Dr Faffa Malan, manager of the Ruminant Veterinary Association of South Africa, encouraged emerging farmers, especially from rural areas, to start farming from a young age, so that they can grow up learning all the tricks of running a successful farm.
Malan addressed guests on Farmer's Day, organised by African Farming and held at Mathuba Genetics & Experimental Farm in Ha- Ravele, on Thursday, 2 February.
Young male and female farmers from around the province, Univen students, learners from the various local schools, and other community members attended the event.
Dr Malan said farming should be taken seriously to help fight poverty and unemployment in rural communities. He said such farmer's days were focused on empowering and encouraging farmers from disadvantaged areas to start using farming, not only to sustain themselves, but also to contribute to the economy in a meaningful way. He said no reason existed not to start up farming and that they were willing to work together with emerging young farmers by supporting and nurturing them until they became top producers. "We want to take farmers on board, particularly those from previously disadvantaged rural areas. They must use their hands to curb the scarcity of food and the hike in food prices in the country."
Mr Emmanuel Mudau, chairperson of the Limpopo Indigenous Veld Goat Club (IVG) and deputy chairperson of the Bosvelder Limpopo Club and director of Mathuba Genetics, said he had visited nearly all the farmers in the area over the years to try and find out from them what their challenges were, and concluded that they lacked encouragement.
He pointed out that, without land, people were simply unable to grow and that chiefs should make land more accessible as this remained the biggest challenge for young black farmers. "Farming these days is so challenging that now and then you have to search for knowledge, information and support from various sources. I think that, by attending this farmer's day, some of the challenges we generally take for granted will be reduced," he said.