A pilot barley harvest in Bakweneng could open new business opportunities for local farmers by connecting agricultural research, traditional leadership and commercial buyers.
The initiative, led through a partnership involving North-West University (NWU), the Bakwena Ba Mogopa traditional authority and commercial farming partners, aims to test whether local barley production can supply industrial markets, including the brewing industry.
NWU Chancellor Dr Anna Mokgokong joined Kgosi Motheo Mamogale and farmer Dawie Rothmann of Rothmann Boerdery for the harvesting demonstration on Monday, 26 October. Heineken has been identified as a potential buyer for the barley.
The project, held under the theme From rural potential to industrial prosperity, seeks to demonstrate how scientific knowledge, access to suitable land and commercial partnerships can help farmers move beyond production towards profitable markets.
Mokgokong said the initiative brings together people with different resources and expertise to explore opportunities in agriculture.
She explained that the partnership can help connect farmers with technical support, funding opportunities and potential buyers, making it easier for local producers to participate in commercial agriculture.
She added that communities with available land should explore ways to turn it into productive assets that generate income, create employment and help reduce poverty.
However, she stressed that producing crops alone would not guarantee access to international markets. Farmers would also need to maintain consistent quality, deliver reliable volumes and meet export regulations.
Mokgokong said the pilot harvest will provide useful production information to help determine whether the model could be expanded to other farms.
Kgosi Mamogale said the Bakweneng farm was selected because it has essential resources, including irrigation infrastructure and the capacity to manage the crop according to the project’s requirements.
He explained that the land was made available following an approach to the traditional leadership requesting space for the initiative. The barley was planted in March, with the October harvest marking an important stage in assessing its progress.
Mamogale said the project should create opportunities beyond the farm currently involved, encouraging household growers, emerging producers, established farmers and community farming groups to participate.
He also highlighted the importance of exposing young people to agriculture, saying practical projects could encourage them to consider farming as both a career and a business.
Rothmann demonstrated the harvesting process, offering participants practical insight into the work required to produce barley for commercial use.
For NWU, the initiative also creates opportunities to connect academic research with real farming conditions while giving students exposure to agricultural production.
The harvest results will help determine whether the approach can be replicated elsewhere. If successful, the partnership could provide a pathway for more farmers to access industrial markets, develop agricultural skills and build sustainable rural businesses.
