The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has delivered essential farming inputs to 60 farmers in the Mtubatuba area, as part of ongoing efforts to boost food security and establish the uMkhanyakude District as a premier agricultural region.

By Maile Matsimela, Digital Editor at African Farming

During a recent Operation Siyahlola assessment visit to the department’s Mtubatuba local office, Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa oversaw the handover of agricultural supplies to farmers who had successfully applied through the department’s Call for Funding Application for the 2025/2026 season.

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Comprehensive Support Package

Each beneficiary received a substantial support package including:

Three different planting fertilisers.
Two top dressing fertilisers.
25kg of dry bean seeds.
5 litres of herbicides.
12 chickens (10 hens and 2 cockerels).

The department says the initiative aligns with the province’s broader agricultural development strategy, which focuses on promoting crop cultivation and addressing food insecurity through practical farmer support.

Regional Agricultural Hub Vision

Speaking at the handover event, MEC kaMadlopha-Mthethwa emphasised the strategic importance of establishing uMkhanyakude District as a recognised agricultural powerhouse. The region is already showing promise in producing dry beans, various vegetables, groundnuts and beef cattle.

“We are heeding the call by our Premier, the Honourable AT Ntuli, to promote greenery in the province through intensifying efforts for the public to cultivate vegetables and crops,” said MEC kaMadlopha-Mthethwa. “We want our offices such as Mtubatuba Local [Municipality] to deliver services to the communities they serve.”

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Impressive Production Capacity

The MEC highlighted the department’s substantial production capabilities, noting that provincial agricultural research institutions produce 10 million seedlings annually. This massive production capacity, combined with the procurement of thousands of production inputs, creates significant opportunities for farmer support across the region.

“With available land, we can address food insecurity, establish businesses and be self-reliant, just like how our great leaders have taught us,” MEC kaMadlopha-Mthethwa added.

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