By Mamello Nhlapo
For many households in the township of Kutloanong, pumpkins are more than just a vegetable. They are a staple food, feeding families, sustaining small businesses, and supporting communities with each harvest.
Local farmer, Thapelo Ramokhoase, has been growing pumpkins for six years and said pumpkins were among the most reliable and resilient vegetables to grow, as they were guaranteed to grow healthily and were not easily impacted by sudden changes in weather. While also being a versatile vegetable that could be used in various dishes, from baby food to being a side vegetable to being a staple meal when blended with mealie meal.
“Even if the rain is not enough, I can still harvest something. They bring one a steady income when I take them to the market. I started small, but now I plant them every season because they sell so well,” explained Ramokhoase.
Small-scale farmer Bulelwa Noncawola, who also sells pumpkins at the local market, saying that even if she manages to sell just one pumpkin a day, the profits still benefit her small business.
“If I sell two or more pumpkins along with other vegetables a day, that’s good money. It provides for me and my family. They sell very well on Sundays because people love to add it to their Sunday meals, especially when they are in season,” Noncawola said.
The community praised subsistence farming as it helps them provide for their families while also saving them money. Instead of forking out money to purchase their weekly supply of vegetables, they just pick the vegetables they need from the garden. They also added that promoting pumpkin-based meals can encourage communities to eat more locally grown, affordable, and nutritious food.
Pumpkins are known for their nutritional value, aside from being sweet when in season, the vegetable is a great source of Vitamins, among them are vitamin A (from beta-carotene), vitamin C, and vitamin E. They also contain potassium iron, and are a source of fiber, with seeds providing additional nutrients like magnesium and zinc.
