A refurbished irrigation system has been handed over to the Motlhaka Horticulture Farm in Dinokana Village near Zeerust, North West, enabling community farmers to grow crops more efficiently, conserve water and deliver produce to local markets faster.
The project forms part of an ongoing enterprise development programme aimed at revitalising agricultural initiatives and strengthening food security within the Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality.
For farmers at the cooperative, reliable access to water has long been a challenge. The new irrigation infrastructure is expected to significantly improve crop production and day-to-day farm operations.
Formerly known as Ko Reising, Motlhaka Horticulture Farm produces a range of crops including maize, wheat, potatoes, green beans and tomatoes.
Currently, much of the produce is sold informally within the local community, particularly during festive periods when demand increases. However, farmers hope that improved productivity and water access will allow them to expand into more formal markets in the future.
Improving livelihoods of small-scale farmers
Motlhaka Horticulture Farm is one of several agricultural enterprises being supported through the Enterprise Development Programme.
The programme focuses on empowering local small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), creating employment opportunities and improving food security in the region while helping community farming projects become more sustainable over the long term.
Teko Modisaotsile, an elderly member of the Motlhaka Cooperative for over 10 years, said, “We are very grateful for this support. Before the new irrigation canals were built, getting water from the dam to our fields was very difficult, and we often had to rely on rainfall.
“Now water reaches our plots more easily, which has saved us time, improved our farming and brought greater cooperation among the farmers,” Modisaotsile said.
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Through the development programme, the farm has already created 12 temporary and 20 permanent jobs, providing an important source of income for local households and supporting livelihoods in the surrounding community.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen local agricultural enterprises and improve opportunities for small-scale farmers in the area.
Modern irrigation replaces outdated system
Previously, the farm relied on an outdated irrigation system that drew water from the Ga-Moetsane River using traditional techniques.
This method often resulted in uneven water distribution, with some fields receiving too much water while others remained under-irrigated. Farmers also faced significant water losses and the persistent problem of weed growth in canals.
The newly refurbished and expanded irrigation system has addressed many of these challenges. By improving water distribution across the farm, the system allows farmers to manage their crops more effectively while using water more efficiently.
Qinisani Siveshe, social performance manager at Zeerust Solar, which funds the programme, said the upgraded irrigation system is about giving farmers the tools they need to succeed.
“By improving water access and efficiency on the farm, the programme is helping farmers increase production, deliver produce faster and build a more sustainable future for their community,” Siveshe stated.
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