initiative in Bloemhof, Lekwa Teemane Local Municipality, yesterday.
According to the MEC Mohono, the Department resorted to using Earth boxes to produce vegetables for household consumption because the soil in some of the areas in the Province, including Boitumelong location in Bloemhof, is not suitable for planting.
“This is an economically viable method of vegetable production which is not labour intensive, saves water and enables vegetables to grow faster”, explained MEC Mohono who added that all production inputs like pot soil, fertilisers and seedlings are provided by the Department.
Each identified needy household received five (5) Earth boxes for production of a variety of vegetables such as beetroot, spinach and onions. The pot soil provided is reusable and can be used for a period of twelve months.
Ms Dinah Mogoregi (72), who was amongst the ten identified beneficiaries, expressed her appreciation and committed to ensuring that the provided boxes become a source of food production for her family.
“We are also happy that these boxes are portable and can be kept anywhere in the yard for our convenience. This will enable us to closely monitor them”, said Ms Mogoregi.
Moreover, the MEC Mohono committed her Department to ensuring that the two hectare Boitumelong community garden receives support in the form of production inputs and Extension and Advisory services, in a bid to unlock its potential for substantial vegetable production.
Six slasher machines were also handed over to the District and its five Local Municipalities for management of grass along the Districts’ main roads.
The “one family, one food garden” campaign is aimed at reinforcing the efforts of reducing poverty and hunger among rural communities through the establishment of vegetable gardens.
Enquiries:
Bonolo Mohlakoana (Mrs)
Tel: 018 389 5719 / 5684
Cell: 082 901 2435
E-mail: Bmohlakoana@nwpg.gov.za or mohlakoana.bonolo@gmail.com
