The North West provincial government are working around the clock to fight poverty and create jobs, said premier Lazarus Mokgosi at the launch of the agri-hub in Mahikeng at the North-West University campus recently.
Mokgosi said the hub will ensure that those with agricultural expertise, especially graduates from the university and the two agricultural colleges, receive hands-on training and produce food for the province.
The launch was in collaboration with the university and included the vice chancellor, Bismark Tyobeka, agriculture MEC Madoda Sambatha, and senior government officials.
Enhancing agriculture in NW
“This agri-hub will serve as a centre of excellence in the enhancement of livestock and crop value chains, [and] support to our farmers through research, technology development, skills development and capacity building.
“This includes the creation of a conducive and enabling environment for agri value chains, entrepreneurship and development of sustainable markets for economic growth,” he said.
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Mokgosi said the hub would help farmers in three identified commodities: beef, goat, and crop production.
“The African stud breeders will play a critical role in the process of ensuring structured commercialisation within the identified livestock commodities, by working directly with producers in our various villages and farming communities.
“A lot of groundwork by the agri-hub structure needs to be done in an accelerated manner confined within our accelerated service delivery programme, The coordinators will be working with farmers through a structure that will be explained in due course.”
Greater things to come
“These priority areas are underpinned by government’s strategy to refocus agriculture in the province, which puts commercialisation, aggregation and infrastructure development as our apex priorities.
“To our farmers and producers, this is the start of greater things for us. Without you, these efforts will be in vain. We will work with Dikgosi (chiefs) to ensure that the dignity and the vibrancy of our traditional communities are restored,” he said.
Mokgosi explained that the agri-hub represents a long-term investment in the future of agriculture. It is expected to drive job creation, rural development, and sustainable agricultural growth, ensuring the sector remains resilient in the face of challenges such as climate change, market fluctuations, and the increasing demand for food security.
Meanwhile, Tyobeka emphasised the hub’s role in advancing agriculture, creating jobs, and fostering sustainable practices. He highlighted the opportunity for smallholder and new-era farmers to access training, modern tools, and global markets while helping commercial farmers expand and improve competitiveness.
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