Farmers optimistic after handover

An Eastern Cape wool association, which includes a sizeable amount of women and youngsters as members, received a generous donation from government recently, writes Jyothi Laldas.

- Jyothi Laldas.

In its bid to commercialise communal and emerging farmers through investment in agricultural infrastructure, the Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform has embarked on handovers across the province.

Department MEC Nonkqubela Pieters recently handed over a new shearing shed, dipping tank and 10 Dohne Merino sheep to the Upper Mkapusi Wool Growers’ Association.

Pieters said the R1,4 million investment would improve the value of the association’s wool and increase its profits.

She said the distribution of rams with superior genetics would also improve the quality of wool.

The Mkapusi Association was formed in 1988 by a group of 12 sheep farmers through an initiative spearheaded by an extension officer who worked in the area.

Before this initiative, the sheep farmers at Upper Mkapusi would shear their sheep individually and sell the wool at lower prices.