Delayed response by Department of Agriculture and Rural Development on drought relief was the major concern raised by farmers who attended the Agriculture Sectoral Parliament. Farmers argued that during drought seasons they wait too long to get a speedy response from the department and that they only react when animals have died in most cases.
Different stakeholders from various farms, agricultural forums and unions such as African Farmers Association of South African – North West; AGRI North West; Taung Farmers union; National Red Meat Producers; Agricultural Finance Banks gathered at the Legislature to present their challenges and opportunities in the farming sector during an Agricultural Sectoral Parliament hosted by the North West Provincial Legislature.
According to the research done by the Legislature and also by Mr Boeta Du Toit from North West Agricultural Sector Unity Forum, the agricultural sector has been unable to meet the demand for the main food items consumed domestically since 2000 and that imports are increasing much faster than exports which imply that South Africa is becoming more dependent on the rest of the world to meet the demand of basic food items.
Mr Du Toit added that to link the integrated food nutrition and food security objectives of government with support to the developing sector would achieve job opportunities for rural people, increase investment in rural areas by bringing in infrastructure, support system, making food accessible and affordable to the rural poor and securing markets for surplus products produced.
He also urged government to take note of necessary resources that need attention in ensuring success in this industry.
"Polluted water which is damaging to the environment may lead to reduced production and loss of markets if it is not urgently addressed," said Mr Du Toit
Amongst some of the challenges raised by emerging farmers was that there is no monitoring done after projects are funded, extension officers from the Department of Agriculture are not visible and do not assist farmers, there is lack equipment that farmers need during ploughing seasons, there is no training and skills development and lastly poor roads, high rates of water and electricity also contribute to the poor success of farming in business.
One farmer from AFASA in the Dr. Kenneth Kaunda district, Mr Boys Morule argued that government responds after a long time and is not reachable.
"Extension officers do not want to work with us, they are not reachable at all times, government does not respond on time and yet our livestock is dying because of the drought seasons, this has to change," said Mr Morule.
The MEC for Department of Agriculture, MEC Desbo Mohono took note of all concerns presented but urged emerging farmers that there is only so much government can do and that farmers should ensure that they take care of their own businesses.
“It cannot be that government takes all resources and support to the people but still their businesses collapses. The community should also ensure that the few resources given by government should be well taken care of,” said MEC Mohono.
She added that monitoring is still a great challenge and is a disaster but will be sending 3 700 youth to assist in small projects funded by government.
Hon Mahlakeng Mahlakeng, who is a member of the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and was also chairing the session urged the department to aid farmers with the necessary support to ensure that they contribute to the economy effectively and efficiently, and the report on all state owned farms should be prioritised for those who need land for farming.
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