A dedicated extension practitioner for every ward and seeds and other production inputs for farmers – this is the commitment from KwaZulu-Natal Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa to the province’s farming community.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming
MEC Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa has committed her department to improving farmers’ access to extension services, production inputs and mechanisation support through the province’s upcoming planting programme.
Speaking during the Taking Parliament to the People Programme at Osizweni Community Hall in Newcastle, Amajuba District, on 22 September, kaMadlopha-Mthethwa responded to concerns previously raised by farmers and community members during a multi-party oversight visit.
Among the challenges raised were limited access to agricultural land and implements, water shortages affecting crop production, and the need for more accessible veterinary and extension services.
KaMadlopha-Mthethwa said the department is working “round the clock” to ensure every ward has a dedicated extension practitioner.
She added that seeds and other agricultural inputs would be distributed through the province’s Multi-Planting Season Programme, which is expected to be launched with KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli and his Cabinet in early October.
A total of 314 farmers in Dannhauser are expected to benefit from the programme, the MEC said.
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Mechanisation support
The department is also expanding tractor and mechanisation services in the district. KaMadlopha-Mthethwa said 60 ha had already been planted in Mossdale during winter, with another 130 ha earmarked for 26 farmers.
She also addressed individual projects previously raised by communities.
A 150 ha farm in Ward 9, which had previously received fencing and tractor support, had stalled because of community conflict. One of the farmers, Zanele Mbatha, is now receiving support for vegetable production as well as 100 mushroom packs.
Nomshado Hadebe in Ward 7 and Sylvia Kubheka have been assessed and prioritised for fencing, water tanks and garden support in the 2027/28 financial year, while Doringkop Farm is expected to benefit from the Multi-Planting Season Programme.
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More than 7 000 ha targeted
Farmers and residents in Madlangeni also raised concerns about an unfinished Agri-Hub, delays in land restitution and access to grazing permits.
KaMadlopha-Mthethwa said the Agri-Village initiative, which dates back to 2012, depended on several government departments playing different roles. The project had stalled because the land required for its implementation had not been acquired, affecting the work of the other departments.
Looking ahead to the Multi-Planting Season Programme, known as Lethwas’ ihlobo, the MEC said the department intends to work more than 7 000 ha through its mechanisation programme.
In Amajuba, particular attention will be given to cooperatives led by young people and women.
KaMadlopha-Mthethwa added that under-utilised agricultural land would also be assessed with the aim of returning suitable land to production through the Phez’komkhono Food Security Programme.
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