Issued by: Ministry of Agriculture
MEDIA RELEASE
In line with Deputy Minister Thoko Didiza's commitment to work towards bridging the gap between large commercial white farmers and small-scale black farmers, the Department of Agriculture plans to plough R6,6 million into one of the agricultural community projects near Upington, Northern Cape.
During her visit to the Northern Cape at the weekend, Mrs Didiza toured rural areas of Curries Camp, Keimos, Bloemsmond and surrounding islands, where she held talks with small-scale farming communities. Various proposals to fund viable agricultural community projects in the area were put to Mrs Didiza. The projects include the Goodhouse, Congregational Church, Eksteenskuil projects. Mrs Didiza is currently studying proposals with the view to financing small-scale farming projects in the area. No decision has yet been taken at this stage on which of the projects will receive the funding.
The visit has helped Mrs Didiza familiarise herself with developments of small-scale farm projects and challenges facing farming communities in the province.
With budgetary constraints faced by Government, Mrs Didiza has called for a joint programme of action that will include the private sector in addressing pressing needs of farming communities.
The visit not only made it possible for the Deputy Minister to meet farming communities, but offered her an opportunity to experience the realities for successful settlement of small-scale farmers along the Orange River. She was also briefed on what has been achieved in a support programme of cotton production. Cotton harvesting is reaching a peak at the end of April
Enquiries: Brian Sokutu Deputy Ministry Spokesman Telephone: (021) 461-0860 (W) (021) 396-1221 (A/H)