Premier launches multi-planting season
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube, along with MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Super Zuma, launched the Provincial Multi-Planting Season on Tuesday.
The initiative is designed to mobilise resources, provide support, access to finance, information and markets in the agricultural sector.
Ms Dube-Ncube emphasised the importance of this programme against the increasing cost of food and high levels of unemployment.
“As we are grappling with rising food costs and high levels of unemployment, exacerbated by global geopolitical and market dynamics, including severe weather patterns, we must find creative ways to cushion our economy, ensure food sustainability, and create jobs. Agriculture is at the forefront of our strategy. Therefore, launching the multi-planting season is not just an event, but a programme that will change the lives of our people, especially the youth and rural communities,” said Premier Dube-Ncube.
Led by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Provincial Multi-Planting Season aims to support communities and smallholder farmers in securing sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.
This season, over 20 000 hectares of land will be planted with crops such as yellow maize, dry beans and various vegetables. Farmers will be connected with markets to sell their produce.
The launch event saw the participation of various key officials, including MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Siboniso Duma; MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Bongi Sithole-Moloi; MEC for Education Mbali Fraser; and MEC for Social Development, Nonhlanhla Khoza.
Under the District Development Model, MECs will implement the programme in their respective districts and communities.
Local communities will have opportunities to collaborate with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, receiving expert advice, farming implements, seedlings, and access to traditional land for cooperative projects.
Mr Zuma stressed the significance of the rain that fell over the province this week as a positive sign for the planting season. He pledged the department's on-going commitment to assisting rural communities in the fight against poverty and inequality.
Ms Dube-Ncube added that the programme was also a step towards empowerment.
“This is a season for food security; we will do away with poverty and hunger. We want our people to create their wealth through working the soil. We are encouraging communities to work together with ward committees, to access information about our programmes. We also want to further support the youth who are interested in the agricultural sector, realise success, and benefit from the sector's value chain,” she said.
