A young woman-led farming business in Alfred Nzo has won top awards at the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture Women Entrepreneur Awards held this week.
Pula Nala Bataung, a company that grows maize and soya beans, walked away with two major prizes — Best Farmer and Best Seller in Alfred Nzo District. The business is 100% African women-owned and mostly youth-run.
CEO Kabelo Puling thanked the Department for supporting women in agriculture.
The money I’ve received will help me increase my next harvest,” – she said.
The award ceremony was hosted by the Department of Agriculture in partnership with Mzimvubu Local Municipality and the private sector. It aims to support women and youth in farming and encourage local food production.
Cllr Ndevu, who spoke at the event, said:
We believe farming is the best way to fight poverty and unemployment.
Earlier this year, MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe said her department would continue helping women-led farms with tools and support like mechanisation to improve production.
The Alfred Nzo government is calling on more local residents, especially young people and women, to get involved in agriculture.
