KZN Department of Agriculture engages farmers

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture has hit the ground running with a number of farmer engagements already under their belt for 2024.

Agriculture MEC Super Zuma successfully led a stakeholder engagement in ward 11 of Osizweni in the Amajuba District, seeking to intensify efforts to eradicate poverty secure food security through the Township Agriculture Programme.

About 15 households have joined the township agriculture initiative in the area, with more than 200 others requesting to be part of the programme.

Zuma said it was encouraging to see members of the community joining forces with the department to combat poverty.

“As a department, we will support communities with all the agricultural necessities required, we will fight to ensure that no one gets left behind and that nutritious food is affordable and available to our people, noting that we are challenged on this front by inflation in food costs,” said MEC Zuma.

In his second engagement with livestock farmers in Osizweni, the MEC brought together all farmers, stakeholders, and interested developers in Newcastle involved in all farming aspects to find solutions to problems facing the sector.

CONCERNS

Farmers raised concerns over the high level of stock theft and a lack of infrastructure, while others said they are in need of land.

Zuma outlined possible methods that will assist farmers to reach commercial level and also urged farmers to get together to empower and build relationships.

Farmers also reflected on their issues in order to find strategies for supporting one another.

Addressing some of the issues, Zuma made an undertaking to ensure that the farmers concerns will be addressed by the department and stated that the department will use all available resources to help subsistence farmers in transitioning to commercial agriculture.

Zuma also visited farmers at Sigananda Mahlubi Farm in the uThukela District to deliberate and discuss challenges and agricultural opportunities to enhance food security in the area.

Zuma honoured his word when he visited Cathulani and Sizakancane farming projects to hand over farming implements, seeds, water tanks and fencing materials in February. Both of the co-operatives produce vegetables to supply local markets. –