The MEC for Agriculture in Limpopo, Machwene Rosina Semenya, has entered into a Statement of Intent with the Indian-based Kejriwal Enterprises to cooperate in the overall development of horticulture and bee-keeping as well as setting up a honey and fruit pulp processing plants in the province.
The Statement of Intent was signed at the South African High Commission in New Delhi following the week long official visit to India's provinces of Punjab, Karnataka and Delhi to promote agro-processing in the province.
MEC Semenya explained that the intention of the working relations and partnership was to increase agricultural activities and create employment opportunities in the (agricultural) sector.
Kejriwal is the biggest exporter of honey and pioneer in fruit pulp processing in India.
“The agreement will result in positive economic spin-offs in agricultural activities in the province. This includes training of beekeepers; expanding beekeeping activities and advising them in regard to setting up a state of the art honey processing centre.
There will also be training of farmers; expansion of horticulture activities; and advise with regard to setting up a state of the art fruit pulp processing centre,” MEC Semenya said, adding that Kejriwal will act as knowledge partners in the process.
The time schedule for implementation of the project is estimated to be about 15 to 24 months.
It was also agreed that the venture will be undertaken in phases. The first phase shall be the feasibility study on the current and potential of honey production in the Limpopo province. The second phase shall be the development of area based business plans for the honey industry. The third phase shall be the design and implementation of value chain financing scheme for honey industries.
The first two phases will be concluded and implemented within the period of six months from January 2014.
For enquiries please contact:
Selby Makgotho
Directorate: Communication Services
Department of Agriculture
Tel: 015 294 3190
Cell: 082 907 5082
