The iLembe Agro-processing Hubs Project is located across the 4Local Municipalities. Green houses will be erected on 8 sites, namely Mathonsi, Bulwer and two additional sites in Ndwedwe and Maphumulo respectively.
The Objectives of the project:
To design, erect and commission in each of the local municipalities a hydroponic greenhouse with co-operative driven management with each greenhouse being 2500m2 in size. The vegetables to be grown will include: tomatoes, cucumbers, mixed herbs and baby vegetables.
The end goal of the project is:
- Produce 1st grade tomatoes, cucumbers and green peppers.
- Identify suitable markets for the produce
- Supply export quality product to world markets.
- Create community-ownership structures for each of the 4 sites for the benefit of the community.
- Create at least 15 permanent jobs at each of the sites.
- Build sustainable market linkages, linking producers to export agents or buying agents.
- Develop a pack house/processing facility for value adding.