11 Aug 2015

High demand for vegetable produce in Kgalagadi South has opened doors for two local producers who have jumped at the business prospect in earnest.

Poor soil quality coupled with low rainfall, which typify the region, have not dampened the spirits of Mr Tiroyaone Tawana and Mr Eric Moruakgomo.

Speaking in an interview, Mr Tawana, who resides in Tsabong, said his garden is flourishing. He said that his customer base is steadily increasing.

“I supply a variety of entities; from chain stores such as Shoppers to local supermarkets like Tsaya Mofago and lodging businesses in Tsabong,” he said.

He added that individual members of the public also form part of her ever-growing customer base.

Despite the challenges that come with growing vegetables, Mr Tawana said generating finance does not give him headaches.

“On a busy day, a bundle of spinach or rape which sells at P10, can accumulate between P200 to P300. As for root crops such as onions and crops, the prices vary,” he revealed.

He said that his household also consumes part of the produce. His ambition is to transform his establishment to a much bigger business enterprise away from his house where he currently operates.

“I’m currently looking for a piece of land big enough to enable me to meet high demand for vegetables in Tsabong,” he stated.

Water scarcity is a major hurdle in the realisation of his dream to expand the business.

For his part, Mr Moruakgomo said with investment in infrastructure development and robust support from government, farmers can produce more food for the country.

He emphasised the importance of prudent management practices, which he said helps maximise throughput.

Both farmers have urged the Tsabong population to foster the culture of self-reliance by initiating self-help projects that will wean them off absolute dependency on government. ENDS