Limpopo Department of Agriculture’s (LDA) stall attracted more visitors at Nampo Show which lasted last Friday, May 20 from Tuesday, 17 May 2011 at Bothaville in the Free State Province. Visitors marveled at the stall design, few produce from some Limpopo famers and the smiles from the LDA exhibitors that welcomed them.



Some visitors asked if indeed ZZ2 is the Limpopo farmer, whilst others wanted to know more about Moringa Tree. The LDA stall also served as a tourism marketing tool for Limpopo Province due to curiosity of visitors. This scenario brought back the memories of the Rand Show where the Limpopo Provincial Government with its parastatals and small micro medium enterprises marketed Limpopo.

“It would be good if we joined hands with the national Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries as well as our sister department from Free State. It could be also advisable if Limpopo were to sell itself at the Rand Show like it did before,” indicated the LDA’s chief exhibitor, Ms Mosima Makopo.

Various private businesses displayed agricultural machinery at the show. Tractors of different brands and sizes as well as ploughs were marketed. Small and big agro-processing machines claimed their space. There were amongst others; equipment that can process maize, soy beans, chicken and dog feeds. Animal handling equipment; kraals, crush pens and gates, loading ramps, self feeders, scales and clamps for cattle, goats and sheep were there.

Packaging machines for rice, sorghum, groundnuts, Millie rice and others formed part of exhibition.  

Nampo Show goers were spoilt for choice; cattle, goats, sheep and horses were available for them to see.

Grain South Africa (Grain SA) was amongst the service providers at the show. In interaction with Grain S A, Temo News established that Grain SA is ready to develop emerging and commercial farmers. Grain SA offers courses on maize, sunflower, sorghum, wheat and groundnut production. 

It forms study groups and plant demonstration plots on farmers’ plots where farmers are shown good production practices. “We develop all farmers. We also want to develop emerging farmers to become commercial farmers by training them and providing information…” said Mr Jerry Mthombothi, one of Grain SA representatives.

Mthombothi said his organisation offers basic training on tractor maintenance and engine repairs. It was confirmed that a farmer could pay R10.00 annually to receive training from Grain SA.