Here’s how Limpopo Agriculture’s R1.91 billion budget will be used

By Maile Matsimela

Limpopo MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Nakedi Kekana tabled a Budget Vote 04 of the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) for the 2025/2026 financial year at the legislature in Lebowakgomo on 10 April.

LDARD has been allocated a total budget of R1.91 billion for the 2025/26 financial year, comprising of Equitable Share of R1.56 billion and R346 million in Conditional Grants.

She said the Budget Vote is anchored on the priorities outlined by President Cyril Ramaphosa for the 7th Administration, as it speaks directly to the urgent challenges confronting the people, such as the high cost of living, persistent poverty, joblessness and inequality.

“We will drive inclusive growth, enable transformation, ensure food security and build a capable and ethical developmental state – through agricultural production, agro-processing and rural development,” said the MEC.

Kekana said the department’s new Five-Year Strategic Plan aligns with this vision as it aims to promote meaningful participation of black farmers, advance the inclusion of women, youth, persons with disabilities and military veterans, and lastly transforming the emerging farmers into fully commercial producers.

The budget is allocated across eight programmes with the following breakdown:

• Agricultural Producer Support and Development: R811.94 million (42.51%) – largest allocation
• Administration: R381.29 million (19.97%)
• Veterinary Services: R231.75 million (12.13%)
• Agricultural Education and Training: R160.93 million (8.43%)
• Sustainable Resource Use and Management: R138.28 million (7.24%)
• Research and Technology Development: R95.16 million (4.98%)
• Agricultural Economics Services: R83.88 million (4.39%)
• Rural Development: R6.57 million (0.34%)

The R346 million in conditional grants is distributed as follows:

• Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP): R242.85 million
• Ilima/Letsema Grant: R83.58 million
• LandCare Programme: R14.29 million
• Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP): R5.29 million

Key fund utilisation areas

1. Infrastructure Development

• 51 Agricultural Infrastructure Projects: R812 million allocated for irrigation systems, climate-resilient structures and mechanisation
• Subsidised Mechanisation Scheme: 80:20 subsidy for farmers acquiring tractors and implements (R2.2 million for three farmers)
• Potato Belt Expansion: R7.5 million for irrigation projects in Capricorn to develop 40 hectares

2. Flagship Projects

• Majeje Citrus: R31.35 million for 450 hectares of citrus development (43 permanent and 30 seasonal jobs created)
• Zebediela Citrus Estate Revitalisation: Creating 50 permanent and 80 seasonal jobs
• Vhembe Agricultural Multiplier Project: Unlocking 3 000 hectares of underutilised land and creating 1 500 jobs in Phase 1
• Makgoba Dieplaagte Project: Developing 70 hectares of avocados in partnership with ZZ2

3. Employment and Skills Development

• EPWP: Creating 1 550 jobs (R5.29 million)
• Agricultural Graduate Development: Training and placement of 435 agriculture graduates
• Bursaries: R2.3 million for employee upskilling and external bursaries in veterinary medicine and engineering

4. Climate Change and Disaster Mitigation

• Drought and Disaster Relief: R31.5 million requested from National Disaster Management Centre, with R11.5 million reprioritised
• Climate Resilience Projects: Integration of solar energy and water-efficient systems
• LandCare: R14.3 million for fencing, land rehabilitation and clearing invasive species

5. Veterinary and Livestock Services

• Disease Control: Focus on foot and mouth disease (FMD), livestock vaccinations and traceability systems
• Livestock Brandmarking: R3 million allocated to reduce stock theft and improve traceability

6. Targeted Support for Designated Groups

• Military Veterans Support: Livestock distribution and meat-processing training
• Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities: Prioritised in all agricultural initiatives with specific targets (54% women, 5% persons with disabilities)

Strategic Priorities for 2025/26

1. Transforming Agriculture: Focus on inclusive growth, modern farming techniques and infrastructure development
2. Job Creation: 1 550 EPWP jobs plus additional permanent positions through various initiatives
3. Climate Adaptability: Scaling up climate-smart agriculture and water-efficient systems
4. Agro-processing: Strengthening value chains and promoting innovative agricultural products
5. Food Security: Supporting productive use of land and enhancing agricultural output

The MEC said the 2025/26 budget demonstrates the department’s commitment to modernising agriculture, creating sustainable employment, ensuring food security and developing resilient agricultural systems in Limpopo Province.

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