The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture has strengthened its drive to transform emerging
farmers into commercially viable agricultural enterprises through the launch of the Grain
Commercialisation Chapter and Harvest Day held at Sonskyn Farm in Elundini Local Municipality.
The event formed part of the Department’s broader Agriculture Commercialisation Programme,
which is aimed at unlocking the economic potential of farmers by providing targeted support,
strengthening production capacity and integrating producers into sustainable agricultural value
chains.
In her policy speech for the 2026/27 financial year MEC for Agriculture in the province Nonceba
Kontsiwe said the department has allocated R80-million for the grain and oil seeds value chain to
support the production of grain and oilseeds on 24 000 hectares of land.
Addressing farmers, industry stakeholders and government partners, MEC Kontsiwe said, the
province was committed to ensuring that farmers were supported to transition 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.
MECKontsiwe further emphasised the importanceof 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 together with his cousin and the two young
farmers partnered and leased the farm, planting maize on 47 hectares of land.
“We are planning to include more grains in future, expand our enterprise and employ more young
people,” said Sondlo.
Sondlo’s journey reflects the Department’s vision of attracting youth into agriculture and
supporting the next generation of commercial producers.
Sonskyn Farm currently markets its produce to established industry players including BKB in
Nqanqarhu (Maclear) and Bester in Mthatha.
