THROUGH the launch of the Grain Commercialisation Chapter and Harvest Day held at Sonskyn Farm in Elundini Local Municipality on 23 July, the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture (DoA) is strengthening its drive to transform emerging farmers into commercially viable agricultural enterprises, writes Olwethu Batyi on the provincial DoA’s website.
The initiative is part of the department’s broader Agriculture Commercialisation Programme aimed at unlocking the economic potential of farmers by providing targeted support, strengthening production capacity and integrating producers into sustainable agricultural value chains.
The Eastern Cape MEC for Agriculture, Nonceba Kontsiwe, allocated R80 million to the grain and oil seeds value chain in the current financial year to support the production of grain and oilseeds on 24,000 hectares of land.
Speaking at the event, MEC Kontsiwe said the province was committed to supporting farmers in transitioning from survival farming to thriving agricultural businesses.
“One thing I have always emphasised is that people must not underestimate their potential. Even a child crawls before they eventually walk.”
She said the Department’s approach was centred around identifying farmers’ potential and providing the necessary interventions to help them advance.
“As government, we took a decision that our people must be supported to become commercial farmers. These farmers include the young, women and other producers who participate in various agricultural value chains such as grain, wool, citrus, livestock, poultry and others,” she said.
Kontsiwe further emphasised the importance of grain production in supporting the province’s livestock production and strengthening food security.
“The Joe Gqabi District is one of the leading districts in wool production, and this year, farmers have performed exceptionally well. However, to have quality livestock, you need quality feed.
Through grain production, these farmers are playing a critical role in producing food for both people and animals.”
The Harvest Day also highlighted the journey of young farmers who are entering the agricultural sector. Among them was 21-year-old Iviwe Sondlo, a young farmer leasing the farm where the event was hosted.
Sondlo’s passion for agriculture was inspired at an early age by his father, who introduced him to farming by teaching him how to operate a tractor. In 2025, his father encouraged him to pursue farming with his cousin, and the two young farmers partnered to lease the farm, planting maize on 47 hectares.
“We are planning to include more grains in future, expand our enterprise and employ more young people,” said Sondlo.
According to the Eastern Cape DoA, Sonskyn Farm currently markets its produce to established industry players including BKB in Nqanqarhu (Maclear) and Bester in Mthatha.
