Berries for export are a juicy market and could become even more so if blue berry farmers have partners such as the North-West University (NWU). Wanting to see first-hand how a potential partnership could bear fruit for economic growth in the province, a top-level NWU delegation recently visited the Madikwe Berry Farm.
Prof Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka, NWU principal and vice-chancellor, led the group, consisting of Prof David Modise, executive dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, and Prof Rodney Medupe, deputy dean for community engagement in the same faculty.
A support team including Clement Manoko, executive director of Corporate Relations and Marketing, and Nkosinathi Tom, director for strategic partnerships and special projects in the office of the vice-chancellor, rounded off the delegation.
NW University met with Blue Berry Farm Key Personnel
The group met with the Blue Berry farm’s key personnel, who included general manager George Chengera, production and data analysts, and several pre-harvest and infield managers. The purpose of the meeting was to understand the farm’s operations in the North West and Limpopo provinces.
This is a starting point towards considering a possible partnership. “Research, knowledge production and skills development are vital components for driving economic growth and job creation in our nation, and the NWU is committed to bolstering its efforts in these crucial areas” says Prof Tyobeka.
He says the Blue Berry farm has great potential for joint research in areas that could potentially answer some scientific questions, which, if answered, could increase profitability for the farm.
“On a bigger scale, the outcomes of such research will contribute to university research outputs. We also explored opportunities for NWU students from the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (crop science, botany, microbiology, biochemistry, among others) to participate in experiential learning at the Blue Berry farm.”
The delegation toured the Blue Berry farm and learned more about its operations and facilities. They also witnessed the work being done to boost crop yields and grow blueberries, mainly for the export market.
Prof Tyobeka commended the farm for its valuable contribution to the agricultural sector, and emphasised the significance of assisting small-scale farmers to establish sustainable rural economies. He also stressed the significance of collaborations between universities to facilitate research and development.
“Our site visit to the Madikwe Berry Farm, which aims to uplift some of the country’s poorest communities while reinvesting profits in conservation, was both exciting and enriching. We anticipate further engagements to advance the discussion and opportunities,” he says. By Angeline Marokoane