Farmers in the Western Cape are counting the losses following heavy downpours in the past week which have wreaked havoc on several farms in the province. Food For Mzansi spoke to some farmers in the aftermath of the floods.
Angelo Marman, the owner of Abitz farming in the Swartland, said he was devastated by the floods that destroyed his farm. He told Food For Mzansi that the floods came at a time when the economy of operating the farming business was tough.
Taking stock of all the damage
“The total loss to my farm and operations are worth R150 000, the wind was so strong that it destroyed my tunnel structure, and the farm is clogged with water, so it is extremely bad and frustrating,” he said.
Marman said his one-hectare farm where he farms with tomatoes was not going to be used for some time until the land was suitable for farming.
“My farm is situated on a slope so with all the rain that came through it was impossible to evade the water coming through, but it is bad,” he said.
Despite the major setback, Marman said none of his employees is at risk of losing their jobs. He plans to plant wild and sweet rocket plants in the flooded space.
“I will improvise. We will need to look at other alternative ways of making up for the loss,” he said.
Communications manager of Groote Post Wines Peter Pentz said the rains were much needed after years of not having rains in the province.
“From a viticultural standpoint, this abundance of rain is truly welcomed. It must be the first substantial rainfall in 10 years, deeply nourishing the vines at a secondary level. After years of droughts and scarce rainfall, this is a much-needed blessing.” he said.
Organised agriculture monitoring floods
Meanwhile, Agri Western Cape chief executive Jannie Strydom said they had met with the relevant authorities to monitor the situation and see where they could offer support.
“We are grateful for the rain as the province’s dam levels have risen significantly, but we are worried about damage to infrastructure and access to and from farms,” he said.
Vinpro communications manager Wanda Augustyn said the heavy downpours did not cause much damage. “Some cellars reported water spilt into cellars, but no damage and they just had to clean up, vineyards are in the resting phase so let us cross our fingers for an exceptional 2024 vintage.”
Road infrastructure in Breedekloof, Worcester and Citrusdal areas suffered severe damage.
Prevention methods required
Western Cape provincial minister of agriculture Dr Ivan Meyer pointed to the construction of proper drainage systems and drains as a great concern. These, he said must be cleaned constantly as they ensure proper water irrigation.
“Mechanical land treatment of slopes such as contour ploughing or terracing to reduce the runoff coefficient. There is a need for construction of small water and sediment holding areas, also construction of floodways which can be man-made channels to divert floodwater,” he said.
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