The MEC for Rural Development and Agrarian Zoleka Capa cordially invites members of the media to join her as she plants the first seeds of maize at Tsolomnqa village to mark the start of the Amathole District vigorous ploughing campaign.
The department has taken vigorous steps in ensuring the emerging farmers are helped to plough their lands and R38 million has been set aside to realise the dream of ploughing about 10 000 hectors across the length and breadth of the province.
The campaign has already covered the Alfred Nzo, OR Tambo and Chris Hani District and on Friday, November 2 will see the MEC launch the Amathole-leg of the campaign.
Through a new model, it would cost about R8 800 to plough a hector, the emerging farmers will be required to at least contribute R1 800 per. However, the famers that are not able to raise the required contributions will be given “soft loans” by Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA).
These loans are “soft” because they will not incur any interest during the first 12 months and there will be discount incentive for paying the debt back before the lapse of that period.
The farmers across the province representatives have expressed gratitude with the new method, which will ensure more communal land has received government help during this ploughing season compared to the past.
Details of the event:
Date: Friday, 2 November 2012
Time: 10h00
Venue: Zikhova Community Hall, Tsolomnqa
For more information contact:
Ayabulela Ngoqo
Cell: 071 603 3235
Thozi Manyisana
Departmental Spokesperson and Media Liaison Officer
Cell: 082 494 3600
