In a bid to tackle food insecurity at household level, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has launched a citrus tree distribution programme aimed at helping families establish backyard orchards.
By Maile Matsimela, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad
Speaking to about 100 beneficiaries at the Majuba TVET College Dundee campus on 21 April, KZN Agriculture MEC Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa launched the department’s Citrus Planting Campaign by handing over 80 fruit trees, including naartjie and orange varieties commonly grown in South Africa.
The handover forms part of a wider provincial rollout that will see about 3 000 citrus trees distributed across the province.
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Supporting Household Food Production
Each district is expected to receive more than 250 citrus trees selected for local growing conditions. The department says the programme supports its One Home One Garden initiative, which encourages households to produce their own nutritious food.
“We are not only promoting trees for shade; we are promoting fruit trees that strengthen your immune system and improve the health of your skin, like lemons, oranges and naartjies,” the MEC said during the handover.
Opportunities Beyond the Back Yard
The MEC also encouraged young people to participate in the fruit tree project, saying youth involvement is essential for long-term sustainability in agriculture.
While the programme targets household food security, the MEC highlighted the potential for emerging farmers to expand into commercial citrus production.
She encouraged those who want to sell fruit, because the profits can be significant, especially in the export market. South Africa remains one of the world’s leading citrus producers, and there are opportunities for growers who can meet export standards.
She acknowledged ongoing pressures on fruit exporters, including higher input costs linked to global oil prices and trade barriers. On the other hand, South Africa’s orange exporters received relief after the United States exempted oranges from the 30% tariff on imports from South Africa ahead of the 2026 export season.
Also read: What South Africa’s citrus success tells us about meaningful transformation
FMD Vaccination Drive Gains Momentum
The KZN Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s veterinary services have been making steady progress in their vaccination campaign against foot-and-mouth disease in the province. Vaccination began this week in Zululand District Municipality, where 11 500 doses were administered in Pongola and eDumbe.
The MEC used the occasion in Dundee to renew her appeal to farmers in the Endumeni Local Municipality and the broader uMzinyathi District Municipality to present their cattle for vaccination.
The vaccination programme has already chalked up remarkable achievements across the province, kaMadlopha-Mthethwa said. The teams have completed their work in Ugu, Harry Gwala and uMkhanyakude districts, where they vaccinated more than 172 000 cattle last week alone.
Province-wide, more than 660 000 animals have now been vaccinated, representing about 27% of the target of vaccinating 80% of cattle herds by December.
Also read: We love SA citrus for its excellent quality and delicious taste – Chinese consumers
