The eThekwini Municipality is in the process of developing an agri-park as part of its strategy to stimulate agriculture in the Cato Ridge area. According to a spokesman for eThekwini mayor Mxolisi Kaunda, R17.7 million has been invested in the Cato Ridge chicken farm near Hammarsdale and the Ilangabi Elingacishi Nursery in Umzinyathi. The farm is being run by the Isukile Cooperative, formed by the retrenched employees of Rainbow Chicken. Agriculture around the Durban area was significantly impacted by the outbreak of Covid-19, and as a result the city has taken the lead in several projects to create opportunities in the agriculture and associated industries. The spokesman said there was optimism about the agriculture projects, which were showing steady progress. The bigger plan, however, is to develop an agriculture incubator in Cato Ridge. Plans are already at an advanced stage to establish a sheep farm, while the municipality has also given the go-ahead for a hydroponic farm to grow high-volume produce.
