To revolutionise the agricultural sector and empower farmers across KwaZulu-Natal, premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube spearheaded the launch of the integrated agricultural development programme in Richmond. Farmers will receive much-needed mechanisation and support through the programme.
The government’s comprehensive initiative, unveiled recently, promises to provide mechanisation, infrastructure, and sector expertise to smallholder and community farming projects, marking a significant step towards sustainable commercial ventures in the region.
Bolstering production and mechanisation
The initiative aims to address the longstanding challenges faced by farmers in KwaZulu-Natal. Focusing on enhancing productivity, the programme will see the distribution of 1128 tractors valued at R17 million, alongside other essential implements, to farming groups across all districts.
Ownership certificates were ceremoniously handed over to community projects, signifying a pivotal moment in their journey towards self-sufficiency and asset management.
Speaking at the launch, MEC Super Zuma underscored the importance of the programme in alleviating mechanisation constraints and bolstering livestock and crop production in the region.
“The integrated programme we are launching today is a solution to mechanisation constraints, livestock and crop challenges confronting smallholder and community farming projects.
“As government, we have made the decision to donate assets and transfer ownership to farming groups within the province,” he said.
Dube-Ncube echoed these sentiments, emphasising the government’s commitment to food security and market access for local farmers. “We remain committed to opening the market for our farmers through our programme.
“We want our farmers to be game-changers in the market, supplying major markets and eventually crossing borders,” she said.
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Providing resources, knowledge and skills
One of the standout beneficiaries of the programme is SyaJay Agricultural Services (Pty) Ltd, a 100% black-owned business led by graduates of the Owen Sithole College of Agriculture.
With a funding allocation of R5.6 million from the Agricultural Development Agency (Agda), SyaJay Agricultural Services is poised to make significant strides in sustainable agriculture. The project, which includes the establishment of hydroponic tunnels, cooling and irrigation systems, and a mobile pack house, aims not only to generate profit but also to serve as an information hub and demonstration site for smallholder farmers.
Sya Ngcobo, one of the beneficiaries, articulated the project’s vision of knowledge sharing and skill development within the agricultural community.
“We want to teach our farmers and give them an opportunity to come and see how it is done. In many instances, some farmers struggle once they have penetrated the market. We aim to provide them with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed,” he said.
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