17 Apr 2023

A farmer operating an irrigation project on the banks of the Thamalakane River has dismissed reports that he intends to abandon the project and relocate to South Africa.

Mr Koos Kruger cultivates maize, sugar beans, cow peas, tomatoes, oranges, bananas and lucerne on a 200 hectare piece of land.He said the project had not collapsed, but he was scaling down because of the drying up of Thamalakane River.

Mr Kruger said he had no intention to relocate from Nxaraga.

He decided to venture into irrigation farming because of the abundant water from the river.

However, the water was currently low, hence the decision to sell some of the machinery and equipment while waiting for the river to fill in.

Once the water arrives, he said he would expand production to improve food security in the country.

Mr Kruger said his farm had planted 15 hectares of oranges and that they were struggling to water them.

He also said this year’s floods did not last long and that it resulted in all his bananas dying.

However, he said tomatoes, watermelons and butternuts would be ready for harvest in June.

Mr Kruger also said the down-scaling would not affect his employees and that he had 15 permanent workers and during harvesting he engaged 30 casual labours.

“We are doing our best to keep our staff even though we are downsizing.  

We are hopeful that our budget will allow us to keep them until we are back on our feet,” said. ENDS