From Information Science to Seedling Success: Pauline Mahlare’s Farming Journey

Despite her academic background in Information Science, Pauline Mahlare discovered her true passion lay in farming. After completing her BSc in Information Science at the University of Pretoria, she realized that agriculture was where her heart—and ambition—truly belonged. Undeterred by her lack of formal training in farming, Mahlare embraced the challenge with a goal-oriented mindset.

Cultivating Success at Kameelfontein

On over a hectare of rented land at Plot 40, Kameelfontein Road in Leeuwfontein, Pretoria, Mahlare has built a thriving seedling farm. Specializing in high-quality vegetable seedlings, her farm produces a wide variety including spinach, cabbage, lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and butternuts.

Launching her business in January 2024, Mahlare capitalized on the rising interest in home gardening and small-scale farming following the COVID-19 pandemic. She self-funded the construction of essential infrastructure, including tunnels, irrigation systems, mixers, and planting machinery, demonstrating her commitment to building a professional and efficient enterprise.

Market-Focused Farming

Mahlare’s keen understanding of market demands ensures a consistent customer base. Her clients range from large commercial farms to backyard gardeners, with her operation running on a four-week production cycle, yielding approximately 500,000 seedlings per cycle. Quality is her top priority, with a focus on robust root systems that guarantee healthy plant development.

Community Impact

Beyond growing seedlings, Mahlare has made a positive impact on her community. Her farm employs three permanent and four seasonal workers, supporting local livelihoods. She also provides affordable seedlings to small-scale farmers and discounted bulk orders for senior citizens, helping to strengthen the region’s agricultural ecosystem.

Challenges and Opportunities

Like many farmers, Mahlare faces weather-related challenges, plant diseases, and market fluctuations, with rising electricity costs posing a particular concern, as her water pumps rely on the national grid. Despite these hurdles, she has leveraged social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram while maintaining a hands-on approach, personally seeking out new customers. Seedlings are available for delivery or pickup, adding flexibility for clients.

Vision for Growth

Mahlare’s long-term goal is to expand her operations into a larger commercial seedling business. Her philosophy is to start small but think big, emphasizing research, quality production, and patience as the keys to agricultural success.

Her journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and vision. From self-funding her farm to supporting her community, Pauline Mahlare demonstrates that success in agriculture is achievable with dedication and the right mindset.

Advice for Aspiring Farmers

Mahlare encourages aspiring agripreneurs to:

• Start small but think big
• Invest in knowledge and research
• Prioritize quality over quantity
• Be patient and consistent

Her story is an inspiration, showing that with determination, hard work, and vision, the agricultural sector offers limitless opportunities for those willing to take the plunge.