ELUNDINI, EASTERN CAPE — A transformative Eastern Cape grain commercialisation initiative has officially been launched to bridge the gap between subsistence agriculture and large-scale commercial farming. Unveiled by the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR), the newly established Grain Commercialisation Chapter is designed to equip emerging farmers with the resources, market access, and strategic support needed to build sustainable agricultural enterprises.
Strategic Launch and Broader Agricultural Vision
The milestone launch took place during a special Harvest Day event at Sonskyn Farm, located within the Elundini Local Municipality, on Thursday. This event serves as a cornerstone of the department’s wider Agriculture Commercialisation Programme. By focusing on targeted interventions, the programme seeks to unlock the economic potential of local producers, bolster their production capabilities, and seamlessly integrate them into robust agricultural value chains.
R80 Million Budget Allocation for Grain and Oilseeds
During her 2026/27 Budget Vote address earlier this year, Eastern Cape Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe revealed a massive financial commitment to the sector. The department has earmarked R80 million specifically for the grain and oilseeds value chain. This substantial funding is directed at supporting grain and oilseed production across 24,000 hectares of provincial land.
Speaking to a diverse audience of farmers, industry stakeholders, and government partners at the Thursday launch, MEC Kontsiwe stressed that the provincial government is fully committed to elevating farmers beyond basic subsistence levels into thriving commercial businesses.
“One thing I have always emphasised is that people must not underestimate their potential. Even a child crawls before they eventually walk,” Kontsiwe noted, explaining that the department’s strategy revolves around identifying individual potential and applying the right interventions to foster growth.
“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.”
Synergizing Grain Production and Livestock Farming
A major focal point of the new initiative is the critical role grain production plays in bolstering the province’s livestock sector and ensuring regional food security.
“Joe Gqabi District is one of the leading districts in wool production, and this year, farmers have performed exceptionally well,” Kontsiwe pointed out. “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.”
Youth Empowerment: Cultivating the Next Generation of Farmers
The Harvest Day also highlighted the tangible successes of the department’s youth-focused strategies, prominently featuring 21-year-old Iviwe Sondlo. Sondlo, who currently leases the host venue, Sonskyn Farm, developed his passion for agriculture early on, learning to operate a tractor under the guidance of his father.
In 2025, encouraged by his father, Sondlo teamed up with his cousin to formally enter the farming business. The young duo successfully leased the property and planted maize across 47 hectares of land.
“We are planning to include more grains in future, expand our enterprise, and create more employment opportunities for young people,” Sondlo stated.
DRDAR officials noted that Sondlo’s trajectory perfectly encapsulates the department’s vision of drawing the youth into the agricultural sector while cultivating a fresh wave of commercial producers.
Securing Market Access and Value Chain Integration
Moving from production to profit requires reliable offtake agreements, and the farmers at Sonskyn Farm have already secured strong market links. The farm currently supplies its harvested produce to major, established industry players, including BKB located in Nqanqarhu (formerly Maclear) and Bester in Mthatha, ensuring a stable commercial pipeline for their yields.
