Lindiwe Moroka, a visionary agripreneur, has decided to rewrite the rules of farming and move away from traditional farming methods with her smallholding company, LAMMJ.
Amidst the vast farmlands in the heart of the Free State, Moroka leases 4.6 hectares of land. She has an innovative approach to farming that is not only yielding results but also inspiring a new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs in her community.
An unconventional approach
Her smallholding company situated in Martindale, Bloemfontein specialises in the cultivation of honey, exotic-looking fruit, and vibrantly coloured, nutrient-rich vegetables. Moroka’s says her farming approach is far from conventional because she also has ten African honey beehives .
“I’m a very out-of-the-box creative person. So for me, traditional farming wasn’t going to achieve much. One day I just prayed to God and asked him if I could find something that would spark more interest in agriculture for me,” she explains.
“At my little farm, everything benefits each other. I am a beekeeper. The bees pollinate my veggies as well as the herbs. It’s an integrated system where everything supports each other.”
Moroka says they refrain from using pesticides or herbicides on their crops and instead utilise herbs and flowers to repel unwanted pests. These natural methods also attract bees, which are beneficial for pollinating their vegetables.
Out of my ten beehives, seven are located on her plot, while the remaining three helps other farmers with pollinating their vegetables. In return, she receives honey harvested from those three beehives.
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Finding silver linings
LAMMJ was started in 2019. Moroka explains that while many industries faced unprecedented challenges, she saw an opportunity to chart a new path in agriculture.
“I started my farming journey in 2019, the year that the pandemic started hitting us. It was the best decision I ever made for myself because I didn’t struggle as much as other farmers. As much as other farmers said that they had it hard, I didn’t,” Moroka reflects.
Speaking of her team, Moroka credits them as a constant source of inspiration and collaboration. “My whole entire team inspires me,” she says.
Despite her innovative approach, Moroka’s journey has not been without its challenges.
“My biggest struggle is water. If I had water, I’d be further along than I am now. Lack of funding has also been an issue. I haven’t had much support when it comes to funding, nor have I had a stable mentor to guide me.”
Her advice to aspiring young entrepreneurs venturing into agriculture is to make sure that they have a passion. “Think big, but start small. Make sure that you network at every point that you can. Do not depend on the government alone.”
Moroka‘s tips for aspiring agripreneurs
- Register your business: Ensure that your enterprise is formally registered and equipped with all the necessary documentation to facilitate future growth and opportunities.
- Cultivate passion: Passion is the driving force behind success in agriculture. Embrace a deep-seated love for your work, as it will sustain you through the inevitable challenges and triumphs.
- Think big, start small: Envision grand aspirations for your farm, but commence with modest beginnings. Embrace the learning curve and allow room for experimentation and growth.
- Network relentlessly: Forge connections within the industry and beyond. Networking opens doors to invaluable resources, mentorship, and opportunities for collaboration and growth.
- Diversify funding sources: While government support is beneficial, explore alternative funding avenues in the private sector. Be proactive in seeking financial assistance and investment opportunities to fuel your agricultural ambitions.
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