THE Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm has ploughed thousand of Rand into a local enterprise development - giving growing of vegetables under dragline irrigation a windy boost.
Hugh Bosman, a tenant farmer on the outskirts of Hankey, received much-needed equipment and machinery valued at over R450 000 from the Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm. This includes a tractor, plough, planter and sprayer. He furthermore received technical training and support to ensure that this new equipment and machinery is optimally utilised and effectively cared for.
In addition, a storage shed to house the tractor and implements is being constructed.
Bosman took over the farming enterprise from his father over twenty years ago, leasing the land from the Congregational Church in Hankey, and employs between five and nine people.
“The assistance from the Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm resulted in my farm becoming more productive, with every available portion of land now cultivated,” says Bosman. “The amount of land under production increased from seven hectares to 14 hectares, which in turn has increased the farm’s turnover. We can now employ more people to assist us during busy periods.”
Bosman plans to increase production on the adjoining land that is now under cultivation
