The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development marked a significant milestone on Thursday, 13 November with the official launch of the 2025/26 Provincial Planting Season. The ceremony took place at the Retladirela Cooperative in Dwarskraal, situated within the Tswaing Local Municipality.
By Maile Matsimela, Digital Editor at African Farming
With its theme of “Sustainable Crop Production for Food Security and Growth”, the launch event drew farmers, stakeholders and agricultural partners from across the province. The gathering served as both a celebration of agricultural potential and a strategic platform for promoting best practices in grain production and mechanised farming techniques.
The department said that the Provincial Planting Season represents far more than a ceremonial beginning to the farming calendar. “It functions as a crucial intervention designed to activate underutilised land, enhance agricultural productivity and provide comprehensive support to both emerging and established farmers through technical knowledge transfer and essential production inputs.”
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Ambitious Provincial Cultivation Goals
Central to this year’s agricultural strategy is the ambitious Crop Massification Programme, through which the department has committed to cultivating an impressive 6 000ha across the province’s four districts.
The department says within the Ngaka Modiri Molema District alone, just over 2 500ha have been strategically earmarked for production during the 2025/26 financial year. “Supporting this substantial undertaking is a significant investment exceeding R23 million, highlighting the scale and importance of the province’s agricultural ambitions.”
Retladirela Cooperative: A Success Story in Action
The Retladirela Cooperative, operating across 565ha, is one of the programme’s key beneficiaries and is a testament to successful agricultural cooperation. For the current season, the cooperative has planned to plant maize and sugar beans across 250ha, demonstrating both agricultural diversity and strategic crop selection.
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Speaking on behalf of the cooperative during the launch ceremony, Nkwe Metswamere expressed gratitude for the department’s ongoing support while reflecting on the cooperative’s remarkable journey since its establishment in 2005. His remarks highlighted the transformative impact of recent mechanisation support received through the national Department of Land Reform and Rural Development, which has dramatically improved operational efficiency and significantly reduced the time required for crucial soil preparation and planting activities.
Metswamere’s message to fellow farmers emphasised patience and commitment when engaging in government processes.
Cutting-edge Mechanisation Support
The mechanisation package provided to the cooperative includes two tractors, two ripper machines, an advanced eight-row planter, a 24-disc offset, a substantial 10-tonne trailer, 1 000-litre boom sprayers and essential production inputs.
These sophisticated tools were prominently showcased during live demonstrations conducted as an integral part of the launch event. The hands-on demonstrations offered farmers valuable exposure to modern mechanisation techniques that significantly enhance planting precision and promote the efficient use of agrochemicals.
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Leadership Vision for Agricultural Transformation
During the launch, North West Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Madoda Sambatha emphasised the strategic importance of empowering farmers with both essential resources and technical expertise to drive sustainable agricultural development throughout the province.
“Every hectare of productive land must serve as a catalyst for food security and inclusive economic growth,” MEC Sambatha declared, articulating a vision that connects individual farming efforts to broader provincial development goals.
Reflecting on the long-term vision for the agricultural sector, MEC Sambatha spoke about the deeper meaning of agricultural work: “Planting is never just about the present season, it is about shaping the future. Every seed we sow is a declaration of intent: to nourish communities, uplift rural economies and build a resilient, self-sustaining province.”
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