Farmers who have demonstrated excellence in agricultural production were recognised at the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Farmers Day at Klipplaatdrift Farm outside Ventersdorp, North West, last week.
By Lebogang Mashala, editor at African Farming
Madoda Sambatha, North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, led the awards ceremony, which celebrated the contribution to food production and rural economies by farmers based in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality while highlighting the importance of practical support for sustainable farming.
Bashir Dawood Kara was named Best Irrigation Farmer, while Khomotso Innocentia Tshenkeng received the Best Dryland Farmer award. Six other participating farmers received certificates of recognition.
The awards went beyond formal recognition, with winners receiving production inputs and mentorship aimed at strengthening their farming operations and improving their readiness to access funding.
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Kara’s prize package included a R10 000 Senwes fertiliser voucher for one tonne of fertiliser, six months of Khula App mentorship focused on funding readiness and a R2 500 Khula App input voucher.
He also received Soygro Mieliepak25 inoculant for 15 hectares of maize, Bayer Dekalb maize seed for irrigation, and a Khula Best Irrigation Farmer certificate.
Tshenkeng’s Best Dryland Farmer award included a R20 000 Senwes fertiliser voucher covering two tonnes of fertiliser, six months of Khula App mentorship on funding readiness and a R2 500 Khula App input voucher.
The prize further included Soygro Mieliepak25 inoculant for 15 hectares of maize and maize seed for dryland production, as well as a Khula Best Dryland Farmer certificate.
The practical nature of the prizes reflects some of the immediate needs facing farmers, from access to production inputs to the ability to prepare their businesses for financing.
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The Farmers Day programme also provided a platform for farmers and agricultural stakeholders to engage on issues affecting farm productivity and long-term sustainability. Topics included regenerative agriculture, compliance, finance, soil health, livestock production, pasture science and agricultural technology.
By combining farmer recognition with production support and knowledge sharing, the event highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for farmers to improve both their agricultural performance and business readiness.
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