In a significant step towards supporting emerging farmers and enhancing food security, the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) recently handed over a ten-hectare (10ha) center pivot irrigation system to Sello Nthoesane, an emerging potato producer in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality. This move forms part of the department’s ongoing efforts to provide critical infrastructure to farmers, ensuring their productivity and sustainability in the province.
The handover, which took place on October 4, 2024, is part of a larger initiative spearheaded by the MEC of Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha. The program aims to equip farmers with the tools and resources they need to enhance food production, focusing on empowering emerging farmers who play a vital role in contributing to the province’s food security.
The Importance of Irrigation for Agricultural Growth
For farmers like Nthoesane, the center pivot irrigation system is a game-changer. Center pivot systems are vital in regions with challenging, dry climate conditions, such as the North West Province. By ensuring efficient water application and reducing labor costs, these systems allow farmers to increase their crop yields significantly. In Sello’s case, the new system will enable him to cover the full 10 hectares of arable land available, boosting his potato production and contributing to both local food supply and economic growth.
MEC Sambatha emphasized the department’s commitment to strengthening agricultural infrastructure:
“The installation of this system will not only allow the farmer to increase his crop yield but also ensure efficient water application and reduce labor costs. Systems such as center pivot irrigations are crucial for enhancing the resilience of the agricultural sector in the face of challenging dry climate conditions.”
The initiative also aligns with broader efforts to uplift the agricultural sector, create jobs for local communities, and ensure that farmers like Nthoesane can transition from emerging to commercial-scale farming. By empowering farmers with essential infrastructure, DARD is helping to foster rural development and improve livelihoods across the province.
Sello Nthoesane’s Journey as a Black Potato Farmer
Nthoesane’s journey into potato farming began three years ago when he became a beneficiary of the department’s potato program, which focuses on increasing the number of black potato farmers in the country. Since then, he has steadily grown his business, supplying fresh potatoes to informal traders, retailers, and agro-processors who manufacture a range of potato-based products.
The newly installed center pivot system marks a significant milestone in his journey, as it will allow him to fully utilize the 10 hectares of arable land on his farm. Nthoesane expressed his gratitude to the department for their continuous support, noting how this infrastructure will help him meet the growing demand for potatoes in the market.
“The center pivot will allow me to expand production to the 10ha that the system covers. Maximizing the use of arable land on the farm is the ultimate goal so that we meet the market’s constant demand for fresh potatoes, thereby driving profits. The ever-growing demand includes informal traders, retailers, and agro-processors that manufacture a variety of potato products. The pivot will be fully utilized to its maximum potential,” said Nthoesane.
Fostering Sustainable Agriculture and Economic Growth
This initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at combating food insecurity and uplifting farmers across the North West Province. By equipping farmers with essential resources, DARD hopes to foster sustainable agricultural practices that can withstand climate challenges while also stimulating local economic growth.
The impact of projects like these goes beyond individual farmers. By increasing production and supporting local markets, the province is better positioned to meet the food needs of its population, while also providing employment opportunities for communities involved in the agricultural value chain. Nthoesane’s expanding potato business, driven by the center pivot irrigation system, is set to contribute to these efforts, demonstrating the role that small-scale and emerging farmers can play in achieving food security and economic development.
As more farmers like Sello receive support, the future of agriculture in the North West Province looks bright. With enhanced infrastructure, sustainable farming practices, and access to growing markets, emerging farmers are positioned to become key contributors to the province’s agricultural success.
Through strategic interventions like this, the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is ensuring that the agricultural sector remains resilient, productive, and inclusive, paving the way for a more food-secure future.
