Government on track with emerging farmers

The mission to create food security for all is being addressed, writes

Jabulani Dennis Malinga

For emerging farmers to succeed in the competitive farming industry, they will need to keep up with the latest methods and have the latest equipment. This is why the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform decided to assist black emerging farmers with all the necessary equipment.

Nine co-operatives from various municipalities in the rural Eastern Cape were recently given a shot in the arm by the minister, Gugile Nkwinti, when he handed over 11 tractors and farming equipment. It was ground-breaking as it brought the government and the private sector together to uplift rural farming communities. All these entities contributed funds to procure the tractors and implements that were donated.

This shows that by working together, more can be achieved towards uplifting the rural communities by upgrading infrastructure and assisting emerging farmers with all the necessary support. This, in turn, will promote job creation in rural areas.

What is also worthy to mention is that among the co-operatives that were given tractors, there is a good mixture of co-operatives headed by females and the youth. The government is gaining ground in changing the lives of women and the youth in the rural areas.

The mission to create vibrant, equitable and sustainable rural communities and food security to all South Africans, regardless of class, gender and social status, is steadily being addressed.