Farmer's Weekly (South Africa)
Public-private partnership to bolster agriculture in KwaZulu-Natal
A new public-private partnership in KwaZuluNatal will see thousands of farmers benefit when it is launched in February, reports Jyothi Laldas.
Agroundbreaking partnership between the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and Karan
Beef South Africa will see thousands of farmers benefit once the deal is formally launched in February.
The move towards enhancing the collaboration between public and private entities will see Karan Beef, the largest beef producer in Africa, providing abattoir services and a market to rural livestock farmers.
KZN Agriculture MEC Super Zuma revealed the news during a visit to Umkhanyakude, where he said that the deal would bring a boost to the sector and that their working relations were in line with the department’s goal of grooming future commercial farmers who would work towards owning their own agricultural firms.
Accompanied by president of the African Farmers’ Association of South Africa (AFASA), AJ Mthembu, the MEC met Ivor Karan, owner of Karan Beef South Africa.
According to Zuma, the publicprivate relationship was solidified by an agreement between all parties for Karan Beef to provide abattoir services and a market to rural livestock farmers.
Farmers in turn, will supply the livestock giant with cattle monthly and will cut through the red tape, selling directly to the beef industry leader.
Karan’s journey began in 1974, when the family farm established a feedlot with fewer than 100 head of cattle. Since then, the capacity has exponentially grown to accommodate up to 210 000 head of cattle at their Heidelberg Feedlot, Nigel Farm, Albert Falls facility and multiple holding stations. The initiative extends its benefits to farmers in uMkhanyakude, with Zuma expressing optimism that the opportunity will push previously marginalised black farmers into the spotlight. This not only marked a significant economic opportunity but also served as a means of placing these farmers firmly on the agricultural map.
Zuma said that the department’s Livestock Beef Improvement Programme, aimed at improving cattle genetics, would hugely benefit farmers as breeding bulls provided to communities by the department would ensure the birth of calves that can be sold to world markets.
“Farmers will have to meet the target set for them by Karan Beef monthly and failure will not be an option for us. KwaZulu-Natal stands ready to take full advantage of this marketing opportunity offered through the Karan beef transaction and we will ensure that as farmers you grow flourishing businesses on our soil,” said Zuma.
In a commitment to protect the livelihoods of farmers, Zuma also announced that the department would tackle the prevalent issue of stock theft through the implementation of innovative measures. These measures, designed as a deterrent to stock thieves, signified a proactive step towards safeguarding the interests of the agricultural community.
Zuma emphasised the urgency of addressing stock theft, recognising its detrimental impact on farmers and their operations. By introducing these new measures, the department aims to fortify security measures, discourage potential perpetrators, and create a more resilient environment for livestock farmers.
Bhekisana Mbatha, chairperson of the uMkhanyakude District Livestock Association and a seasoned livestock farmer of over two decades, underscored the pivotal role of their sector as the backbone of the provincial economy.
Recognising the significance of development programmes, Mbatha highlighted the agricultural community’s dedication to evolving from subsistence to commercial farming.
“We depend on farming and we are working towards becoming commercial farmers. When our cattle suffer from disease, it hinders growth and robs our farmers. That is why we are grateful for the assistance that we receive from government,” said Mbatha.