The Eastern Cape agriculture department has announced plans to invest R7m in a mega piggery in Ncise village, Mthatha. The project aims to provide at least 1,000 pigs per year. This was revealed by the department's director in the OR Tambo district, Zamile Madyibi, during an information sharing event hosted by Eyoluntu Project Market Agency. The agency operates the Kei Fresh Produce Market, Mthatha's leading vegetables supplier funded by the Ntinga OR Tambo Development Agency.
The investment comes as the state-funded Umzikantu Abbattoir in Zimbane village faces an acute shortage of about 3,000 to 4,000 pigs to operate at its maximum capacity. Ntinga's acting CEO, Sandile Sentwa, confirmed the underutilization of the abattoir. The facility is a high-throughput red meat processing facility operated by Ntinga and is the only operational red meat abattoir in the OR Tambo district. Sentwa acknowledged the facility's major shortage of pig supply.
The Kei Fresh Produce Market, operated by Eyoluntu, also faces challenges in sourcing local produce. The market buys most products from outside the district, with at least 70% of produce coming from other areas. Eyoluntu's founder and director, Melinkqubo Ndabokutya, expressed concerns about the reliance on external suppliers. He urged local farmers to diversify their produce, citing the example of potatoes, which could be a lucrative crop.
To address the shortage of pigs and support local farmers, Ntinga plans to invest an additional R1m towards an incubation program focused on women and young people in pig farming and fresh produce value chains. The program aims to identify and incubate about 40 farmers across the district. This initiative is part of Ntinga's drive to strengthen agricultural production and build local producers capable of participating meaningfully in the district's economy.
The OR Tambo district municipality, via Ntinga, has reportedly invested about R3m to support agricultural production. The district has immense potential to become a leader in vegetable production, but it currently lags behind. OR Tambo district mayor, Mesuli Ngqondwana, acknowledged the district's challenges in agriculture. However, local farmers and stakeholders are optimistic about the potential for growth and development in the sector.
The King Sabata Dalindyebo local municipality loses at least R1bn every year by purchasing everyday consumables from outside suppliers, rather than producing them locally. At least 95% of products consumed in the area are imported from outside the OR Tambo district. Local authorities and stakeholders are working to change this trend by promoting local production and supporting farmers.
The Eastern Cape agriculture department, in partnership with Ntinga, has identified 40 farmers in the district to mentor on fruit and vegetable production. The department aims to support local farmers in diversifying their produce and increasing their yields. With the right support and investment, the OR Tambo district has the potential to become a major player in the Eastern Cape's agricultural sector.
Key points
- The Eastern Cape agriculture department will invest R7m in a piggery in Ncise village, Mthatha, to supply 1,000 pigs yearly.
- The OR Tambo district faces a shortage of pigs and local produce, with most products being imported from outside the district.
- Ntinga plans to invest R1m in an incubation program to support women and young people in pig farming and fresh produce value chains.
