The Eastern Cape government has set aside R102 million to fast-track maize production in the province. Meanwhile, the Western Cape government will place a sizable part of its budget – about R222 million – behind producer support services in the province.
The MEC for the Eastern Cape department of rural development and agrarian reform, Nonkqubela Pieters, wants close to 28 000 hectares of grain in high-potential grain corridors to be planted, benefitting 9 045 smallholder and subsistence producers.
Pieters presented her department’s 2023/24 financial year plans at the Eastern Cape legislature.
At least six districts in the province are set to benefit from an R102-million allocation to revive white maize in the province. Maize is the most important summer crop in the smallholder farming areas of the Eastern Cape, however, its productivity is very low.
“In the new financial year, to address the non-availability of white maize in the province which resulted in the underutilisation of the red hubs (Rural Enterprise Development), the department will support both white and yellow maize production,” Pieters said.
The department plans to construct a 1 500-tonne grain silo in Mhlontlo local municipality, which is expected to create 87 opportunities during construction.
Plans for livestock and citrus farmers
The department has set aside R12.8 million to support genetic improvement for communal and smallholder farmers. A total of 250 cattle, 500 sheep, 200 goats, and a further R 2.9 million for support custom-feeding centres has been promised.
The Eastern Cape is facing a water crisis with dams reaching all-time lows. The department said it would purchase 16 stock water systems, and nine new dipping tanks, and 29 dip tank renovations are planned for parts of the province.
Acknowledging the wool industry’s important role in the province’s economy, Pieters allocated R24.4 million to construct 17 shearing sheds and renovate two of them. Shearing equipment for farmers is also on the cards.
The Eastern Cape is an important player in South Africa’s citrus output, and according to Pieters, her department is committed to supporting distressed citrus farmers with her new budget.
“In the current financial year, a total of R12.4 million has been set aside for the intervention. The department, working with farmers, industry players, and stakeholders will develop a comprehensive citrus plan,” she said.
Furthermore, R17.5 million will be used to drive research and technology development.
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Three key focus areas for WC
Meanwhile, the Western Cape’s minister of agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, said his budget would focus on three strategic objectives: jobs, safety, and dignity and well-being.
Meyer said, “Budget 2023 acknowledges and facilitates the agriculture sector’s critical role in driving the economy, creating jobs, and responding to the urgency of now in the Western Cape.”
A total of R222.192 million of the province’s budget is geared towards farmer support services. Earmarked allocations include the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) with R113 568 million and R59 979 million for the Ilima/Letsema Programme.
The promotion of sustainable use and management of natural resources has been allocated a total of R134.757 million.
Other key budget allocations that Meyer announced were:
- R103.261 million to improve agricultural production through research and technology development, focusing on mitigation and adaptation options for farmers in response to climate change.
- R64.158 million to provide animal health services to prevent and control animal diseases. A further R2.5 million goes towards the upgrade of the veterinary laboratory.
- R57.997 million towards education and training and agricultural skills development.
- R42.996 million is set aside for research infrastructure, such as our research farms and support services.
- R38.628 million is assigned for ecological infrastructure and R18.5 million for river protection works.
- R31.706 million to provide production economics and marketing services to agri-businesses,
- R27.584 million to Casidra SOC LTD to support the department with project and state farm management.
- R10.084 million to enhance the socio-economic conditions of agri workers and their families.
- R7.656 million was allocated to facilitating agri-processing initiatives to grow participation in the agricultural value chain.
- R5 million is reserved for upgrading security services.
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