Free State farmers say continuous rainfall affecting planting season

Farmers are concerned that if the rain persists the season might end before they finish planting seeds. The recent rainfall has caused delays in planting.

Maleho Motshumi has been a farmer for many years, he says this year has been one of the worst sunflower crops.

“Whilst we know we cannot complain about rain. We are however making requests to the powers that are that we should at least give us a chance to plant and let our seed germinate and our plants grow. And then rains can come as much as possible.”

Farmers say this year’s fuel price increases, have also hit them hard.

Farmer Sebopelo Segwe says, “Diesel is very expensive and unfortunately we don’t have a choice, also fertiliser is double the price now, which is really affecting us.”