Programme to address food security
Valued at R160-million, agricultural equipment such as tractors and farming implements, as well as seeds were handed out to subsistence and small-holder farmers
TO create vibrant agricultural communities and improve food security, the KZN government recently launched a multi-million rand crop planting programme in the uMkhanyakude district.
Valued at R160-million, agricultural equipment such as tractors and farming implements, as well as seeds were handed out to subsistence and small-holder farmers.
‘This is one of our flagship programmes which is expected to transform the lives of many small farmers who struggle to produce adequate crops owing to the lack of farming resources,’ said Agriculture and Rural Development MEC, Bongi Sithole-Moloi.
‘We decided to launch the programme in September as it is the start of the planting season.’
Leading the programme launch, KZN Premier, Sihle Zikalala, said through interaction with communities across KZN, it is clear that there are high levels of food insecurity and that high food prices cause difficulties for communities.
KZN is among the top three poorest provinces in the country, with poverty levels at 20%.
Additionally, at 18.6%, KZN has the highest proportion of inadequate access to food – higher than the national average of 15.8%.
Zikalala said that the government’s agriculture master plan will see agricultural spending increase from R18-billion to R23-billion by next year.
He further said 10 000 jobs would be created through agri-processing over the next five years.
The programme also provides SMMEs the opportunity to supply mechanisation services.
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