The local economic development unit in the Vhembe district municipality and the local department of agriculture were urged to work together with emerging young farmers by supporting and nurturing them until they become top producers.

“We have created many opportunities for young people in our district municipality and it is the time to mobilise them and assist them to take advantages of all the opportunities,” said the acting mayor of the Vhembe district, Cllr Lucas Manyuha. Manyuha was the guest speaker at the department of agriculture’s ninth award ceremony for aspirant farmers at the Madzivhandila Agricultural College last Thursday.

Young farmers from the Vhembe region competed in several categories. The overall commercial winner, Mr. Ntsudzuluseni Makumbane (34) of Tshisaulu village, received R5 000 and a certificate. He produces litchis and sells them to the local communities and events at the Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market.

According to the senior manager of the department of agriculture in Vhembe, Ms Edna Raphunga, judges in the competition were looking at the good managerial skills, job creation for the project and taking care of the land, among others. She added that winners in each category will compete with others from various districts in the province later this month.

A senior traditional leader, Thovhele Gole Mphaphuli, said as one of the traditional leaders in the region, he would make the land available for young aspirant farmers who were taking farming seriously.