Small-scale farming in Boshof, Free State is experiencing a revival thanks to the unwavering support of Boshof Solar Power. Since 2020, this initiative has empowered local farmers with crucial funding and skills development, enabling them to overcome challenges and unlock the region’s rich agricultural potential.
Boshof Solar Power has supported small-scale farmers with a focus on enhancing food security and improving local welfare.
Noluthando Mazibuko, economic development specialist at Boshof Solar Power, said the company has provided funding and skills development to farmers in various agricultural sectors, including poultry, crop, cattle, and sheep farming.
Community development
“Boshof is primarily a farming community, focusing on sheep, cattle, and game farming. However, vegetables have also been successfully cultivated at Kruidfontein Farm and a neighbouring farm.
“Despite the region’s agricultural potential, many farmers face challenges due to limited access to investment, forcing them to self-finance their operations.
“It is essential to assess the specific needs and opportunities for investment through local analysis and stakeholder engagement to ensure that support aligns with community goals,” she said.
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Long-term investment
Tina Mier, communication officer of Boshof Solar Power, said Kruidfontein Farm is a significant beneficiary of Boshof Solar Power’s enterprise development programme from 2022. It has successfully expanded its vegetable production from pumpkins to include cabbage and lucerne.
“The planned increase in lucerne cultivation will allow the farm to supply animal feed to neighbouring farms, further strengthening its contribution to the local agricultural community,” Mier said.
Mier explained that this expansion is expected to boost the local agricultural community by creating jobs.
“The planned expansion at Kruidfontein Farm is expected to not only secure the farm’s long-term viability but also create much-needed employment opportunities,” she said.
According to Mier, Boshof Solar Power’s support has been instrumental in overcoming the farm’s challenges, such as water and electricity shortages. The company funded the renovation of a 15-hectare pivot irrigation system and installed a solar water pump, essential for crop farming.
Meanwhile, farm manager Tsheliso Stallenburg said they operate on a 30-year lease from the department of rural development and land reform and sell their produce at the Kimberley market and within the Boshof community.
“I am very pleased and appreciate the support given by Boshof Solar Power. Without their assistance, I would not have been able to plant any crops, as I struggled with water and electricity. Their intervention resolved these challenges, and the farming equipment provided has enabled me to fully utilise my land,” Stallenburg said.
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