DELMAS – The Buhle Farmers’ Academy recently held a graduation ceremony for 68 students who completed its agricultural training programmes, marking a significant milestone in their journey to transform South Africa’s agricultural landscape.
The graduating class includes students from various disciplines such as vegetable production, poultry, livestock production, and grain crop production.
These programmes equip students with specialised knowledge and practical experience, preparing them to enter and contribute meaningfully to the agricultural sector.
According to Kingsley Nkwane, the new CEO of Buhle Farmers’ Academy, the institution remains committed to empowering the next generation of farmers with cutting-edge skills and knowledge.
“Our mission is to train and support aspiring farmers from across South Africa to run profitable and sustainable farming businesses,” said Nkwane. “We believe that by offering courses covering both farming and management skills, our graduates can become entrepreneurs, create jobs, and contribute to economic growth.”
The academy has unveiled a range of new strategies aimed at further empowering young farmers. These include the introduction of a mushroom production course, specialised training in vertical and urban farming, pioneering modules in robotics and coding for hydroponic systems, and the development of a curriculum focused on Global GAP certification and market access requirements.
Refilwe Somoro, a graduate in basic vegetable production, shared her experiences, “We’ve learnt how to plant, but before that, we send the soil for testing to detect any nutrient deficiencies,” she said. “We’ve also learnt land preparation techniques, including ploughing, disking, and applying nutrients. We planted various crops such as broccoli, cauliflower, and spinach, and were trained in using different irrigation systems.”
The new programmes offered at Buhle Farmers’ Academy aim to provide students with the skills and expertise needed to succeed in a fast-evolving agricultural industry. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, the academy is positioning itself as a key player in shaping the future of farming in South Africa.
As the graduating cohort steps into the sector, they do so well-equipped to make a meaningful impact. With the academy’s ongoing commitment to excellence and forward-thinking education, the future of agriculture in South Africa looks promising.
