The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development cordially invites the media to grace a maize planting day on 30 October 2009 which is aimed at addressing the food security challenges faced by the province.
The event will mark the start of the planting season in one of the department’s successful projects called Sigxothindlala Food Security project, which is situated at Majali village near Peelton.
The project forms part of the department’s massive food programme, which is aimed at developing previously disadvantaged farmers through the assistance of subsidisation of inputs and mechanisation. Started in 2004, the project had about 50 hectares and the community produced about 4,2 tons per hectare until the 2008 season. However, due to the success of the project a total of 100 hectares will be ploughed during this season.
The department has been offering top grade seeds, provides technical support through extension and advisory officials and a tractor has been bought for the members. The Department through its integrated food security awareness campaigns themed ‘Achieving food security in times of crisis’, aims at intensifying food production in a bid to reduce poverty and starvation and improve economic growth.
The ultimate goal is to reduce the burden of food imports and open the way to the expansion of exports by connecting farmers to relevant markets. As the department we recognise that as millions of Eastern Cape population become poorer the severity of food insecurity increases, so it is imperative to strategically intervene to achieve the internationally agreed goals of halving poverty and reducing unemployment.
Through the integrated food security section the department will enhance the provincial capacity to generate, manage and use food security information from different sectors (public and private) for more effective strategic interventions.
Details of the event:
Date: 30 October 2009
Venue: Majali village near Peelton
Time: 09h00
For directions contact:
C Boqwana
Cell: 072 670 0079
For more information contact:
Matshekethwa
Cell: 076 868 7257
Issued by: Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
21 October 2009
