The successful 2022 grain harvest has inspired confidence in young farmer, Seitshiro Marumoloe and many emerging farmers to forge ahead with their agricultural businesses regardless of the challenges faced. Marumoloe confirmed this in his address to fellow farmers during the provincial harvest day celebration held in Sprinbokpan village and led by North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural development, Desbo Mohono recently.
Owner of Boripane Enterprise, Seitshiro Maruoloe where the event was hosted, started his agricultural business by planting only ten hectares (10ha) of beans in 2009 and currently has over 420ha planted with maize in rotation with beans on land that he leases from the tribal authority. “In 2013 when we developed and founded Boerepan Enterprise, we only had a R100 and today we are running a project with a budget of over R5 million.
‘We are motivated by our short-, mid-and long-term vision and with we envisage planting 1000 ha by 2024/25 as well as leasing additional land as part of our expansion plan. As part of our background, we have overcome many challenges and we were able to stand tall and pride ourselves on that,” said the 38- year-old.
Seitshiro who employs over 800 workers including youth from surrounding villages acknowledged and thanked Pannar, Schoeman Boerdery, Interligro and other stakeholders that continue to support his business with advice as well as the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s contribution towards him becoming a farmer.
Addressing farmers, MEC Desbo Mohono reassured attendees that the department through the CropMassification Programme intends on fighting poverty in communities and urged all farmers to do likewise with the little they have.
In a bid to achieve the programme’s vision, the department has spent over R160 million in the past five years on the distribution of crop production inputs and mechanization packages for farmers.
“I am very proud of the 2022 harvest year, and I hope that together we will surpass this year’s yield. Let’s make sure that we prepare ourselves and our machinery and most importantly our farm workers’ needs, let’s all diversify, consolidate, and preserve during these trying times.
“It is said that there are always winners in a crisis and the good news is that no matter what happens people still need to eat thus making our farmers winners at the ultimate end,” said Mohono.
