Premier launches programme to help small-scale farmers

KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) small-scale farmers have been given an opportunity to bloom into sustainable commercial businesses through a holistic, integrated programme, which will provide mechanisation, infrastructure and sector expertise.

Last Thursday, April 18, KZN Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube led the provincial launch of the Integrated Agricultural Development Programme through which 1 128 tractors, worth R17 million, and other implements were allocated for the small-scale farmers.

During the launch in Richmond, Ms Dube-Ncube, together with Agriculture and Rural Development MEC, Super Zuma, also handed over ownership certificates to community projects.

Ms Dube-Ncube said through this initiative, the provincial government aims to strengthen the ability of farming groups to maintain, take responsibility and care for their assets. She said additional mentorship and mechanisation training will be provided to community projects that are experiencing challenges in their farming activities to ensure self-sufficiency.

“Sustainable mechanisation is critical in the development of value chains and food systems, and through this programme, we are ensuring that even our small-scale farmers are given an opportunity to be competitive,” said the Premier.

“They will be able to sufficiently cultivate land, be more efficient, effective and environmentally friendly in their operations.”

Ms Dube-Ncube also emphasised that food security is a priority for the province, and that the provincial government remains committed to opening the market for provincial farmers, through government’s Radical Agrarian Socio-Economic Transformation (RASET) Programme.

RASET is aimed at increasing economic opportunities for historically previously disadvantaged individuals through value chains and market access, primarily market driven by government demand.

“We have officially handed over a cheque and equipment to SyaJay Agricultural Services, a project we are most proud of,” said Ms Dube-Ncube.

“SyaJay Agricultural Services (Pty) Ltd, is a 100% Black-owned business and the two beneficiaries are graduates of the Owen Sithole College of Agriculture. The project was approved for a total funding of R5.6 million from the Agricultural Development Agency (ADA) and 10 hydroponic tunnels, a cooling and irrigation systems have been completed. A mobile pack house will be ready at the end of May.”

Sya Ngcobo, one of the beneficiaries, said over and above becoming a sustainable business that is making profit, their vision is to create an information hub.

“We partly want to function as a demonstration site, where small-holder farmers would sharpen their skills and gain crucial sectorial knowledge. In many instances, you find that some farmers struggle once they have penetrated the market. Even though they may have good quality produce, vegetables do not sell because of incorrect packaging,” said Mr Ngcobo.

“We want to teach our farmers and give them an opportunity to learn how to run their businesses to make a profit.”