Picture: North West MEC for DARD, Madoda Sambatha and municipal leaders officially launch the Mor Farming Packhouse/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
25 August 2026 – The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha has officially opened and handed over a state-of-the-art vegetable packhouse at Mor Farming’s Matlabanestad Farm, outside Bloemhof. Sambatha said the new facility marks a significant milestone in the province’s efforts to strengthen agricultural production, improve market access for emerging farmers, and stimulate local economic growth.
He further said as part of its commitment to farmer development and agricultural transformation, the department invested in the construction of the packhouse to enhance Mor Farming’s operational capacity. Sambatha added that the facility will serve as a critical hub, where harvested produce is cleaned, graded, sorted, and packaged to meet food quality, safety and market standards before reaching consumers.
“Mor Farming has grown into a successful horticultural enterprise producing a range of vegetables, including butternut, pumpkin, beetroot, watermelon, green beans, and green peppers. The farm currently supplies produce to markets across the North West, as well as neighbouring provinces such as Gauteng, Free State and Northern Cape, while also serving local and informal markets in Bloemhof.
“In addition to the packhouse, the department has supported the enterprise through the provision of essential agricultural inputs and equipment, including seeds, packaging materials, harvest bins, baskets, a forklift, food processors, and vegetable cutters,” he said.
In bringing interventions, Sambatha said this has significantly improved productivity and strengthened the farm’s readiness to access formal markets. He said the development of packhouses across the province forms part of the department’s broader strategy to strengthen the agricultural value chain, improve post-harvest handling, reduce losses and increase farmers’ competitiveness in formal markets.
“The Mor Farming Packhouse is among seven packhouses constructed by the department across the province, with the remaining facilities set to be officially launched in the coming months. Several packhouses have already been completed across the province and we will be launching them soon.
“We are deliberately investing in infrastructure that enables farmers to grow and expand their businesses. When farmers grow, they create jobs, strengthen local economies, and contribute meaningfully to provincial economic development,” said Sambatha.
He said through investments such as these, they are creating opportunities for current and future generations of farmers, while building a more inclusive and competitive agricultural sector in the North West Province. Sambatha emphasised that the department’s investment is aligned with its objective of growing the number of successful farmers in the province, while encouraging more young people to enter the agricultural sector.
“The Bloemhof facility forms part of a broader provincial initiative aimed at supporting farmers, increasing agricultural production, and unlocking new market opportunities,” he said.
Meanwhile, to ensure the sustainability of the project, the farm owner, Pako Moroeng, also participated in the South African Good Agricultural Practices (SA-GAP) training programme. The programme focuses on food safety, quality assurance, good agricultural practices, and the proper handling of produce.
Speaking about the impact of the training, Moroeng expressed gratitude for the department’s support.
“I am grateful for the support and guidance I have received from the department. Through the SA-GAP programme, I have gained valuable knowledge and practical skills in food safety, soil management, chemical handling, post-harvest management, quality control, traceability, record-keeping, and compliance with agricultural standards.
“Most importantly, SA-GAP has shown me how to maintain high-quality standards and ensure that the produce leaving my farm is safe for consumers. This has improved the marketability of my products and opened opportunities to access more profitable local and potential export markets,” he said.
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