The Azowel Project, a farm in Camperdown, is recovering after a severe hail storm damaged crops and infrastructure. Over the last two years, KwaZulu-Natal farms sustained severe losses due to continuous inclement weather and some farmers have not been able to resume production.
However, those who have been able to resume production are making progress even though the threat of hail storms and floods lurks in the air due to climate change. On Tuesday, KZN Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) MEC Super Zuma visited the Azowel Project, a farm in Camperdown that was heavily affected by the 2021 unrest and a hail storm in 2023.
Azowel produces 20 000 tonnes of tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers combined, in hydroponic tunnels and supplies to various markets. The company received R3.6 million worth of funding from the DARD through its agency the Agribusiness Development Agency (ADA).
The company was originally located in KwaDukuza but operations stopped in July 2021 during the unrest. This led to at least 10 workers losing their jobs.
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