She says one of the best decisions she ever made in terms of her business was to approach the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA) for financial support. It has had a significant impact on her growing business.

Production

Dikana says she concentrates on vegetables that are in high demand in the area.

“These include cabbages, spinach, sweet peppers, okra, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and butternut. Over and above the fact that the produce must be popular in our area, it is also very important for it to be easy to handle and transport,” she explains.

Dikana also considers the fact that she decided to grow a variety of crops instead of a single crop as one of the best choices she’s made. As she put it: “The diversity of crops mitigates price fluctuations to a considerable degree.”

Dikana currently employs 16 permanent staff members and 20 seasonal workers at her commercial venture, which began as a humble 3ha vegetable operation. She attributes the growth of her business to true grit, planning, and very hard work.

She adds that smart agricultural practices and strategic support from the ECRDA also played a big part in her expansion.

In addition, she emphasises the importance of training and developing her workforce, including supporting them to obtain drivers’ licences and qualifications in the administrative side of the business.

She points out that the work opportunities created in her farming business play an important socio-economic role, as they enable her workers to take care of their families.

Asked about the biggest challenges she has had to overcome so far in her career as a farmer, Dikana cites lack of finances, labour issues, weather conditions, and crime.

Marketing

Dikana mainly markets her produce through the retail sector. “When the products are ready, I take samples to retail stores like Spar, Spargs, Buffalo City [Municipality] Market, Food Lover’s [Market], and other food and vegetable business ventures in the area where we farm.

“A significant portion of our produce is sold through word of mouth, but we also market via social media. The vegetables are delivered to the different buyers via the farm’s vehicles to reduce delivery time and safeguard quality,” she explains.

Her long-term goal is to start value-adding at the farm level, with her eye on the export markets. She also plans to acquire a farm of about 1 000ha, which would give her the opportunity to diversify her current business into livestock production.

Dikana considers farming to be the ideal career choice for the future because of its diversity and, consequently, the wide array of opportunities it offers.

For more information phone Zoleka Dikana on 067 663 2431.