Farmers in the Sarah Baartman District have welcomed the revival of agricultural shows, describing them as an important platform to celebrate excellence and expand market access.
The latest Agricultural show was held at the Port Elizabeth Fresh Produce Market on Tuesday, drawing participants from across the district and the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro in the Eastern Cape.
Odwa Fede (33), who won the award for best mohair wool, said he was honoured to have been part of the event.
Speaking after the show, Fede said the platform enabled him to network with fellow farmers and industry experts, who offered valuable advice on improving his enterprise.
“This day is pretty significant for me and other farmers because we do not often get the opportunity to gather in this way and showcase our produce. This is a good start, and we expect positive outcomes from it,” he said.
Reflecting on his future plans, Fede said: “From what I saw here today, I will go back to the drawing board and find new ways to improve my mohair production and make a greater success of it.”
Another young farmer, Phumeza Dolo, who walked away with the special youth award for her outstanding stall, said the show provided much-needed exposure for her agricultural enterprise. She urged the provincial Department of Agriculture to continue hosting such events.
“My products gained exposure by being part of the show and people bought them. I am confident that I will get more clients because of the exposure I got from the show,” Dolo said.
The show in Gqeberha marked the fourth instalment of the agricultural shows during the current financial year. Previous events were held in the Amathole District, including Buffalo City Metro, followed by the OR Tambo and Chris Hani Districts.
More shows are planned across other districts in the next financial year.
While the shows traditionally focused on product quality and category-based judging, the agricultural model is now being reimagined to prioritise market access and fostering commercial opportunities for farmers.
Eastern Cape Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe, who championed the reintroduction of the initiative, hailed the show as a success, noting that it would assist farmers to secure new clients and acquire additional knowledge.
“These shows are critical because farmers not only compete through their produce but also advise each other on how to improve their businesses. We want to encourage people to work the land, and these events are a great platform to showcase what the province can do.
“I am very happy with the success of the shows and confident they will inspire others to consider farming as a viable livelihood,” Kontsiwe said.
During the show, the MEC also handed over 32 industrial sewing machines to 17 enterprises in the Sarah Baartman District and Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality to enhance garment production and improve quality standards.
READ | EC Agriculture hands over working tools to empower women and youth
Kontsiwe encouraged beneficiaries to work harder so that they can expand their operations, supply retail outlets and ultimately open their own shops. – SAnews.gov.za
