Launching of R20 million post planting production inputs initiative for communal crop farmers
In a concerted effort to maximise and sustain crop production in the North West province, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will in collaboration with the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform officially launch the R20 million worth post planting production inputs project which is being implemented in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District. The launch of this initiative will be held on Friday, 28 February 2014 at Kaalpan cropping field in the Mooifontein area.
A total of 104 farmers who have managed to plant 6 335 hectares of maize and 7 373 hectares of sunflower in the Ditsobotla, Ratlou, Tswaing and Mahikeng cropping areas, is through this initiative being supported with more than 36 000 litres of diesel, fertilizers, chemicals, top dressing, repairs and maintenance of machinery, payment of casual labourers and costs related to harvesting.
According to the MEC for Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ms Desbo Mohono, this farmer development initiative will go a long way in bringing under full production, land that was for many years laying fallow, thus advancing the realisation of integrated food production and food security initiatives in the province.
“It is through this initiative that the potential for these communal farmers to produce for commercial markets could be unleashed, as demonstrated by one dynamic woman beneficiary from Kaalpan, who has put more than 1 000ha under production,” says MEC Mohono who adds that the current rainfall also increases the prospects for high yields at the more than 10 000 hectares already planted.
The total number of beneficiaries (43 women, 89 men and two disabled) is made up of individual farmers and seven cooperatives.
Members of the media are invited to the launching of the post planting production inputs event which is scheduled as follows:
Date: Friday, 28 February 2014
Venue: Kaalpan cropping fields in the Mooifontein area
Time: 09h00
Contact person:
Bonolo Mohlakoana (Ms)
Cell: 082 901 2435
Tel: 018 389 5719
E-mail: bmohlakoana@nwpg.gov.za or mohlakoana.bonolo@gmail.com
