Recent efforts made in the development of the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP) has been welcomed by Thoko Didiza, the minister of agriculture, land reform and rural development.
Earlier this week, Didiza met with agriculture and agro-processing stakeholders to assess progress on the drafting and consultations for the AAMP. The much-anticipated plan is set to bolster long-term growth and development in the agriculture sector.
While meeting representatives of agricultural unions, agribusiness, labour unions and civil society, among others, Didiza noted that there’s been great progress since the first AAMP meeting held in June last year.
Powered for economic growth
Various stakeholders have since examined a number of agriculture and agro-processing sub-sectors with the vision of expanding economic growth, inclusiveness, and job creation.
The process is rigorous and evidence-based, led by the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC), Bureau for Food and Agriculture Policy (BFAP) and Competition, Regulation and Economic Development (CCRED).
Didiza said, “These efforts are part of the broader economic reconstruction and recovery plan the president announced late last year.”
Commitment towards implementation
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The minister further congratulated partners with the milestone and said she looked forward to the next engagement.
“The engagement was fruitful in that it identified areas that require further negotiations amongst partners and action plans for implementation as we approach the completion of the master plan.
“We hope that social partners will continue supporting this important initiative and remain committed to implementing the plan when we have completed drafting it,” concluded Didiza.
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