Bray Cooperative beneficiaries energized by improvements made on their farm
The construction of water reticulation system and 20km fencing as well as the delivery of 100 goats and three stud bulls for Bray Cooperative will improve diversification of production on the farm, thus enhancing food security and creating job opportunities for the locals. This was emphasised today by the North West MEC for Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ms Desbo Mohono, during the handing over of the project to the beneficiaries at Bray Cooperative’s Sonning Farm.
Urging the beneficiaries to guard with jealous attention the R1.3 million worth infrastructure and livestock provided by the department, MEC Mohono said they must focus on putting their farm under production and breed the livestock provided for meat production and profit.
“Raising goats can be one of the most profitable and enjoyable farming venture, since there is a higher demand for export goat meat,” said MEC Mohono who urged female beneficiaries to ensure the prosperity of goat breeding at this farm.
Moreover, MEC Mohono said the delivery of the 3 stud bulls through the department’s Bull Subsidy Scheme, will improve the quality of the herd currently on the farm.
The department has spent more than R1 million for drilling, testing and equipping of a new borehole on the farm, purchasing of two diesel engines, construction of two engine rooms, two new reservoirs, five drinking troughs, and 12km pipeline.
To ensure that farm beneficiaries stay on the farm and look after their assets, the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform made a commitment to renovate the farm house and prepare it for occupation before the end of this financial year.
Speaking on behalf of the cooperative beneficiaries, Mr Daniel Kgetse thanked the department for the efforts made, saying they commit themselves to ensuring that sustainable production takes place on the farm.
The goats were on arrival prepared by the department’s Animal Health Technicians for farm veld condition and prevention of possible infection.
The 1 846ha farm which has 74 beneficiaries comprising 34 men, 16 women and 24 youth, was acquired in 1998 through government’s Land Redistribution for Agricultural Development (LRAD) programme which was designed to assist the previously disadvantaged citizens to access land specifically for agricultural purposes, and is situated at Bray, Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality, west of Vryburg.
Enquiries:
Bonolo Mohlakoana (Ms)
Cell: 082 901 2435
Tel: 018 389 5719
E-mail: bmohlakoana@nwpg.gov.za or mohlakoana.bonolo@gmail.com
