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May 2015
The improved yields take some time to be realised, although in year
one there is already a dramatic improvement. In some areas there is
a very bad infestation of all types of weeds and particularly yellow
nut sedge, which is more difficult to control.
As the farmers become more comfortable with the principles of
minimum till and chemical weed control (timing of operation), the
yields improve to reach commercial levels for each area.
Aspects still to be finalised
As the project is in its first year, we have not been able to ex-
plore the marketing challenges (if there are any). In most areas of
South Africa there is an existing market for grain (nationally and
locally). It is envisaged that farmers will sell to the local markets
until the supply exceeds the demand and at that stage we will
involve the larger grain traders and agri-businesses to take part in
the project.
There are a large number of tractors in these areas and as the pro-
duction increases, it is envisaged that tractor drawn harvesters will
be required to assist with the process so that the grain can be col-
lected centrally and marketed more efficiently. It is our belief how-
ever that what is slowing down the agricultural development in these
rural areas, is the lack of good commercial level production and not
the access to the markets – once the supply is there, then the infra-
structure (silo dams and bags) will follow as it will have a cost benefit
effect for industry.
Other possible spin-offs
As the production increases, the following opportunities will present
themselves:
Contract harvesting.
Transport of the grain.
Storage of grain.
Milling (for human and animal consumption).
Input supply depots.
Improved and larger equipment (tractors, no-till planters and
boom sprayers for those who are expanding beyond the subsist-
ence level).
3: Lijahasisu study group members who had attended the meeting before visiting the arable lands at Hereford.
4: The Ndunge study group: Thembalihle Hopewell Tobo, Mambenya Ndenza, Nomvuyo Patricia Ndenza, Nolundi Tobo, Victress Memani,
Nomacabe Maguqa and Sizani Mqhutywa.
5: The Siyaphambili Eastern Cape study group: Sindie Nzimande (Ixopo district extension officer), Richard Gilson (Grain SA), Chief Msekeli Zulu
(also study group member), Leonard Gamede, Brenda Gamede, Silindile Gebashe, Lungisa Tenza, Siyeni Nzimande, Nosipho Gebashe,
Willington Nkontwna, Mandla Mkhize and Dingizwe Nombika.
6: Shaka Nkosi, Simon Maseko, Simeon Mazibuko and Jerry Mthombothi (Grain SA).
7: Remo Bartels, Vincent Mdluli, Jerry Mthombothi and Sophie Mlombo.
8: Samuel Ngobe at Salubindza near Hazyview, Mpumalanga.
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