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AGRICULTURE:
Although the Lerphalale area has an average rainfall of only 400mm per annum, this sector is the third largest contributor to the local economy. In general the area is regarded as arid and by its nature very sensitive for the availability of secure water resources. Irrigation is limited to the Mokolo, Palala and Limpopo river catchment areas and to a lesser extent , the Mogalakwena river.
FARMING SYSTEMS:
* Sweet Bushveld * Sour Bushveld * Mopani Veld, and
* Limpopo basin Veld
CURRENT FARMING ACTIVITIES:
(1) Animal Production:
Cattle, Game (including rare species like roan, sable and buffalo), Goats and Ostriches.
(2) Plant Production:
Vegetables, Cotton, Tobacco, citrus, Paprika, Peppers, Lucern, Groundnuts, Table Grapes, Dry Beans, Wheat, Maize, Cut flowers and Water Melons.
Note: Lephalale is annually the first to produce table grapes and water melons to the RSA market.
Game farming has in recent years become a major economic activity, whilst cattle farming is declining to make way for game farming. The estimated number of game farms in Lephalale is 510.
OPPORTUNITIES:
*Beneficiation of agricultural products
*Production of animal feed from bush encroachment
*Horticulture
*Venison - processing plant
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