Municipality offers free tractor rental service to help emerging farmers
EThekwini Municipality offers emerging farmers free tractor rental services across the city. Picture: Supplied.
DURBAN - The eThekwini Municipality announced on Tuesday that it has purchased tractors to support the local farming sector, and will be offering free rental services to co-op farmers.
Municipal spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela said this initiative was part of the city’s efforts to address challenges that limit the progress of emerging farmers.
He said the free tractor hiring initiative is managed by the eThekwini Municipality’s Agro-Ecology Unit.
“Several co-operatives have benefited from the free tractor hiring scheme already, especially during the crucial cropping season,” said Mayisela.
As there are various vegetable planting seasons on the South African calendar, the city encouraged local co-operatives to make the most of the initiative.
“Over and above the assistance with the tractor services, to help cultivate their land for planting, the municipality provides farmers with seeds, fencing, equipment, a container (pack house) to store their tools, irrigation systems, as well as training and mentorship,” said Mayisela.
The tractors are kept at the municipality’s Agri-hubs which are located across the city.
Bookings must be made in advance using the following details:
- Mariannridge Agro-Ecology Hub
Lungile Dladla 2 Scorpio Place, Marianridge
031 322 7510
081 888 7164
Lungile.dladla@durban.gov.za
- Newlands Agro-Ecology
71 John Dory Drive, Newlands
031 577 8051
Sindi Khanyi
Sindi.khanyi@durban.gov.za
073 861 0618
John Ngubane
John.ngubane@durban.gov.za
- Inchanga Agri Hub
Nomazotsho Nene 100 Old Main Road, Inchanga
031 783 4130
083 513 6912
Nomazotsho.nene@durban.gov.za
- Northdene Agro-Ecology Hub
(Head Office) Bheki Khoza
2 Greenfield Road, Northdene
031 311 6278
083 388 2735
Bheki.khoza@durban.gov.za
- Umbumbulu Agro-Ecology Hub
Nombuso Zama 10 300002 Street, Umbumbulu
031 322 4491
067 098 9442
Nombuso.zama@durban.gov.za
- Hambanathi Agro-Ecology Hub
Allan Naidoo 160 Hambanathi Road, oThongathi, Hambanathi
032 944 1425
083 454 9812
Allan.naidoo@durban.gov.za
ALSO READ:
– Public employment programme for thousands in eThekwini gains momentum