Zoleka Dikana was raised on an agricultural homestead, which resulted in her ardour for farming. She now runs her Aruzabis farming enterprise on 21ha of arable land close to the Maya village within the Chris Hani Municipality District.
Photograph: Equipped
She says among the best choices she ever made by way of her enterprise was to method the Jap Cape Rural Improvement Company (ECRDA) for monetary help. It has had a major influence on her rising enterprise.
Dikana says she concentrates on greens which might be in excessive demand within the space.
“These embody cabbages, spinach, candy peppers, okra, tomatoes, candy potatoes, potatoes, and butternut. Over and above the truth that the produce should be fashionable in our space, it’s also essential for it to be straightforward to deal with and transport,” she explains.
Dikana additionally considers the truth that she determined to develop quite a lot of crops as a substitute of a single crop as among the best selections she’s made. As she put it: “The range of crops mitigates value fluctuations to a substantial diploma.”
Dikana presently employs 16 everlasting employees members and 20 seasonal employees at her industrial enterprise, which started as a humble 3ha vegetable operation. She attributes the expansion of her enterprise to true grit, planning, and really arduous work.
She provides that good agricultural practices and strategic help from the ECRDA additionally performed a giant half in her growth.
As well as, she emphasises the significance of coaching and growing her workforce, together with supporting them to acquire drivers’ licences and {qualifications} within the administrative facet of the enterprise.
She factors out that the work alternatives created in her farming enterprise play an vital socio-economic position, as they allow her employees to deal with their households.
Requested in regards to the greatest challenges she has needed to overcome up to now in her profession as a farmer, Dikana cites lack of funds, labour points, climate situations, and crime.
Dikana primarily markets her produce by the retail sector. “When the merchandise are prepared, I take samples to retail shops like Spar, Spargs, Buffalo Metropolis [Municipality] Market, Meals Lover’s [Market], and different meals and vegetable enterprise ventures within the space the place we farm.
“A good portion of our produce is offered by phrase of mouth, however we additionally market through social media. The greens are delivered to the totally different patrons through the farm’s automobiles to cut back supply time and safeguard high quality,” she explains.
Her long-term aim is to start out value-adding on the farm degree, along with her eye on the export markets. She additionally plans to amass a farm of about 1 000ha, which might give her the chance to diversify her present enterprise into livestock manufacturing.
Dikana considers farming to be the best profession alternative for the long run due to its range and, consequently, the big selection of alternatives it presents.
For extra info telephone Zoleka Dikana on 067 663 2431.
