The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) department of agriculture and rural development is actively engaged in efforts to boost rural economies by providing resources and expertise to enhance agricultural productivity.
Recently, MEC Super Zuma visited uMsinga to address the challenges faced by livestock and crop farmers, emphasising the importance of addressing resource deficiencies to improve both farm activity and produce quality.
Investment in hemp, fighting stock theft
Zuma, in collaboration with local leaders such as Inkosi Mchunu from Kwa Nomzansi Royal House, has been responsive to the needs of farmers. Requests for assistance with fencing grazing camps, dam scooping, and establishing an irrigation scheme for a hemp project were addressed. Additionally, requests for breeding bulls to enhance genetic quality were also considered.
According to the department, work to scoop five dams is underway and 7km of fencing material has been provided to Nomzansi grazing camps.
The department said the process for establishing the Nobanguni irrigation system for a hemp project is well underway while household food security interventions are ongoing. In addition, twelve farmers were also handed their hemp permits on the day.
Mchunu showed his appreciation to Zuma for his swift response to the needs of his people. “Now that we have the support of the government, we will encourage community members to heed the call of working towards establishing agricultural firms.
“Our area has not been spared from stock theft, that is why we are most grateful for the livestock branding kits as they will assist in curbing stock theft,” Mchunu said.
Zuma reiterated the department’s commitment to supporting previously disadvantaged farmers, aiming for sustainable economic development.
He emphasised the vast opportunities in the cannabis and hemp sectors, foreseeing the creation of generational wealth. “Ours is to restore the dignity of our people by ensuring that they obtain financial freedom through agriculture. Our soil is the solution to all communities still faced with poverty,” Zuma said.
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