Lenara Farm, trading as GoldenGro Pvt Ltd, produces dried fruits and vegetables, as well as biltong which are sold at the local market. Our products are receiving international interests and we are in the process of exploring export markets especially in the SADC region and the UK.
GoldenGro Pvt Ltd was established in 1995, and fruit processing began in 2017. The fruit and vegetable drying enterprise employs staff, mostly women, from the community around the farm. A cluster programme to empower women and young people in the community is being developed. This will include providing mango tree seedlings and technical guidance for selected households. Lenara Farm will guarantee a market for the fruit and will provide training to add value through drying the fruit and making jam. The dried fruit will be marketed through Lenara Foods, and the farm will assist the community to source markets for the jam. It is envisaged that this programme will not only increase household earnings and empower the local women involved in the business, but it will also contribute towards improved nutrition of children in the community by introducing more fresh fruit into their diet, which is high in vitamins and fiber; and ensuring access to dried fruit throughout the year. Increased household earnings will also contribute to keeping children in formal education for longer.
Lenara Farm also takes agriculture students on attachment. The directors work closely with the students, providing tutorship and guidance. Students on attachment get experience in fruit processing and are made to appreciate the importance of value addition and the health benefits of the products.