Farmers have been urged to make proper use of agricultural inputs provided by government support programmes. The call came from Farmer Nozipho Maweni during a handover event at Kidlinks Small Farm Incubator in Kaiser’s Beach, where 100 Gompo Farmers Association members received fertilizers and seedlings.
What Happened
The handover formed part of the Department’s uLima lokuLikulima programme aimed at boosting small-scale food production. Extension officers and Kidlinks staff demonstrated the correct use of lime, vermicompost, and compost. Farmers took part in practical sessions and asked questions on proper fertilizer application
Official Response
Maweni cautioned beneficiaries against viewing government support as charity. “It’s becoming a norm for people to get inputs from government but when you arrive at the homestead, you’re told by a child that there is no garden,” she said, calling for accountability among farmers.
Deputy Director Nokubonga Zondi said the initiative supports MEC Nonkqubela Kontsiwe’s vision that “no one should go to bed on an empty stomach.”
Community Impact
The event strengthened ties between the Department and Kidlinks, highlighting efforts to promote sustainable farming and food security in rural areas. Maweni thanked both partners for empowering farmers through knowledge and resources.
