By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
A collaboration between the DARDLEA(Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs) and Ithuba Farming Cooperative came to the fore during an informative Pannar Farmers Day which took place in Grootvlei(Dipaleseng Local Municipality) on Tuesday 15 April 2025.
The event was also attended by representatives from the Land Bank, Women for South African Agriculture, as well as AFASA.
According DARDLEA, three locations were visited by the farmers who were present during the event. The visits were reportedly aimed at providing a first-hand experience of White Maize Trials, Non-GMO Maize Production, and Soybean Commercial Production.
The initiative was reportedly focused on capacitating farmers about Pannar’s different cultivars and how they perform in the area.
“ Pannar experts shared knowledge on selecting the right hybrids, considering factors such as soil type, soil depth, fertility, and climate, as these factors can impact yield potential but also inform fertiliser plans.” said DARDLEA.
The importance of regular soil testing at the soil lab after harvest, was emphasised by DARDLEA
