At a meeting with farmers in Pofadder, the Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the province’s farming communities.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming
The engagement between government and farmers in the Khâi-Ma Local Municipality formed part of the ongoing programme by the provincial department to bring government services closer to farming communities. It was led by Agriculture MEC Lebogang Motlhaping, together with Head of the Department Zolile Monakali and Khâi-Ma Mayor Estella Cloete.
Farmers raise production challenges
The session gave farmers the opportunity to engage directly with officials on issues affecting agricultural production and the long-term sustainability of their businesses.
Topics discussed included access to agricultural land and its productive use, funding opportunities, the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP), water infrastructure, drought-relief measures, veterinary services, farmer preparedness, compliance requirements and stronger partnerships across the agricultural sector.
Also read: North West sets aside R424 million for farmer support and agro-processing
Department outlines support
During the engagement, the department highlighted several interventions already under way in the Khâi-Ma area to strengthen agricultural resilience and productivity. These include investments in stock-water infrastructure, drought relief, veterinary services, farmer training and partnerships aimed at improving farming operations.
The department said these initiatives form part of its broader strategy to help farmers overcome production challenges and build more resilient farming enterprises.
Also read: Limpopo puts R813.5 million into farmer support and production development
MEC encourages farmers to make use of available support
Motlhaping encouraged farmers to continue working with the department to access available support programmes and comply with agricultural requirements.
He said sustainable farming enterprises are essential for improving food security, stimulating economic growth and creating employment opportunities in rural communities.
Also read: KZN unveils R9.1m goat programme; encourages youth to break into dairy farming
