The Eastern Cape Rural Development and Agrarian Reform Department (DRDAR) continues to provide wool improvement infrastructure, equipment and training to communal and emerging farmers in the villages.
DRDAR MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe on Friday handed over a shearing shed and equipment. The event was held at Mgwalana Shearing Shed in Engcobo.
The department said the supplying of the infrastructure forms part of the wool improvement production programme, which has seen the value of wool exported from the province reaching 28 million tons in 2022.
Boost for wool export revenue
This generated R3.9-billion, with the formerly underdeveloped communal sector exceeding R250-million in annual income.
“The department provided 73 new shearing sheds, 81 multipurpose sheds and 72 new dipping tanks. Also renovation of 248 dipping tanks, and seen shearing sheds. … This aims to ensure the increased quality and quantity of wool produced by emerging farmers,” the department said.
The fenced shearing shed structure has a built-in office and two male and female toilets. It includes a 7,425 litre dip plunge, portable small stock handling facilities and wool presser. A sorting table, classing bins, and provision of two water harvesting tanks. These were handed over to the Magwalana Wool Growers’ Association.
Magwalana Wool Growers’ Association
The enterprise, which was started in 2010, has 29 members. On top of the R1.1-million investment in the structure, DRDAR also provided training. The training included understanding of contracts and their sources, and managerial expertise. Also administrative capabilities, business environments and select business opportunities, as well as marketing.
“The farmers have 2,223 sheep that produced 3,778kg of wool in the previous production season. This after being sold through BKB in Gqeberha. It earned them revenue of R10,95 7500. These returns are expected to rise, since they will be utilising quality equipment and proper structure,” the department said.
- SAnews.gov.za
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