Estimated reading time: 12 minutes
The Potato Industry Development Trust (PIDT) traditionally conducts annual visits to specific Enterprise Development (ED) Projects. During the Trust’s visit from 18 to 20 November 2024, five producers from the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal were afforded the opportunity to present their progress in the ED programme.
Mzimasi Jalisa, Jay Jay Farming (Pty) Ltd
Jay Jay Farming (Pty) Ltd is a registered agricultural enterprise operated by Mzimasi Jalisa and Siphe Joyi, two young cousins with a rural background.
The business specialises in the cultivation of vegetables, including potatoes, cabbages, and spinach, which are supplied to both formal and informal markets. Their clientele encompasses hawkers, local shops, as well as Spar and Boxer stores located in Mthatha and Ngcobo. The farm incorporates maize cultivation alongside cattle production. Their production plan includes facilitating crop rotation and enhancing cash flow.
Farming operations began in 2018 with the cultivation of cabbage, which enabled the business to obtain grant funding from the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) in the same year. In addition, a loan was acquired from the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA) to support production inputs. Over time, the business was able to effectively build its own capital for mechanisation and labour.
At present, it participates in the Smart Management and Recovery Training (SMART) programme initiated by John Deere as a funding entity, in collaboration with Ukhanyo Farmer Development which serves as the implementing and mentoring agent. This collaboration has enabled the project to acquire tractors, maize planters, and discing implements.
In September 2022, the project successfully cultivated 20 ha of potatoes, achieving an average yield of 40 t/ha through a rainfed irrigation system. This initiative has created both permanent and seasonal employment opportunities.
The project currently oversees 406 ha and intends to increase its potato production in the future. The farm also benefits from the guidance of mentor Vuyani Kama, a former beneficiary of the Potatoes SA ED programme. A sorting and washing facility is also conveniently located nearby at Vumile Mzizi’s farm, which is presently participating in the Potatoes SA ED programme.
Vuyani Kama, Mount Elton Portion 3 and 4
Vuyani Kama operates a farming enterprise encompassing two properties: Mount Elton Farm Portion 4, which is owned by the family, and Mount Elton Portion 3, which is leased by them. Both farms are situated in Ugie within the Elundini local municipality of the Joe Gqabi District in the Eastern Cape.
Vuyani commenced his potato production journey in the late 2000s, initially cultivating just under 3 ha of potatoes under rainfed conditions. In 2010, he applied to participate in the Potatoes SA ED programme, which provided him with support for 4 ha. Subsequently, he expanded his operations to 33 ha and graduated as an entry-level commercial producer.
Vuyani also explored seed production with the guidance of Robert Farrington, a commercial producer for Wesgrow. Although this endeavour was brief due to infrastructural challenges, he remains optimistic about his aspirations to become a seed grower.
Vuyani was a board member at Potatoes SA from 2021 to 2022, and presently serves as a designated mentor to emerging producers in the Eastern Cape. He cultivates various crops, including yellow maize, dry beans, and soya beans across his 534 ha of land. Over the years, he has grown his cattle herd significantly.
He envisions further increasing his potato production, targeting a minimum of 60 ha each season. He also plans to explore opportunities in agro-processing as part of his expansion strategy.
Vumile Mzizi, Matuana Agencies (Pty) Ltd
Matuana Farm is situated in Ugie within the Elundini local municipality of the Eastern Cape. Matuana Agencies (Pty) Ltd operates as a private entity, overseen by two directors, a father and son duo, who are directly engaged in the farm’s operations.
For the past four years, the business has focussed on potato cultivation, utilising 336 ha of owned land along with an additional 140 ha of leased land. Vumile, a pharmacist by profession and recipient of the Toyota New Harvest award in 2021, is tasked with the comprehensive management of the farm.
The project was approved by the Potatoes SA ED programme for the 2022/23 period, marking the second consecutive year of cultivation under this initiative. The farm cultivates potatoes on 30 ha with the assistance of Potatoes SA.
This year, the farm secured approval from the Jobs Fund and is co-financed by the Land Bank. To date, a packing shed as well as a potato washing and sorting machine have been established on the farm. This will enable nearby potato producers to wash and sort their produce for the market, thereby facilitating the generation of additional income and employment opportunities.
In 2023, the farm achieved an average yield of 42 t/ha under dryland conditions. Most of the potato harvest is destined for fresh produce markets, retailers, and informal markets within the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. The farm also grows other crops, such as yellow maize, sugar beans, and cabbage.
The project also benefits from the mentorship of Vuyani Kama, who provided initial support with washing and sorting processes on his farm prior to the project’s acquisition of its equipment.
The acquisition of the potato washing and sorting machine has significantly enhanced the farm’s efficiency and profitability, while simultaneously boosting its production capacity to align with the machine’s capabilities. This development will lead to an overall increase in production and will also allow neighbouring potato producers to utilise the facility for a nominal fee, thereby benefiting all potato producers in the area.
Butho Vuthela, Gedlumhlanga Youth Co-op and Farmers
Gedlumhlanga Youth Co-operative and Farmers is a 252-ha initiative located in the lower Ngxaxha area within ward 7 of the Elundini local municipality in the Joe Gqabi district of the Eastern Cape. Established in April 2020, this primary co-operative is overseen and operated by eight members, six of whom are employed full-time across different sectors of the co-operative. Collectively, the members boast 45 years’ experience in agriculture and various other industries.
Butho Vuthela and his daughter, Nosipho, oversee the daily management of all farming activities. Nosipho holds a Diploma in Mixed Farming and has embraced her father’s legacy. She is poised to transform perceptions regarding women in commercial agriculture.
Gedlumhlanga Farm’s primary business goal is the cultivation of grains and vegetables, including cabbage and potatoes. In 2022, the farm dedicated 20 ha to potato cultivation, achieving an average yield of 40 t/ha under dryland conditions. Most of their produce was supplied to national fresh produce markets (FPMs), retailers, and the informal market.
The farm previously received assistance for potato production equipment from the provincial Department of Agriculture. In 2023, the project successfully acquired additional funding amounting to R5.2 million, designated for infrastructure, tractors, trucks, and operational costs. The farm is currently in its second year of participation in the Potatoes SA ED programme.
It is situated on prime land, presenting significant prospects for collaboration with the community to lease an additional 150 ha. This expansion will enhance potato production and create more employment opportunities for local residents.
Currently, the project is in the process of constructing a shed which will soon be followed by the installation of a sorting and washing machine. This will enable the farm to penetrate the fresh produce market with washed potatoes, ultimately transitioning towards a commercial operation.
Plans are also underway to establish another borehole for irrigation purposes, thereby decreasing their reliance on rainfall. The construction of the Gedlumhlanga Agricultural Training Centre is also underway, following the acquisition of more land for production. This initiative will facilitate support for other small farmers and provide capacity building and practical training for students and graduates.
Meshack Ndongeni, Masiqhame Trading 122 (Pty) Ltd
Masiqhame Trading 122 is owned by Meshack Ndongeni, who has a deep passion for agriculture complemented by a keen understanding of business operations and a robust work ethic. He actively engages with his community and generates employment opportunities for numerous job seekers.
As a dedicated professional, Meshack takes immense pride in the agricultural sector, especially in crop production and mechanisation. He has participated in various community development initiatives and industry-related activities, among others as chairperson of the Potatoes SA transformation committee and board member of Potatoes SA.
The 1 807.3-ha farm operates on Bounapartesfontein 231 ED, Portions 6 and 7, which are leased from the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform. Situated 30 km west of Kokstad in KwaZulu-Natal, this farm is currently in its third year of participation in Potatoes SA’s ED Programme. Under the terms of this agreement, the producer engages in a four-year programme that offers annual support for potato seed, provided on a sliding scale of 25%.
The farm engages in the cultivation of various commodities, including maize, soya beans, and livestock. The primary crop cultivated on the farm is potatoes grown on 70 ha of irrigated land, yielding an average of 60 t/ha. The farm utilises cultivars such as Valor, Lanorma, Panamera, and Mondial that are sold to wholesalers, retailers, and the informal bakkie market that typically purchases directly from the farm gate.
In February 2024, Meshack became KwaZulu-Natal’s first Potatoes SA Enterprise Development Farmer of the Year. Meshack’s daughter joined the operations as its office manager in 2018, and in 2020 his son was appointed as the farm manager for all operations. This highlights the fact that Meshack already has a succession plan in place to promote business continuity in future.
The business is presently engaged in applying for funding through AgriBEE, aimed at acquiring a pack shed as well as a washing and sorting machine. This investment will facilitate Meshack’s entry into new markets, and enhance profitability. The facility is expected to support neighbouring producers by providing production capacity without them having to invest in their own washing and sorting equipment. Meshack also plans to increase the farm’s capacity for potato production to 100 ha. – Hanrie Greebe, Potatoes SA
For more information, email hanrie@potatoes.co.za or visit www.potatoes.co.za.