Agricultural challenges to be addressed Sizani
Mayor engages with farmers
hris Hani District Municipality (CHDM) executive mayor Lusanda Sizani engaged with members of the agricultural sector at the Thobi Kula Indoor Sports Centre in Komani on Tuesday.
More than 300 participants from the agricultural sector attended the mayor’s engagement, which was focused on livestock improvement, wool and crop production and irrigation schemes, among other key issues.
Various sector departments and entities unpacked their different programmes which directly benefit farmers within CHDM.
The session also revealed that financial and nonfinancial assistance has immensely benefitted farmers in various areas across CHDM, which was confirmed by several speakers in attendance.
The support to farmers is focused on feedlots, food production, the provision of production inputs, tractors and linking farmers with industry partners as well as nonfinancial services, which include capacity building and mechanisation support services – ploughing, planting, bailing, ripping, discing and harvesting.
Millions of rand have gone towards supporting farmers across the district, with government requested to continue making this sector a priority to strengthen food security.
One of the farmers who attended the event, a wool grower, said he exported wool internationally through the support from government.
Customary feedlots also commended government for the continued support, and requested more resources be made available.
The farmers further cited their interest in graduation to commercial feedlots.
The farmers urged CHDM leadership and sector departments to ensure that funding and loans meant
Cto empower them include fair terms and conditions so they were able to make profits and provide food security.
Sizani said: “We have convened this engagement session as the district municipality to ensure that we effectively respond to the focus areas outlined in the district development agenda, which acknowledges the ruralness of the district.
“We will make a visible dent in addressing the challenges confronting this sector.”
He said addressing the challenges was vital as they related to food security.
“We need to work the land, hence we are promoting food gardens.
“We are supporting small-scale farmers and we also encouraging better farming techniques,” said Sizani.
Sizani has prioritised engagements with all relevant stakeholders as part of his 100 days programme.